Is It Permissible to Sacrifice for the Deceased? Here’s the Explanation
As the month of Dhu al-Hijjah begins, Muslims worldwide are busy preparing to perform the ritual sacrifice. Interestingly, public enthusiasm extends beyond sacrificing for oneself or living family members. Some also consider sacrificing for deceased relatives. Deep longing drives the desire to channel the reward of the sacrifice by performing it in the name of the departed. However, what does Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) say about this?
The Ruling on Sacrifice for the Deceased
According to the book Fiqih Praktis Ibadah Kurban by Abu Aniisah Syahrul Fatwa bin Lukman, the ruling on sacrifice for the deceased cannot be generalised. It must be assessed under three conditions:
- Permissible When Including the Deceased with Living Family
The ritual sacrifice is primarily intended for the living. However, if one intends to sacrifice for themselves and their entire family, including deceased members, this is valid and permissible.
For example, a family head slaughters a goat or joins a group sacrifice with the intention: ‘This sacrifice is for me and my family (including deceased grandparents or parents).’ This practice is supported by the actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during sacrifice:
‘In the name of Allah, O Allah, accept this sacrifice from Muhammad, the family of Muhammad, and the Muslim community.’
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1967)
The prayer encompasses both the living and deceased members of Muhammad’s family and the Muslim community.
- Discouraged When Exclusively for the Deceased
The second scenario involves purchasing a sacrificial animal with the sole intention for a deceased person, without including oneself or living family members. For instance, a child buys a goat intending it solely for their deceased father while not performing a sacrifice for themselves.
This is considered inappropriate and should be avoided, as there is no precedent from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or his companions of performing a sacrifice exclusively for the deceased.
Prominent scholar Ibn Uthaymeen also criticised this practice:
‘A common mistake in our society is people rushing to sacrifice for the deceased… while neglecting themselves and their living family members.’
He emphasised that sacrificing for oneself and family already includes both the living and deceased, and aligns better with prophetic tradition.
- Obligatory If Willed Before Death
It becomes permissible, and even obligatory, if the deceased had stipulated in their will that part of their estate be used for sacrifice. In such cases, heirs must carry out the bequest from the inheritance before distribution.
This is reinforced in the Quran:
‘Then whoever changes the will after hearing it, the sin is upon those who change it. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.’
(Quran 2:181)