Can Parents Pay for the Udhiyah on Behalf of Their Adult Child Who Lives Independently?
Question: A sister asks: Shaykh, I have a question if possible. What is the ruling if your parents pay for the udhiyah (sacrificial animal) and intend it on your behalf, even though you live on your own and have your own money?
Summary:
It is permissible for your parents to purchase the udhiyah from their own wealth and intend it on your behalf, even if you live independently and possess your own wealth, because an udhiyah may be offered on behalf of another person through donation and permission. However, it is better and more complete for a person who is financially able and lives independently to offer an udhiyah on their own behalf, as this is the original practice from the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ.
Answer:
In the name of Allah, all praise is due to Allah, and may Peace and Blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)
The udhiyah is a financial act of worship, and it is permissible for a person to offer it on behalf of another person as a donation, just as it is permissible to gift its reward to another. It is established that the Prophet ﷺ offered sacrifice on behalf of others.
In Sahih Muslim, A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that he said:
From the Sunnah:
- Sahih Muslim 1967'A'isha reported
saying: Bismillah, Allah-humma Taqabbal min Muhammadin wa Al-i-Muhammadin, wa min Ummati Muhammadin (In the name of Allah," O Allah, accept [this sacrifice] on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the Umma of Muhammad" ).
Thus, he included others in his sacrifice, which indicates the permissibility of representation and voluntary offering in this matter.
However, the scholars differentiated between: One who is part of the household and financially dependent upon it. One who has an independent residence and financial maintenance. If the son or daughter lives with their parents and is supported by them, they are generally included in the household's udhiyah. However, if a person lives independently in their own residence and is married or has independent financial maintenance, then the Sunnah is for that person to have a separate udhiyah.
From the Scholars:
- Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:
“An independent household should have its own separate udhiyah.”
Nevertheless, if your parents purchase an udhiyah and specifically intend it on your behalf, or include you in it with your permission, then it is valid and sufficient for you, inshā’Allāh. It is not a condition that the money come from your own wealth.
From the Scholars:
- Ibn Qudāmah رحمه الله said:
“The udhiyah on behalf of another person is valid with that person's permission.”
The basis of this matter is voluntary charity and kindness, which is permissible in the Shariah.
If your parents paid for the udhiyah and intended it on your behalf, then it is valid and sufficient for you, inshā’Allāh, even if you are financially well-off and live independently. However, it is better for a financially capable and independent person to offer an udhiyah on their own behalf, in order to avoid scholarly disagreement and to follow the more complete guidance of the Prophet ﷺ.
And Allah knows best.
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