Q: A pilgrim came to me on 20th Dhul-Hajjah, 1415 A.H. And he was obligated to offer the sacrifice of his Tamattu` Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between). He asked me to buy, slaughter and distribute the meat of his Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims) among the poor people of Makkah Al-Mukarramah. I carried out all what he asked me in the best manner in the beginning of Al-Muharram, 1416 A.H. Is my sacrifice on his behalf valid? Is he discharged from the obligation of the sacrifice, though I slaughtered his Hady on a day other than the Day of Nahr (Sacrifice, 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, when pilgrims slaughter their sacrificial animals), in the beginning of Muharram 1416 A.H.? Please, explain for me the ruling of Shari`ah regarding this matter, may Allah reward you! My dear Sir! I referred this question to you because some friends argued for the invalidation of commissioning me to fulfill the sacrifice on behalf of that man and my slaughtering on a day other than the Day of Nahr or the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).Also, we experience this situation very often, as residents of Makkah Al-Mukarramah every year. Usually, pilgrims are in rush and hasten to travel, and so they deputize a person to do the slaughtering on their behalf.

A: The sacrifice of Tamattu` Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between) and Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between) is one of the obligatory rites of Hajj. It is imperative to slaughter it during the determined time as stated in the Shari`ah, i.e. The Day of Nahr (Sacrifice, 10th of Dhul-Hijjah) and the three Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah). If this time elapses, it must be slaughtered as soon as possible even after its specified time. However, if a pilgrim delayed it without a legal excuse, he is sinful and should repent to Allah and ask Him for forgiveness. However, the sacrifice is among the fiscal acts of devotion liable for deputization and it is allowable to commission a person to slaughter it during its time or anytime thereafter. The deputy should fear Allah (Part No. 10; Page No. 397) and fulfill this obligation in the right way.May Allah grant us success. May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions!