Can My Father Force Me to Offer Udhiyah if I Have Nisab Wealth?

Question: Can my father force me to offer Udhiyah? what if I have more then Nisab wealth for zakat my dad said I have to do one?

Priase to be Allah

Summary : One Udhiyah is sufficient on behalf of a man and the members of his household. So, You or Your father either one can perform Udhiyah . If you have the financial means, it is a commendable act to perform Udhiyah. Your father cannot force you to do so, but it is a good practice to consider his advice if it aligns with your capability and maintains family harmony.

Detailed Answer

In Islam, Udhiyah (sacrifice) during Eid al-Adha is a confirmed Sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah) and highly recommended for those who can afford it. It is not obligatory (fard), but neglecting it when financially capable is generally discouraged.

Udhiyah for the Household: One Udhiyah is sufficient on behalf of a man and the members of his household, including his wife, children, and parents, if they all live in one house. This is based on the hadith narrated by Muslim:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered that a ram with black legs, black belly, and black (circles) around the eyes should be brought to him, so that he could sacrifice it. He said to her: ‘O ‘Aa’ishah, give me the knife,’ then he said: ‘Sharpen it on a stone.’ She did that, then he took it, and he took the ram and lay it down on the ground, then he slaughtered it and said: ‘In the name of Allah; O Allah, accept (this sacrifice) on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the ummah of Muhammad.'”
(Muslim 3637)

Parents’ Role in Worship: In Islam, parents are honored, and the father’s role is highly respected. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The father is the middle gate to Paradise. So keep this gate or lose it.”
(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1900)

However, when it comes to acts of worship, they are performed for Allah alone. Parents can advise and encourage their children to perform good deeds, but voluntary acts of worship cannot be forced upon someone they need to be done for the sake of Allah with Taqwa and the reward is with Allah.

Financial Independence: The obligation to offer Udhiyah is based on financial capability. It is stipulated that the one who offers it should be independent of means, meaning the cost of the Udhiyah should be surplus to their needs and the needs of those they support.

“The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Whoever can afford it but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer-place.'”
(Ibn Majah 3123; classed as hasan by al-Albani)

If you have the nisab (the minimum amount of wealth required to be eligible for Zakat) and have surplus money, then it is recommended for you to offer the Udhiyah.

Avoiding Family Disputes: While it is not obligatory, offering Udhiyah can be a way to maintain peace and harmony in the family. If performing the sacrifice helps avoid arguments and maintains familial ties, it is a good deed to consider, provided it does not cause you any harm.

Conclusion: If you have the financial means, it is a commendable act to perform Udhiyah. Your father cannot force you to do so, but it is a good practice to consider his advice if it aligns with your capability and maintains family harmony.

And Allah Knows Best