Can I do qurbani if I have debt?
Yes, you can do qurbani if you have debt, but paying debts that are due comes first. If your debt is long-term (like a mortgage or student loan paid monthly) and you can afford the sacrifice without missing payments, qurbani is fine and rewarded. If paying for it would delay a debt you owe right now, settle the debt first.
Is qurbani required?
Scholars differ. The majority (Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali) say qurbani is a strongly recommended sunnah for those who can afford it. The Hanafi school says it is wajib (obligatory) for an adult Muslim who owns wealth above the nisab during the days of Eid al-Adha. Either way, it's only asked of people who have the means. See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?
A hadith encourages those who can: "Whoever has the means and does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer place" (Sunan Ibn Majah 3123).
How debt changes things
- Debts due now: if you owe money that is due (an overdue bill, a loan a friend wants back), paying it is a duty and comes before a recommended act. In the Hanafi view, debt that is due is subtracted from your wealth, so you may fall below the nisab and qurbani is not wajib on you.
- Long-term debts: for a mortgage or student loan paid in instalments, most scholars only count the instalments currently due. If you are up to date and have spare money, qurbani is still for you, and for Hanafis may still be wajib.
- Borrowing to do qurbani: not necessary. Islam doesn't ask you to go into debt for a sunnah, and never through an interest loan.
Debt is serious in Islam: the Prophet ﷺ warned believers not to leave debts unpaid, and he would ask about a person's debts before leading their funeral prayer. See Do I have to pay zakat if I have debt?
If you can't afford it this year
Allah looks at your intention and taqwa, not the size of your sacrifice. If money is tight, you lose nothing by skipping it. You can still fast the Day of Arafah, say the takbir, pray Eid and give a little charity. A cheaper share abroad may also be within reach. See Can I pay for qurbani abroad instead of locally?
- Qurbani is a strong sunnah for most scholars and wajib for Hanafis with nisab.
- Debts that are due now come before qurbani.
- With long-term debts paid on time and spare money, you can still do qurbani.
- Never borrow, especially with interest, to pay for a sacrifice.
People also ask
Can a woman slaughter the qurbani animal?
Yes, a Muslim woman can slaughter the qurbani animal herself, even on her period. The evidence, doing it yourself, and Western laws.
Read the full answer →What are the sacred months in Islam?
The sacred months in Islam are Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. Learn why they are sacred and what Muslims do in them.
Read the full answer →How is qurbani meat divided?
Qurbani meat is usually divided into three parts: your family, relatives and friends, and the poor. What's required, what's flexible, and tips.
Read the full answer →Can I slaughter my own qurbani animal in the West?
Yes, slaughtering your own qurbani is Sunnah, but in the West local law often requires a licensed abattoir. What's allowed and how to do it well.
Read the full answer →Can I give qurbani meat to non-Muslims?
Yes, most scholars say you can give qurbani meat to non-Muslims, like family and neighbours. Where the schools differ and how to share it well.
Read the full answer →