Should a widow give udhiya ?

Praise be to Allah

Summary : A widow can offer Udhiyah if she has the financial means. If she has a son who performs Udhiyah, it is sufficient for the entire household.

Detailed Answer

In Islam, the obligation of Udhiyah (sacrifice) during Eid al-Adha depends on financial capacity, not marital status. The principles apply to anyone who meets the financial requirements.

Financial Independence: The obligation of Udhiyah is based on one’s financial ability. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the importance of offering Udhiyah for those who can afford it:

“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)

Udhiyah for Women: Women, including widows, are equally obligated to perform Udhiyah if they have the means. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The people of each household should offer an Udhiyah every year”
(Ahmad, 20207; classed as hasan by al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud, 2788).

Financial Criteria: The one who offers Udhiyah should have surplus wealth after fulfilling their basic needs and those of their dependents. This means having sufficient funds beyond immediate necessities and debts.

Living with Children: If a widow lives with her children and one of them performs the Udhiyah, it suffices for the entire household. The obligation is considered fulfilled if one member of the household, typically the head or an earning member, performs the sacrifice. This is supported by the hadith:

“One sheep is sufficient as Udhiyah for a man and his family”
(Ibn Majah, 3123; al-Tirmidhi, 1505).

Practical Guidance:

• If a widow has sufficient savings or income beyond her essential needs, she should perform Udhiyah.
• If she lives with her son who performs the Udhiyah, it is sufficient for her as well, fulfilling the household’s obligation.

Conclusion

A widow can and should perform Udhiyah if she has the financial capacity. If she lives with her son who performs the Udhiyah, that sacrifice suffices for the entire household, ensuring the Sunnah is fulfilled.

And Allah Knows Best