Fatawaa

Subject : Islamic Ruling on Sacrificing one Sheep on Behalf of a Single Household
Fatwa Number : 4383
Date : 31-03-2026
Classified : Aqeeqah, Udhihiah and other Slaughtered Animals
Fatwa Type : Summarized Fatawaa

Question :

Does sacrificing one sheep avail for the entire household?



The Answer :

In the Name of Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.

 

Offering an Udhiyah (sacrificial offering) is a communal Sunnah (Sunnah Kifayah) for members of the same household, provided that their financial maintenance is undertaken by a single provider. By "communal Sunnah," we mean that when one person performs it, the religious recommendation is fulfilled on behalf of the entire household, though the spiritual reward itself belongs uniquely to the one who offered it.

 

Therefore, if any member of the household performs the sacrifice—even if it is someone who is not legally responsible for the household's expenses, such as the wife or one of the children—the recommendation is fulfilled for everyone in that home. However, the reward does not automatically extend to the other members unless the person offering the sacrifice explicitly intends to share the reward with them—similar to how performing a funeral prayer (Janazah) fulfills the communal obligation for everyone, yet the specific reward is earned by those who actually prayed.

 

Additionally, a single sacrifice is sufficient for a man who is married to more than one wife. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.






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