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One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

First, Is it necessary that people should sacrifice the animal in Idd ul Dhuha by touching the knife or by touching the boucher's body while he is slaughtering it? Second, If a person is in debt, is he eligible to sacrifice the animal even if he arranges the money for it? I would expect the answer in perspective of Quran and Sahi Ahadees as ealiest as possible.

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Answer:

Qurbani issues

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Q-1: First, Is it necessary that people should sacrifice the animal in Idd ul Dhuha by touching the knife or by touching the boucher's body while he is slaughtering it?

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 22 Surah Hajj verses 36-37:

36      The sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the Symbols from Allah: in them is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their sides (after slaughter) eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: thus have we made animals subject to you that ye may be grateful.

37      It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you that ye may glorify Allah for His guidance to you: and proclaim the Good News to all who do right.

When a believer offers a sacrifice to earn the Pleasure of their Lord Most Gracious on the the day of the Eid ul Adha (or otherwise) it is never the blood or the meat which reaches Allah Subhanah, but it is the piety in their hearts which reaches Him. 

There is absolutely nothing in the Shariah which requires or stipulates that the believers who intend to offer a sacrifice must touch the knife or the butcher's body while the animal is being sacrificed.  One is at absolute liberty in Shariah to appoint someone to offer a sacrifice on their behalf, if indeed they wish to do so. 

Q-2: Second, If a person is in debt, is he eligible to sacrifice the animal even if he arranges the money for it?

Being in the state of debt is absolutely distinct and unrelated to the worship of offerring a sacrifice!  Just because one happens to be under the burden of debt, does not automatically disqualify him/her from offerring the voluntary worship of sacrifice, just as it does not disqualify them from offerring deeds of worship like prayers and fasting, etc.

The offerring of a sacrifice on the Day of Adha is voluntary and not obligatory for the believers who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage.  It would not be considered piety or righteousness for a believer to take on a debt only to offer a voluntary sacrifice, neither would it be considered piety or righteousness for a believer to delay repaying their debt only to offer a voluntary sacrifice.  If one has a choice between repaying their debt and offerring sacrifice, then indeed it would be better for them to repay their debt and forego the voluntary sacrifice.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is only ones. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brothers and well wishers in Islam,

Members of Islamhelpline