Does Qurbani count If someone sends money abroad to do it?

Praise be to Allah.

Summary

Yes, if someone from the West sends money abroad to perform Qurbani (sacrifice), it is valid and accepted even if the slaughtering takes place after their Eid prayer and not the one in the sender’s location.

Detailed Answer

In Islam, Qurbani, or the sacrificial offering during Eid al-Adha, is a significant act of worship commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. Many Muslims in the West send money abroad to perform Qurbani due to various reasons, including logistical convenience and supporting less fortunate communities.

Validity of Distant Qurbani

The key aspect of Qurbani is that it should be performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and during the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah). The specific timing of the sacrifice, whether it aligns with the Eid prayer of the sender’s location or the recipient’s location, does not invalidate the Qurbani as long as it is performed within the prescribed days.

Relevant Hadith and Scholarly Opinions

General Timing of Qurbani: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The first thing we do on this day (Eid al-Adha) is to pray; then we return and slaughter the sacrifice. Whoever does this, he has acted according to our Sunnah”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5545)

This hadith emphasizes that the sacrifice should follow the Eid prayer. However, it does not specify that the timing must coincide exactly with the sender’s Eid prayer when performed in different locations.

Scholarly Consensus: Islamic scholars agree that the primary requirement for a valid Qurbani is that it be performed within the days of sacrifice (10th to 13th of Dhul-Hijjah). Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) stated:

“It is permissible to appoint someone to do the sacrifice on one’s behalf in another country, if there is a need for that, and it will be sufficient if it is slaughtered after the Eid prayer in the place where it is being offered” (Fataawa Ibn Uthaymeen, 25/86).

This opinion supports the validity of the Qurbani regardless of the different timings of Eid prayers in various locations.

• Wisdom and Benefits
• Sending money abroad for Qurbani has multiple benefits:

1. Supporting the Needy: It provides meat to poorer communities who may otherwise not have the means to enjoy this blessing.
2. Facilitating the Sacrifice: It resolves logistical challenges faced by Muslims in the West, ensuring they fulfill this important act of worship.

• Conclusion
• Sending money abroad to perform Qurbani is valid and accepted in Islam, even if the slaughtering takes place after the Eid prayer in the recipient’s location rather than the sender’s. The key is to ensure that the sacrifice is performed within the specified days of Dhul-Hijjah, thereby fulfilling the requirements of this important act of worship.

And Allah Knows Best