Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Question:
A person needs to do Aqeeqah for his child during the days of Qurbani. He can only afford one sheep. Should he do the Aqeeqah for the child or should he do Qurbani?
Answer:
At the outset, it should be noted that Qurbani is a Wajib (Mandatory) act and Aqeeqah is a Mustahabb (preferable) act. By a person possessing the Nisaab amount during the days of Qurbani, Qurbani becomes Wajib upon him. (Fatawa Mahmoodiyyah, Vol: 17, Pg: 512).
A person will not be sinful for omitting a Mustahabb act but will be sinful for omitting a Wajib act. He should therefore do Qurbani instead of the Aqeeqah. He may do the Aqeeqah for the child at a later stage when he can afford it.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed
Checked and Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Fatwa Department
