Last updated: 2027
A low income does not automatically make Qurbani required or exempt a person in every case. The ruling depends on the school of Islamic law you follow and on your actual financial position during the days of Qurbani.
In the Hanafi school, Qurbani is wajib for an adult, sane, resident Muslim who owns the nisab amount beyond basic needs and relevant debts during the days of Qurbani. In the Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali schools, it is generally treated as a highly emphasised Sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah) for someone who can afford it.
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani, or udhiyah, is the sacrifice offered during Eid ul-Adha in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. The Qur’an says:
“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].”
Qur’an 108:2, Sahih International.
Is Qurbani wajib for someone on a low income?
The Hanafi position
According to the Hanafi school, Qurbani is wajib when a person meets the nisab threshold during the days of Qurbani after accounting for basic living needs and relevant debts. A person may earn a modest salary but still own savings or other surplus assets that bring them to nisab. Conversely, someone with a regular income may not meet the threshold after necessary expenses and debts.
This means the label “low income” is not enough by itself. The person should assess what they actually own during the Qurbani period.
The Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali positions
In the other three Sunni schools, Qurbani is generally regarded as sunnah mu’akkadah for a person who is able to afford it. It is strongly encouraged, but a person who genuinely cannot afford it is not treated as though they ignored an obligation.
What does “able to afford it” mean?
Before booking Qurbani, protect the expenses that you and your dependants genuinely need. These may include:
- food, rent and household bills;
- necessary medical costs;
- essential transport and education costs;
- debts that are due; and
- other immediate basic needs.
The Qur’an states, “Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.” (Qur’an 2:286, Sahih International.) This is a general principle about responsibility within one’s capacity; it is not, by itself, the technical rule used to calculate nisab.
Should I borrow money to perform Qurbani?
If Qurbani is not required of you because you do not meet the relevant financial condition, you do not need to take on debt simply to book it. If you already have debts or essential expenses that make the cost unaffordable, deal with those responsibilities first.
If you can comfortably afford Qurbani after meeting your needs, you may perform it even where it is voluntary according to the school you follow.
Can a buffalo share make Qurbani more affordable?
A large animal may be shared by up to seven people. Sahih Muslim 1318c records Jabir ibn Abdullah saying that seven people shared a camel and seven shared a cow. Qurbani Easy applies this large-animal sharing principle to buffalo Qurbani, allowing one valid share to be booked instead of a whole animal.
Before choosing an option, check the current details and price on the Qurbani service page.
Can Qurbani be booked online?
Yes. A person may appoint a trustworthy provider as an agent (wakeel) to purchase and sacrifice the animal on their behalf. The booking should clearly identify the person for whom the Qurbani is intended, and the sacrifice must meet the Islamic conditions and be completed within the valid time.
For the underlying agency ruling, see Is Online Qurbani Valid in Islam? For practical booking guidance in India, see Buying Qurbani Online in India.
A simple affordability checklist
- Identify the school of Islamic law whose ruling you follow.
- Calculate your available savings and surplus assets during the days of Qurbani.
- Account for basic needs and debts that are due.
- Do not assume a low salary alone settles the ruling.
- If uncertain, ask a qualified local scholar who can consider your circumstances.
If I cannot afford Qurbani
A person who does not meet the relevant financial condition is not blamed for leaving Qurbani. You may still take part in Eid prayer, remembrance, charity and care for family and neighbours. If eligible, you may also receive Qurbani meat distributed to people in need.
A sincere intention is valuable, but this article does not promise a specific reward merely for wishing to perform Qurbani. Specific claims about reward should be based on reliable evidence.
Conclusion
Someone on a low income may book Qurbani online if the cost is genuinely affordable. Whether Qurbani is required depends on the applicable school and the person’s real financial circumstances—not on an income label alone. Meet essential needs, account for due debts, check the relevant ruling, and seek qualified advice if the calculation is unclear.
Sources
- Qur’an 108:2, Sahih International: Quranic Arabic Corpus.
- Qur’an 2:286, Sahih International: Quranic Arabic Corpus.
- Hanafi ruling and nisab threshold: AskImam.
- Hanafi treatment of basic needs: Darul Iftaa.
- Rulings of the four Sunni schools: IslamQA.
- Affordability and borrowing: IslamQA.
- Seven shares in a large animal, Sahih Muslim 1318c: Sunnah.com.