Fatwa #480931 January 2002United States of America
On whom is Qurbaani (animal sacrifice) on Eid-ul-Adha Fard (obligatory)?What are the different ways to offer Qurbaani?
Question
Some people offer a lamb or a goat, whereas some people partake in the sacrifice of a cow or buffalo or a camel? Please explain these various alternatives, and which applies when? Please also provide the related Ahadith in this regard.
Answer
Qurbaani is Waajib on every person who is a free person, is Muslim, is a%0D%0AMuqeem (resident) and is wealthy, i.e. owner of the amount of Nisaab on the%0D%0Aday of Eid al-Adha.%0D%0A%0D%0AA person can make Qurbaani of camels, cattle (which includes buffalo, cows,%0D%0Aetc.) and sheep or goats. The Ahaadith relating to the animals:%0D%0ACamel: Jabir (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrated that Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi%0D%0AWasallam) slaughtered on the day of Nahr 63 camels. (Muslim)%0D%0ACattle: Jabir (Radhiallaahu Anhu) and Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) narrated%0D%0Athat Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) slaughtered on behalf of his wives%0D%0Acows. (Saheehayn)%0D%0ASheep: Anas (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi%0D%0AWasallam) slaughtered 2 sheep. (Saheehayn)%0D%0A%0D%0ACamels and cattle are divided into seven shares and therefore, seven people%0D%0Acan fulfil their obligation of Qurbaani from one of these animals. But sheep%0D%0Aor goats are sufficient only for one slave.%0D%0A%0D%0AA person has the choice to choose between the different animals and is at%0D%0Atotal liberty to slaughter which animal he may so desire as explained above.%0D%0A%0D%0Aand Allah Ta'ala Knows Best%0D%0A%0D%0AMufti Ebrahim Desai