Paying Debts or Performing Qurban: Which Should Take Priority?

Society is often faced with the dilemma of performing the qurban sacrifice or settling debts. According to Sharia, the primary priority depends on the due date of the obligation; if the debt has entered its repayment period, paying the debt must take precedence over qurban. Sharia economics expert and member of the National Sharia Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council (DSN-MUI), Ustadz Oni Sahroni, explains that when a permissible debt has become due, fulfilling the debt must be prioritised. For example, like a debtor with a first home instalment debt. Regarding this matter, Ustadz Oni quotes a hadith that explains delaying debt repayment is an act of injustice if the person is actually able to pay it. From Abu Hurairah RA, he said, “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: مَطْلُ الْغَنِيِّ ظُلْمٌ ‘Delaying (payment) by a wealthy person is injustice.’ (Narrated by Jamaah)” Ustadz Oni also explains that if the debt has not yet become due, performing qurban becomes the guidance because qurban does not neglect one’s obligations. According to him, the phrase ‘pay debts first before qurban’ should not become a reason to stop or delay helping and giving charity. When both can be done by multiplying one’s capabilities, that becomes the virtue.