Only 1 Million Rupiah: One Goat Can Serve a Whole Family
One of the questions most often debated among Muslims is whether a single goat can be sacrificed for one family. Many Muslims wish to perform Qurbani on a tight budget while still meeting other needs around Eid al-Adha. Additionally, questions arise about under whose name the sacrifice is performed. Some say the name need only belong to one person, while others argue that the intention should be for a single family. Here is a full explanation.
How is the ruling on one goat for one family?
A person may perform Qurbani with one goat for themselves and their family. Imam Muslim narrates a hadith from Aisha (RA) in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sacrificed a sheep for Qurbani and prayed, “In the name of Allah. O Allah, accept this Qurbani from Muhammad, the family of Muhammad and the Ummah of Muhammad.” In addition, many other hadiths indicate that the Prophet (peace be upon him) sacrificed a sheep for himself and his family, and the companions did the same.
Some scholars hold that one goat cannot suffice for one family. They argue that the above ruling has been abrogated. However, the stronger view is that it is permissible to perform Qurbani with one goat for a single family.
For different families, one goat cannot suffice. A single goat represents one person or one family living in the same household.
Unlike cattle, which require all named participants to be included, for a goat if you intend it for a single family, simply attach the principal’ s name to the Qurbani and intend it for that family.
As reported by Rumaysho.com, Fatwa of Al Lajnah Ad-Da’imah lil Buhuts ’Ilmiyyah wal Ifta’ No. 3055 asks:
“Atiah father died. Then his son wishes to perform Qurbani for his father. Some advised him, ’Do not slaughter a camel for one person’s Qurbani; rather, slaughter a single goat, because a camel is more valuable than a goat. Therefore to say “slaughter a camel” is wrong.” If one wants to perform Qurbani with a camel, it should be done by pooled contributions together.”
Fatwa on Qurbani in One’s Own Name and for Family
From this fatwa, the following conclusions are drawn:
A person performing Qurbani with a single goat may name the sacrifice in his own name and also for his family.
Qurbani with cattle or camels may be carried out by seven people.
The notion that one goat serves one person and seven people can share a camel or cow applies to those who bear the cost.
It is not valid to perform Qurbani with a single goat collectively or by attributing it to a group, school, neighbourhood association or village—the meat from such a goat would be ordinary meat, not Qurbani meat.
The fatwa is signed by Abdul ’Aziz bin ’Abdillah bin Baz as chair, with Abdullah bin Qu’ud and ’Abdullah bin Ghodyan as members.
Thus, the explanation clarifies the law on one goat per family for Qurbani. May it aid us in continuing to worship Allah SWT. And Allah knows best.
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