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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

One Goat Sacrifice Permissible for Entire Family, Scholars Affirm

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Islamic scholars generally permit one goat sacrifice to be offered on behalf of an entire family, including deceased members.
  • This ruling is supported by hadith from Imam Muslim, where Prophet Muhammad offered a sacrifice for himself, his family, and his followers.
  • While some scholars previously held differing opinions, the prevailing and stronger view is that a single goat can fulfill the sacrifice for a household, with the intention of the reward extending to all family members.

In Indonesia, a nation with the world's largest Muslim population, the question of whether a single goat sacrifice can suffice for an entire family is a recurring topic of discussion, particularly as the Eid al-Adha approaches. Tempo's reporting clarifies this important matter of religious practice, drawing on established Islamic jurisprudence.

A person may sacrifice one goat for themselves and their family.

· Islamic RulingBased on hadith narrated by Imam Muslim

The consensus among many scholars, and indeed the prevailing view, is that yes, one goat can be offered as a sacrifice (qurban) for an entire family. This practice is rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as narrated by Imam Muslim. The Prophet's own sacrifice, offered in the name of 'Muhammad, the family of Muhammad, and the Ummah of Muhammad,' serves as a powerful precedent. This tradition was also followed by his companions, reinforcing its legitimacy.

While acknowledging that a minority of scholars may have held different interpretations in the past, potentially deeming such a sacrifice invalid or requiring separate sacrifices for each family member, the stronger and more widely accepted opinion permits the collective intention. This ruling is particularly relevant for families with limited financial means, ensuring that the spiritual benefits of qurban are accessible to all members, living or deceased, who reside in the same household.

With the Name of Allah. O Allah, accept this sacrifice from Muhammad, the family of Muhammad, and the Ummah of Muhammad.

· Prophet MuhammadDuring his own sacrifice

It is important to distinguish this from situations involving multiple, unrelated families. A single goat is intended for one household or individual. However, for larger sacrifices like a cow or camel, the permissibility extends to seven individuals, allowing for greater communal participation. This nuanced understanding ensures that the spirit of sacrifice and charity during Eid al-Adha is upheld in accordance with Islamic teachings, providing clarity for Indonesian Muslims.

It is permissible to sacrifice on behalf of a deceased person, whether with one goat or one camel.

· Fatwa Al Lajnah Ad Da'imah lil Buhuts 'Ilmiyyah wal Ifta'Regarding sacrifices for the deceased
About this summary

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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