Question: I know it is compulsory on the breadwinner of the home to do the qurbani, but is there any law or hadith saying that other members of the home (i.e. child or mother) has to do it, or what (if any) is the blessing in a minor child (i.e. in the name of the child or wife) doing it?

Answer: Qurbani is compulsory upon every Muslim, male and female, who is a resident during the days of Eid ul Adha and has the means to do a sacrifice (by either purchasing a small animal like that of a goat or sheep or by taking a share in a large animal). This ruling is based on the tradition in which the Prophet (s.a.w) has given a warning to those who possess the means to do a qurbani and did not do it. The tradition is narrated from Abu Huraira (r.a) who said that the Prophet (s.a.w) said, 'Whoever has the means to do a sacrifice and did not do it, let him not come to our place of performing salaah.' (Ibn Majah).

Based on this, if the mother has the means to do a sacrifice, then it becomes essential for her to do it. Similarly if the child has the means to do a sacrifice, then it is also essential upon the father to do a sacrifice for the child by using the child's money. These acts would bring about a great amount of blessings for every one who does the qurbani. If however, the child does not possess the means to do a qurbani, then it is not essential upon the breadwinner to do a sacrifice on the child's behalf. If one still wants to do it, then it can be done, and it will be greatly rewarding.

The same is applicable to the case of the mother. It should be understood however, that it is not permissible for the father to stay away from doing the qurbani, in order to do it for the mother or child. This is not permissible. First of all, it becomes compulsory upon those who possess the means, and when this is fulfilled, it can then be done for those upon whom it is not compulsory.

N.B. It should be noted that while some of the great Jurists have considered it essential for the qurbani to be done on behalf of a minor who possess the means to do so, many have not considered it essential. According to these jurists, it would not be permissible for the father/guardian of the child to take his/her money (that is, the child's money) to do a qurbani. Instead, if he (the father/guardian) wishes, he can use his money to do it. Most of the latter scholars have accepted this view as the one that is preferred, and have given fatawa upon it.


And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan