If a person cannot offer sacrifice (Qurbani) during Hajj, what should he/she do?

In Islam, offering a sacrifice (Qurbani) during Hajj is obligatory for pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu‘ or Hajj Qiran, provided they have the financial means. This sacrifice, known as Hady, symbolizes gratitude to Allah and commemorates the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). However, Islam is a religion of ease and compassion, and allowances are made for those who genuinely cannot afford the sacrifice.

If a person is unable to offer Qurbani during Hajj due to financial hardship, the Shariah provides a clear alternative. Such a pilgrim is required to fast for ten days instead. This ruling is directly based on the Holy Qur’an, where Allah states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196) that one who cannot find an animal for sacrifice should fast three days during Hajj and seven days after returning home. This makes a total of ten fasts, fulfilling the religious obligation in a different form.

The three fasts during Hajj are usually observed before or by the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, while the remaining seven fasts are kept after the pilgrim returns to their home country. This system ensures that the pilgrim completes Hajj properly without undue burden. Importantly, the inability to perform Qurbani does not invalidate or leave the Hajj incomplete, nor is charity alone considered a replacement for the prescribed sacrifice.

This ruling reflects the balance in Islamic law between obligation and mercy. It emphasizes that worship is based on sincerity and capability, not hardship. The alternative of fasting maintains spiritual discipline and devotion while accommodating financial limitations.