What if I cannot afford the animal sacrifice for হজ্জ?

The কুরআন provides a clear alternative for those who cannot afford the ওয়াজিব sacrifice: 'And whoever cannot find [a sacrificial animal] — then a fast of three days during হজ্জ and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]' (কুরআন 2:196). This applies to হাজীগণ performing হজ্জ Tamattu or Qiran who lack the financial means for the sacrifice.

The 3 days of fasting during হজ্জ should ideally be completed before the Day of আরাফাত. Scholars recommend fasting on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of Dhul Hijjah. It is strongly মুস্তাহাব NOT to fast on the Day of আরাফাত (9th), following নবী করীম's practice. If the 3 days were not completed before Eid, the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools allow fasting during the Days of Tashreeq (11th-13th), while the Hanafi and Maliki schools do not permit fasting on those days.

The remaining 7 days are fasted after returning home. They do not need to be consecutive জমহুর উলামাদের মতে, though fasting them consecutively is preferred. The কুরআন emphasizes: 'Those are ten complete days' — indicating the total must reach 10. This fasting alternative is only for those who genuinely cannot afford the sacrifice. If a হাজী can afford it but chose not to sacrifice, they should arrange the sacrifice even after returning home, as the fasting is meant for genuine financial inability.