Can 21 People Share One Cow for Udhiyah?

Question: Can seven men with their families (21 people total) share one cow for Udhiyah, or should they sacrifice three cows to cover everyone? Will the reward extend to all 21 people or only to the seven men?

Praise to Allah

Summary: If seven men each with their own families (totaling 21 people) sacrifice one cow, it is sufficient for those seven men and their families, as long as the intention is made on behalf of their households. Each family will share in the reward.

Detailed Answer:

In Islam, a cow or camel can be sacrificed on behalf of up to seven people. This means that seven men can collectively sacrifice one cow for their families. Here’s how it works:

Sufficiency of One Animal: A cow or camel can be divided into seven shares. Each share is equivalent to one sacrificial animal (sheep or goat) for one person and his household. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“One-seventh of a camel or cow is equivalent to one sheep”

[Muslim, 1318; Ibn Majah, 3147]​

Reward Distribution: If the intention is made on behalf of their entire households, then the reward of the sacrifice is shared among all family members. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), a man would sacrifice a sheep on behalf of himself and his household, and they would eat some and give some to others”

[Ibn Majah, 3123; al-Tirmidhi, 1505, classed as sahih by al-Albani]​ 

Intent and Inclusion: For the reward to include all family members, the head of each household should intend that the sacrifice covers his entire family. This practice aligns with the Sunnah, where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) included his family in the sacrifice. Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

“The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer two rams as sacrifices, and I also used to offer two rams”

[Bukhari, 5565]​ 

Practical Example: In your scenario, each of the seven men can make the intention that their share of the cow includes their wife and child. This way, all 21 people will share in the reward of the Udhiyah.

Respect and Inclusivity in Sacrifice: The essence of Udhiyah is to bring the family together in worship and gratitude to Allah. Even if one cow is sacrificed, the spiritual and communal benefits extend to all family members, embodying the unity and compassion that Islam promotes.

Conclusion

One cow is sufficient for seven men and their families if the intention is made on behalf of their households. This practice allows all family members to share in the reward of the sacrifice.

And Allah Knows Best