18th June 2025
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
Question: Can two or more people or family members share in the Qurbani of a small animal? Please answer with evidence.
الجواب حامداً و مصلياً
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
In reference to your query, it’s not permissible for two or more individuals to share in the Qurbani of a small animal such as a goat or sheep. The Qurbani of a small animal is valid on behalf of a single person only.[1] Only large animals such as camels and cow can suffice up to maximum seven people.[2] A famous report from a companion in Sahih Muslim states;
“We participated in the sacrifice with the Messenger of Allah (saw) during the year of Hudaiybiyyah with a camel on behalf of seven people and a cow on behalf of seven people”.[3]
Those who permit more than one people sharing in a goat or sheep use the following narration. A companion reports, “A man would sacrifice a sheep on of behalf of himself and members of his household during the time of Prophet (saw).”[4]
However, this Hadith means that a man would offer a single sheep to fulfil his own obligation, while simultaneously intending to include his household in the reward only. This narration does not imply that a single sheep fulfilled the obligation for multiple individuals. If more than one adult in the household is obligated to offer Qurbani, then each must offer a separate sacrifice, or arrange one to be made on his behalf.[5]
In conclusion, the Qurbani of a small animal (e.g., goat or sheep) is valid for one person only, while a large animal (cow or camel) can be shared by up to seven people.
[Allāh Knows Best]
Written by: Apa Sumayya Qazi Reviewed by: Mufti Abdul Waheed
Attested by: Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam
JKN Fatawa Department
[1] Ibn ʿĀbidīn, Radd al-Muḥtār ʿala al-Durr al-Mukhtār, Vol. 6, p. 318
ولا يجوز الاشتراك في الشاة
[2] Al-Fatāwā al-Hindiyya, Vol. 5, p. 296
ولا يجوز الاشتراك في الشاة، وأما في البدنة والبقرة فسبعة، سواء اتفقت نياتهم أو اختلفت، كأن ضحى واحد وأراد الآخر القربة أو الأكل
[3] Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitāb al-Ḥajj, Bāb al-Ishtirāk fī al-Hady, Ḥadīth no. 1318
نحرنا مع رسول الله ﷺ عام الحديبية البدنة عن سبعة، والبقرة عن سبعة
[4] Sunan Ibne Majah, Kitāb al-Hajj, Hadīth no.3147
كَانَ الرَّجُلُ يُضَحِّي بِالشَّاةِ عَنْهُ وَعَنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِه
[5] Ilaus Sunan, Kītab al-Hajj, Vol 4, pg213-217