Eid al Adha is a festival of sacrifice, but even at it, not everyone is able to do Qurbani. In a situation like this, a question arises: What to do if one can not afford to do Qurbani? Is it all right to skip it, or can one take a loan and do it in any case? Qurani is not far, especially for those who cannot afford it. It is all right to skip it if you cannot afford it.

Khutba of Senior Islamic Scholar on the Matter of People Who Cannot Afford Qurbani

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a distinguished lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Canada, asserts that those unable to afford the sacrifice (Qurbani) need not be concerned. Allah does not impose any burden on anyone that exceeds their ability to bear it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “Abstain from what I prohibit and strive to fulfill my commands to the best of your ability.” Former nations perished due to their obsessive inquiries and divergence from the teachings of their apostles. He (P.B.U.H) stated, “If Allah remains silent on a matter, consider it excused, for this silence is an act of mercy towards you, not a result of forgetfulness.”

The Prophet, peace be upon him, did not specifically state that anybody desiring to perform a sacrifice should proceed with it. Nevertheless, the Pious caliphs, Abu Bakr (R.A), Umar (R.A), and associates such as Ibn Abbas (R.A), did not perform the sacrifice annually or every two years. Choosing not to perform it for one or two years instead.

Islamic Qurbani and Loans: A Comprehensive Overview

Debt and Qurbani in Islamic Law

• Qurbani is mandatory for rational adults possessing wealth that surpasses their necessities and the nisab threshold.
• Settling debts takes priority over the act of sacrifice.
• Large debts repaid in installments, such as mortgages or credit cards, must be subtracted from assets.
• Qurbani may be administered upon the satisfaction of the nisab threshold following debt repayment.
• Qurbani is prohibited if an individual has an unpaid debt due for repayment in the future.
• The decision to provide Qurbani depends on the future payback date and the individual’s capacity to fulfill the payment.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the gravity of debt and the necessity of accumulating funds to settle it.

Is it permissible for an individual in debt to perform the Qurbani on Eid? Would it be more advantageous for him to settle his debts?

• Debt is mandatory; however, offering Qurbani is a Sunnah.
• Debt extinguishes obligations, whereas the provision of Qurbani results in the continuation of obligations.
• Debt constitutes an obligation to others, whereas the provision of Qurbani is advised for Allah.
• Leaving debt puts one in significant danger since they will have to worry about paying off their debts on the Day of Judgment.
• Debt takes precedence over the offering of Qurbani unless the debt is long-term postponed or secured by collateral.

Is it permissible to obtain a loan for the sake of performing Qurbani?

Since qurbani is not a mandatory farz, one need not take out a loan to perform it. Islam discourages taking a loan to do Qurbani. Allah Almighty said in the Quran, {Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.} Al-Baqarah 2:286. Do not burden your spirit with a debt. It is solely required for individuals who can effortlessly do Qurbani.

How You Can Help During Eid Ul Adha When You Are Not Performing Qurbani?

There are a lot of Non-Governmental Organizations in Pakistan, like saylani welfare, that need extra hands during this period. These Non-Governmental Organizations in Pakistan need an extra pair of hands to fulfill many responsibilities during Eid and even after that for larger organizations. You can do volunteer work with these organizations. These organizations need volunteers to help them take care of animals and, after Qurbani, to help them clean and pack the meat. Then, allow them to distribute the meat in different areas. By helping these organizations, you get the blessings and rewards of Allah and enjoy Eid as you have done Qurbani yourself because you get to do all the things you usually do with your Qurbani.