Q: Is it permissible to share in the Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims), and how many Muslims are allowed to share one Ud-hiyah? (Part No. 11; Page No. 401) Should those who share be from one family? Is sharing in Ud-hiyah an act of Bid`ah (innovation in religion)?

A: It is permissible for a man and his household to offer a sheep as an Ud-hiyah. The evidence is the authentic report narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he used to offer a sheep as Ud-hiyah for him and his family. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). It is also related by Malik, Ibn Majah, and Al-Tirmidhy who classified it as authentic, on the authority of `Ata' ibn Yasar who said: I asked Abu Ayyub al-Ansari: What was the case of the sacrificial animals during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? He said, "During the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), a man used to slaughter one sheep for himself and his family until it came to the point that people competed with each other and they became what you now see." A Badanah or a cow may suffice as Ud-hiyah for seven people, whether they are from the same family (Part No. 11; Page No. 402) or not. The Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted seven of the Sahabah (Companions of the prophet) to share a she-camel or a cow without giving any further details. Allah knows best.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.