Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol. 1, p. 593
A person purchased an animal for Qurbānī (sacrifice), but a few days before Eid the animal died. This person has absolutely no means to buy another one. What is the ruling regarding his sacrifice in this situation?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd!
It has already been mentioned in earlier answers that:
If a person’s sacrificial animal dies before Eid, and he cannot afford to purchase another one,
then he is excused (maʿdhūr) in the Sharīʿah.
In such a case, it is not required for him to replace the animal or repeat the sacrifice.
There is no sin or obligation upon him for this loss.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best what is right.
❖ Question:
A person purchased an animal for Qurbānī (sacrifice), but a few days before Eid the animal died. This person has absolutely no means to buy another one. What is the ruling regarding his sacrifice in this situation?
✿ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd!
It has already been mentioned in earlier answers that:
- Qurbānī is not obligatory (wājib); rather, it is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah — a strongly emphasized Sunnah.
- As explained previously, merely selecting or purchasing a sacrificial animal does not make the sacrifice obligatory until the act itself is performed.
✿ Therefore:
If a person’s sacrificial animal dies before Eid, and he cannot afford to purchase another one,
then he is excused (maʿdhūr) in the Sharīʿah.
In such a case, it is not required for him to replace the animal or repeat the sacrifice.
There is no sin or obligation upon him for this loss.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best what is right.
