Prayer TimesAccording to Sharia, a person may appoint another individual as their representative to carry out a specific task on their behalf. This is because sometimes a person may not be able to perform a certain act themselves, so they seek the help of someone else and delegate the task to them as their representative[1].
This is supported by the incident where the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed Hakim ibn Hizam (may Allah be pleased with him) to purchase a sacrificial animal on his behalf.
The Prophet (ﷺ) gave Hakim ibn Hizam one dinar and sent him to buy a sacrificial animal. Hakim bought an animal for one dinar, then sold it for two dinars. He then bought another animal for one dinar and brought the extra dinar back to the Prophet (ﷺ). The Prophet (ﷺ) gave the extra dinar in charity and prayed for blessings in Hakim's trade[2].
Therefore, it is permissible to fulfill the sacrifice through someone else without leaving your home. That is, a person who intends to offer a sacrifice can appoint a trustworthy person as their representative, give them the money for the sacrifice, and instruct them to purchase the animal, slaughter it, and distribute the meat. In Sharia, this arrangement is called «уакалат» (agency). Especially in the current situation with quarantine, many people find this method of performing the sacrifice convenient and effective.
Because ordering, registering, and sharing necessary information and notifications about the sacrifice are now done online, this is also referred to as "online qurban".
Sharia and Fatwa Department of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan
[1] Hidaya, 3/357.
[2] Narrated by Abu Dawood.
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.