1. Can One Animal Be Shared?
There are many opinions and scattered rules pertaining to this issue so I will summarize and try to be as clear and concise as possible. Let us begin with what is agreed upon (i.e. there is no debate concerning it). If each member of a household were to offer a sacrifice on his/her own behalf there is no difference of opinion that each one receives the reward for his/her sacrifice Inshaa Allaah. This is the case for one who offers a goat, lamb or a share (1/7) in a camel or a cow. So in this case, each individual purchases an animal or a share (1/7) in an animal (cow or camel) on his/her own.
The next issue is whether or not a man can include his entire household in his intention (for earning reward of the sacrifice), whether he is slaughtering a goat, sheep (lamb) or he takes a share in a cow or camel. The Hanafee scholars do not see this as being valid; however, the majority of scholars do. It would appear from the evidence found in the sunnah that the opinion of the majority is most correct Inshaa Allaah.
There are many authentic reports indicating that a man may sacrifice a sheep or goat on behalf of himself and the members of his household. In fact, even the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) himself did this. Thus, it is permissible Inshaa Allaah; a man may take a one seventh share in a cow or camel, or slaughter a goat or sheep and his intention would be that this sacrifice is on behalf of himself and on behalf of his family members. Note here though that the owner of the animal is that one individual. This means that it is neither correct nor acceptable that each member of the family puts in a certain amount of money to purchase the animal (or share of it) and then it be slaughtered on their behalf while its ownership is (shared) between them.
As for those who claim that giving money in charity equivalent to the cost of an animal in lieu of the sacrifice, then this does not take the place of offering the sacrifice. The sacrifice is in and of itself a form of worship and spilling the blood of the animal is what is required. Had it been permissible, then the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his companions would have done it at some point.
A Personal Note
As stated above, it is permissible for a man to offer a sacrifice and include his family in the intention. But I would point out that the principles of sacrifice (forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim) and giving need to be revived among us. We find many people spending left, right and centre for entertainment and pleasure, but when it comes to things like the udh-hiyah they find a reason not to offer the sacrifice. We hear excuses such as: but what are we going to do with all that meat? Or, isn’t it better to give some charity? And so forth.
In my humble opinion, anyone who can afford to offer the sacrifice (young or old, male or female) should do so (even if they are in the same household). Perhaps you are a family of 4 or 7 and you are wondering how to handle this. I suggest that if you have many needy people in your community, offer all the sacrifices there and your fellow Muslims can benefit from the meat. However, if that is not the case, then maybe you can offer one or two animals (or 1/7 shares) in your community and have the rest offered in a place where the Muslims are in need (such as Cambodia for example). I always suggest that at least one sacrifice (per household) is offered locally so you can witness it and the sunnah of the sacrifice is kept alive. Watching the blood being shed, while recollecting the story of Ibrahim and Ismail (‘alayhima as-salaam) has great spiritual benefits. Then distributing the meat also has a good effect on the soul. These are personal notes and observations and one is free to accept, reject or disagree.
2. The Wisdom Behind it
There are many wisdoms behind the udh-hiyah such as some of the following:
- Gaining closeness to Allaah by way of fulfilling his commands.
- Training oneself to be subservient to Allaah.
- Announcing the oneness of Allaah, especially at the time of sacrifice when reciting the takbeer.
- Feeding the poor and needy by giving them of the meat of the sacrificed animal.
- Showing gratitude to Allaah for his blessing of wealth by spending in His cause.
3. Distribution
As for how the meat should be distributed, then there are several opinions on this.
It is reported from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he said: Eat from one third, give one third to whom you wish and give another in charity to the needy.
Some say you eat from one half and give the other half in charity.
There is no rigidity here, but it would be best to eat of the meat, and give some to friends and family and give away in charity (the more charity given the better Inshaa Allaah).
4. Gifting to a Non-Muslim
It is permissible to gift some of the meat to a non-Muslim who is not fighting the Muslims, especially if this may lead the person to Islaam. For those in the West, this can be used as a means of d’awah.
5. Preferred Animals
It is preferred that the animal chosen for slaughter be of “high quality”. Remember that the sacrifice is being offered to Allaah, therefore, choose the healthiest, meatiest and most valuable of the animals.
6. What to do if You Intend to Offer a Sacrifice
One who intends to offer a sacrifice (i.e. you are purchasing the animal or share of a cow or camel), then you may not take of your hair, nails or skin from the first day of Thul Hijjah. This is the case whether you are doing the slaughtering yourself or having someone else do it for. As for family members who will be included in the intention, then this is not necessary for them.
7. Types of Animals
As mentioned earlier, there are only certain types of animals which may be offered for udh-hiyah. With respect to the ages of the animals, then a lamb must be at least six months old, a goat at least one year old, a cow at least two years old and a camel at least 5 years old.
The animal being slaughtered must also be free of any defects. This is an act of worship and is being offered to Allaah! Should one not choose the best to offer to Allaah? So one-eyed animals, animals with an obvious limp, sickly animals and those with no marrow (emaciated) are not acceptable. Let us not forget that we are not slaughtering for the meat per se; this is first and foremost a sacrifice and an act of worship dedicated to Allaah. Therefore, we must know and realize that Allaah deserves only the best.
8. Time of Slaughter
The time of slaughter begins after the ‘Eid prayer and extends till before Maghrib on the thirteenth day of Thul Hijjah (so we have four days in which to slaughter the udh-hiyah). However, the sooner one does it, the better). One may do the slaughtering in the daytime or at night.
9. Does a Haajj (Pilgrim) Have to Offer Udh-hiyah
Although there is a difference of opinion among the scholars on this matter, it would appear (and Allaah knows best) that one who is performing does not have to also offer the udh-hiyah. It is not reported that any of the sahaabah who performed Hajj with the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) offered the udh-hiyah in addition to the sacrifice of Hajj.
These are some of the most important issues I felt we needed to clarify concerning udh-hiyah at this time. Should there be any questions that come to mind, you may email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
And Allaah knows best
