Udhiyah for financially capable wife?

Praise be to Allah

Summary

If a wife is financially capable, she is not obligated to perform Udhiyah separately if her husband’s sacrifice includes the household. However, if she wishes to offer Udhiyah independently, she may do so.

Detailed Answer

In Islam, the obligation of Udhiyah (sacrifice) during Eid al-Adha is primarily based on one’s financial capability, and it applies to both men and women. Here are the key points regarding a wife’s obligation to perform Udhiyah:

Household Responsibility: The Udhiyah is typically performed by the head of the household (usually the husband) on behalf of all family members living in the same household. This means one Udhiyah is sufficient for the entire family, including the wife, children, and any dependents.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

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

Financial Independence: If the wife has her own wealth that exceeds her basic needs and debts, she can choose to perform her own Udhiyah. However, it is not obligatory for her to do so if the husband’s Udhiyah covers the household. If she lives separately or the husband’s Udhiyah does not include her, she should offer Udhiyah if she meets the financial criteria.

“The one who offers the Udhiyah should be independent of means, in that the price of the Udhiyah is surplus to his needs and the needs of those on whom he spends”​ 

Joint Household: If the husband’s sacrifice is intended to cover the entire household, including the wife, she does not need to offer a separate sacrifice. This is sufficient and fulfills the Sunnah for the whole family.

Special Circumstances: If a woman is living on her own or with her children, and she has the means, it is Sunnah for her to perform the Udhiyah. She can also perform Udhiyah if the head of the household (e.g., her husband) refuses to do so, as it is a Sunnah for everyone capable of performing it​ 

Conclusion

A wife is not obligated to perform Udhiyah separately if her husband’s Udhiyah includes the household. However, if she wishes to offer her own Udhiyah and has the financial means, she may do so

And Allah Knows Best