🕌 Worship in the home · #37
Is one share of the sacrifice (qurban) enough for the whole family, or must each member offer their own?
According to the Shafi'i school, the sacrifice is a strongly recommended sunnah; if one member of the household performs it, the recommendation is fulfilled for the whole household (a communal sunnah), though it is better for everyone who can afford it to offer their own.
Allah commands prayer and sacrifice (al-Kawthar 108:2), and the Prophet ﷺ sacrificed two rams (Sahih al-Bukhari 5554). One goat suffices for one person, while a cow or camel may be shared in seven portions. A husband may intend the sacrifice for himself and share its reward with his family. In polygamy, one share by the husband suffices as the sunnah for his household, though many choose a share for each home. Do not go into debt just to offer a sacrifice; it is a sunnah, not an obligation. For those intending to sacrifice, it is recommended not to cut their nails and hair from the start of Dhul Hijjah until the animal is slaughtered. See Supplication & prayer.
Allah commands prayer and sacrifice (al-Kawthar 108:2), and the Prophet ﷺ sacrificed two rams (Sahih al-Bukhari 5554). One goat suffices for one person, while a cow or camel may be shared in seven portions. A husband may intend the sacrifice for himself and share its reward with his family. In polygamy, one share by the husband suffices as the sunnah for his household, though many choose a share for each home. Do not go into debt just to offer a sacrifice; it is a sunnah, not an obligation. For those intending to sacrifice, it is recommended not to cut their nails and hair from the start of Dhul Hijjah until the animal is slaughtered. See Supplication & prayer.
Difference between schools. The Hanafi school holds that the sacrifice is obligatory on every Muslim individual who can afford it and is resident.
Sources
Surah al-Kauthar 108:2Sahih al-Bukhari 5554Surah al-Hajj 22:36