Fatwa ID: 05309
Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Adnan
Question
I would like to know if the husband cannot do Qurbani because of financial difficulties, can the wife do it on his behalf from her savings?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
Zakat is compulsory upon a person who possesses the quantum of nisab (i.e. 612.35 grams of silver or 87.47 grams of gold or currency, wealth equivalent to that amount) for a complete lunar year; which is over and above his basic needs and also free from debts. (Raddul Muhtar p.71 v.3)
Moreover, zakat is only payable on that wealth, which is made up of gold, silver, and goods, brought with the intention of reselling.
On the other hand, Qurbani is obligatory on such items (which is not made up of gold, silver, and goods, brought with the intention of reselling) although brought with the intention of personal use, if they are over the quantum of nisab and above one’s basic needs and necessities. (For example, extra furniture or extra mobile phones, if the value of such items reaches the nisab amount) Similarly, for this amount to remain in one’s possession for an entire year is not necessary.
Women generally possess jewelry in excess of the aforementioned amount, thus they should ensure that their Qurbani is made. However, a child who has not reached the age of puberty is exempt from giving Qurbani. (Raddul Muhtar p.71 v.3; Fatawa Hindiyyah p.297 v.5 & Hidayah p.448 v.4)
Keeping the aforementioned discussion in mind we can derive that:
- Qurbani is not obligatory on a child who has not reached the age of puberty even though they may have money equivalent to or above the quantum of nisab in their savings.
- It is the duty of your wife that she ensures that her Qurbani is made. However, if your wife gives you direct or indirect permission known in Arabic as dalalatan, then it will be permissible for you to do her Qurbani. (Imdadul Fatawa p.610 v.3)
Only Allah knows Best
Written by Mufti Muhammad Adnan
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
