Eid ul-Adha is a significant occasion for Muslims worldwide, marking the culmination of Hajj and commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. As part of the celebration, Muslims perform Qurban (sacrifice) by slaughtering an animal. However, with Muslims spread across different time zones and following various opinions on moonsighting, a common question arises: Can Qurban be performed overseas before your Eid prayer?

Understanding the Timing of Qurban

The timing of Qurban is based on the local time where the sacrifice is performed, not where the donor is located. This flexibility is essential to facilitate the process and ensure that the Qurban is done properly, especially given the logistical challenges of coordinating sacrifices globally.

Key Considerations

• Local Timing for Sacrifice: The ruling is clear that the timing of the Qurban follows the local time where the animal is being slaughtered. This means that even if your Eid prayer has not yet occurred, the Qurban performed overseas is valid if it coincides with the Eid celebration in that region.
• Ease and Practicality: It is practically impossible to coordinate the timing of thousands of Qurbans worldwide to match the exact prayer times of individual donors. Therefore, the responsibility shifts to the local organisation performing the Qurban on your behalf.
• Historical Context: The Hadith stating that the Qurban should be performed after the Eid prayer applies to those who were present with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Medina. However, in the context of international Qurban, the local timing takes precedence.

Scholarly Consensus

This ruling is supported by various Islamic texts and modern-day scholarly academies. The consensus is that the Qurban's validity depends on it being performed after the Eid prayer in the locality where the sacrifice occurs. This view is unanimously agreed upon by scholars to accommodate the global Muslim community.

Practical Examples

For instance, if you are in Australia and your Qurban is being performed in Bangladesh, it is perfectly acceptable for the sacrifice to take place according to Bangladesh's Eid timing. Whether it is performed 15, 17, or even 24 hours before your local Eid prayer, it is valid as long as it aligns with the Eid celebration in the region where the Qurban is conducted.

Conclusion

Rest assured, performing your Qurban overseas before your local Eid prayer is permissible. The timing follows the local time of the country where the sacrifice is made, ensuring that your act of worship is valid and accepted. This understanding allows Muslims to fulfil their religious obligations without undue hardship.

To learn more about this topic, watch Mufti Zeeyad Ravat's video for a detailed explanation.


As we celebrate Eid ul-Adha, may Allah accept our Qurban and our efforts to seek His pleasure. Let this festival be a time of unity, gratitude, and generosity, reflecting the true spirit of sacrifice and devotion.