Udhiyah Ruling for Newly Married Living Separately?

Question : Udhiyah Ruling for Newly Married Living Separately?

Praise be to Allah

Summary: If you are newly married but living separately from your husband, you are included in his Udhiyah if he offers it on behalf of his household. If your father offers a sacrifice on behalf of his household, you are also covered as you are still under his care. Offering a separate Udhiyah is recommended if you have your own financial means but not required.

Detailed Answer

It was narrated that Muhammad bin Sirin said:“I asked Ibn ‘Umar about sacrifices and whether they are obligatory. He said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and the Muslims after him offered sacrifices, and this is the Sunnah.’”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3124)

In Islamic law, a woman with whom a marriage contract has been done is considered a wife and is included among the family members for whom the husband may offer a sacrifice. Therefore, if your husband includes you in his intention when offering his Udhiyah, you are covered by his sacrifice.

Similarly, if your father offers a sacrifice on behalf of his household and you are still living with him, you are also covered by his sacrifice since he is responsible for your maintenance.

However, if you live separately and manage your own household expenses, you may choose to offer your own Udhiyah if you are financially able, but it is not obligatory.

Offering the Udhiyah is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) prescribed for both men and women.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer”
(Ibn Majah, 3124 classed as Hasan by Al-Albani).

One Udhiyah is sufficient for a man and the members of his household, and similarly, one Udhiyah is acceptable on behalf of a woman and the members of her household.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) explained that the sacrifice is Sunnah, not obligatory, and one sheep is sufficient on behalf of a man and the members of his household

“A man would sacrifice a sheep on behalf of himself and the members of his household, and they would eat some of it and give some to others”
(Tirmidhi 1505, classed as Sahih by Al-Albani)

Conclusion

Thus, you are included in your husband’s Udhiyah if he offers it on behalf of his household. If your father offers a sacrifice on behalf of his household, that is also acceptable for you. Offering a separate Udhiyah is recommended if you have the means but is not required.

And Allah Knows Best