Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear Brother,

As Salaam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatahu

I just want to ask a question regarding the Qurbani (Sacrificing). Is it valid to sacrifice a sheep (or whatever is allowed), as an esala-e-sawab for the dead people. And distribute them to relatives and the poor along with the regular qurbani on Eid-al-Adha.

Thanks and will be waiting for your response.

Allah hafiz

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Answer:

Sacrifice for dead deceased

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Sahih Muslim Hadith 4845 Narrated by Aisha

Allah's Messenger (saws) commanded that a ram with black legs, black belly and black (circles) round the eyes should be brought to him, so that he should sacrifice it. He (saws) said to Aisha: “Give me the large knife”, and then said: “Sharpen it on a stone.” She did that. He (saws) then took it (the knife) and then the ram; he placed it on the ground and then sacrificed it, saying: “In the name of Allah, O Allah, accept (this sacrifice) on behalf of Muhammad, and the family of Muhammad, and the Ummah of Muhammad".

Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2789 Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah

The Prophet (saws) sacrificed two horned rams which were white with black markings and had been castrated. When he made them face the qiblah, he said: “I have turned my face towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, following Abraham's religion, the true in faith, and I am not one of the polytheists. My prayer, and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the Universe, Who has no partner. That is what I was commanded to do, and I am one of the Muslims. O Allah it comes from Thee and is given to Thee from Muhammad and his Ummah. In the name of Allah, and Allah is Most Great. He then made sacrifice.”

In light of the above narrations, the Messenger of Allah (saws) offered sacrifice on his behalf, on his family’s behalf, and on behalf of the believing Ummah. The absolute majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that it is permissible for one to offer sacrifice on behalf of other believers, regardless of whether they are alive or dead.

Your Question: ….And distribute them to relatives and the poor along with the regular qurbani on Eid-al-Adha.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 22 Surah Hajj verses 36-37:

36 The sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the Symbols from Allah: in them is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not, but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: thus have we made animals subject to you that ye may be grateful.

37 It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you that ye may glorify Allah for His guidance to you: and proclaim the Good News to all who do right.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.476 Narrated by Salama bin Al Aqua

The Prophet (saws) said: “ (Of the Sacrifice) eat of it, and feed of it to others, and store of it.”

Fiqh-us-Sunnah Fiqh 5.115

A person offering a sacrifice may consume, without any restrictions, any amount of meat he may desire. He may likewise give away, or offer in charity any amount he may wish. Some scholars say that one may eat half, and give away the other half in charity, while others say that the meat be divided into three parts. Of these one may keep a part, distribute a part, and give in charity the third part.

The Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saws) was to consume a part of it, distribute a part of it among his companions, and give a part of it to the poor and needy.

The distribution of the sacrifice one does for another should be treated exactly as if one were to sacrifice for oneself. If one wishes, one may eat all or part of it, or distribute all or part of it, or give to the poor all or part of it. There is absolutely no restriction on how one should consume the sacrificial meat, but it would be best and closest to the Sunnah to eat some oneself, distribute some, and give some to the poor and needy.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan