As Eid al-Adha approaches, some Muslims are faced with a dilemma: should they take out a loan to purchase a sacrificial animal or secure their finances? On one hand, the spirit of worship drives the desire to sacrifice an animal as an act of obedience to Allah, especially since this act of worship can only be performed once a year. On the other hand, financial constraints pose a significant obstacle.
So, what is the Islamic perspective on sacrificing by taking out a loan? Is it permissible under Islamic law? To answer these questions, this article delves deeper into the ruling on taking out a loan for sacrificial offerings according to Islamic scholars. Additionally, it discusses the ethical and financial considerations that readers should take into account to ensure that their worship remains blessed without causing future burdens.
The Commandment of Sacrifice
In Islam, the act of sacrificing is one of the most significant acts of worship with deep historical and philosophical roots. The commandment to sacrifice dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail. As Muslims, we are well acquainted with the greatest sacrifice ever made throughout the history of human civilization on Earth. The obedience and piety of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail are vividly portrayed in the history of sacrifice.
Before understanding the laws of sacrifice, we need to recall and reflect on the history of the ritual of sacrifice. For further reading, you can read the story of the commandment of sacrifice in the article This is the History of Sacrifice and the Reason Why We Are Commanded to Sacrifice. May this serve as a guide on our journey toward an eternal realm.
The Law of Sacrifice for Muslims
“So establish prayer for your Lord and sacrifice.”
(QS. Al-Kautsar: 108)
The verse above is a command from Allah SWT for Muslims to perform sacrifice. This verse is accompanied by the command to pray, which is the primary obligation of a Muslim. However, does this mean that the act of sacrifice is as obligatory as prayer? Is the value of the act of sacrifice equal to that of prayer?
To find out the answer, you can read more about the law of sacrifice for Muslims in the article The Law of Sacrifice According to the Four Imams. Once you have done so, we can move on to the next discussion, which is the law of borrowing money for sacrifice.
The Law of Borrowing Money for Sacrificial Animals According to Scholars
There are two opinions among scholars regarding sacrificial animals. Some allow it, while others do not. Some scholars, such as Imam Abu Hatim and Imam Ahmad, even encourage Muslims to make sacrifices even if they have to go into debt. However, this opinion is only permissible for those whose financial condition is sound and who can easily repay their debts or have debts with long repayment periods. On the other hand, those who have difficulty repaying their debts or have debts that must be paid immediately are not permitted to follow this recommendation.
On the other hand, the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence also have their own opinions on taking on debt for the purpose of sacrificing an animal. Scholars from the Hanafi and Maliki schools do not recommend that a Muslim do so. The Hanafi school requires that a person have excess wealth equivalent to the zakat nisab or 20 dinars to be able to perform the sacrifice. Meanwhile, scholars from the Maliki school require 30 dinars.
Meanwhile, scholars from the Shafi’i school do not permit taking a loan for qurbani. According to Shafi’i scholars, a person is considered capable of performing qurbani if they have sufficient extra money to purchase the sacrificial animal. This extra money must be separate from the funds needed for their own sustenance and that of their family.
Meanwhile, scholars of the Hanbali school of thought, in the book Minhatul Alam (1438 H) written by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salih al-Fawzan, explain that they permit Muslims to take out loans for the sacrifice, but with conditions. The Hanbali school of thought holds that Muslims who can only meet their own basic needs and those of their families are considered unable to perform the sacrifice.
Those who are burdened with debt are also deemed unable to perform the sacrifice. They are obligated to prioritize repaying their debts before “forcing” themselves to perform the sacrifice. However, for Muslims who do not have debts and intentionally take on debt for the sacrifice, provided they are able to repay it from anticipated future income, they are permitted to take on debt. However, if there is no ability to repay in the future, they are not permitted to take on debt for the sacrifice.
Who is obligated to perform the sacrifice?
The sacrifice is recommended for Muslims who have the means to perform it, meaning those who have sufficient financial resources. This opinion is based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him):
“Whoever has the means (wealth) but does not want to perform qurbani, then let him not come near our place of prayer.”
(HR Ibn Majah No. 3123)
For more detailed information, you can read the article The Law of Qurbani for Those Who Are Able, Is It Obligatory?.
Eid al-Adha is just around the corner, and the act of sacrifice is upon us! For those of you who wish to perform the act of sacrifice, you can do so together with Dompet Dhuafa. Let’s spread the goodness of your sacrifice for the happiness of others and those who truly need it. Click here for more information! (RQA)