What is the latest time and day for performing the ritual sacrifice (qurbani) on the occasion of Eid al-Adha?
Huzoor-e-Anwaraa, in his letter dated 21 March 2022, provided the following guidance regarding a fatwa issued by Dar-ul-Ifta on the above-mentioned question:
“Regarding the duration of the Eid al-Adha sacrifice, your fatwa is correct and I concur that under normal circumstances, the sacrifice can only be performed for three days. However, if there are any extenuating circumstances, the sacrifice may be performed beyond the initial three-day period.
“Nevertheless, I disagree with your inference from the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. My understanding is that Huzoorrh is also stating that the sacrifice can only be performed for three days, and that is the instruction of Huzoorrh which was intended for general circumstances.”
[Note: The guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, which Huzooraa has mentioned in the aforementioned letter, is as follows:
“The Holy Prophetsa used to deliver a brief Eid sermon before promptly proceeding to his house for the sacrifice. One reason behind this practice was that the Holy Prophetsa would fast until he had eaten from the meat of that sacrifice. However, some people have misunderstood this sunnah and believe that they must fast on the day of Eid and refrain from eating until they have completed [the fast]. This is not the intended meaning of the sunnah that eating before that has become haram. The sunnah is that the person, who is offering the sacrifice, should fast on the day he intends to offer the sacrifice until he has obtained the meat from the sacrifice. The sacrifice is performed over three days. If the incorrect understanding is adopted, some people, who intend to offer the sacrifice on the fourth day, may believe that they must fast for four days, which could of course lead to their remaining hungry for four days.” (Khutbat-e-Tahir (Eidain), Eid al-Adha Sermon, 28 March 1999, p. 655)]