The problem of performing Qurbaani abroad!

It is better to perform Qurbaani in one's locality itself because there are some highly recommended practices that one will not be able to observe if one performs it abroad.  When we say that it is better, it means that it can also be performed abroad also. However if it is due to facility and low price/cheapness that people choose to perform it abroad and it takes on a big scale, then it is possible that the practice of Qurbaani may become inexistent in our country. Qurbaani is a Shi'aar (symbol) of Islam that must be preserved. Thus, it is very grave if it ceases to exist. If someone prohibits from doing it abroad, without doubt it will be a very laudable and appreciable effort. But at the same time, one cannot qualify a Qurbaani which has been performed abroad as invalid.

A person who possesses Rs30 million has to perform only one Qurbaani. Likewise, a person who possesses Rs30, 000/- (current local nisaab value) also has to perform one Qurbaani. Likewise, a person who does not have a penny in his pocket but has effects and objects such as utensils, furniture etc. which are more than his basic necessities and which can be evaluated to be approximately thirty thousand, also has to perform Qurbaani. Now, that millionaire hardly feels the expense that he made for his Qurbaani. But it will be very hard for the person who possesses only Rs30, 000 to spend 7 to 8 thousand rupees from his savings. And the person on whom Qurbaani is obligatory but does not have liquid money/liquidity, will feel it even more. At most, he can neglect it also. In this case, if someone offers him a share of Qurbaani for Rs. 700 abroad, is it a mistake or a merit? One cannot propose the ideal to everyone. There is also a category of people from whose side one must content oneself with the essential. And if this category is not the majority, it is not negligible. It is quite substantial. Thus, to propose someone a formula that allows him to fulfil his responsibility of Qurbaani so that he is not guilty by Allah Ta'aala, should at least be a tolerable formula.

With the campaign of stopping people from performing Qurbaani abroad, many people who were performing it, will neglect it even though according to the Shari'ah, they should perform Qurbaani. It is better to do something with some shortcomings than not to do it at all. Often people make the mistake of neglecting the essentials in seeking the ideal. One must not forget that there are cases where people have reduced the number of shares that they used to take abroad. There are even some who did not perform Qurbaani despite it being compulsory upon them. Wisdom demands that we seek the ideal as long as it does not make us lose the essential itself. Otherwise we should be content with the essential.

The project of performing Qurbaani abroad is a means to facilitate those who are not motivated or less motivated to perform Qurbaani. It is a way to relieve those who have the bare minimum or those who lack liquid money. Likewise, this can be of use to young girls aged 13, 14, 15 or older who possess jewellery and extra clothing that makes them Saahib-e-nisaab. That is, an amount that makes Qurbaani become Waajib on them. But they neither work nor do they get any salary or remuneration.  They are still studying. Now, to spend 7 to 8 thousand rupees for each member seems quite hard. And if there is only one person who is working in a household and he has two or three young girls of this type, it will be even harder. Thus, this project can be used as a solution in such cases. 

It does not apply to the rich or those who are very motivated. Yes, it will be a very good idea if they want to do a Nafl Qurbaani abroad to relieve those who are in difficulty. Thus, there should be equilibrium in elaborating a problem and proposing a solution. One must find a way to preserve the practice of Qurbaani locally without forgetting to propose a solution for those who are economically weak but who according to the Shari'ah must perform Qurbaani. One must find a solution to make them have the will to fulfil their responsibility. If there is a solution, then well and good. Otherwise, this project is the best solution.

[Version française de "Le problème faire qourbaani à l’extérieur !" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.11]