Udhiyah Obligatory for a Widow in Her Circumstances

Question

Does a widow have to offer her own Udhiyah, or is her son’s sacrifice sufficient?

Bottom Line

A widow may offer Udhiyah if she has the means. If she lives with her son and he offers Udhiyah for the household, it suffices for her as well.

Quick Answer

Udhiyah is Sunnah mu’akkadah for those who can afford it, regardless of marital status. Women are included in this ruling. One sacrifice can suffice for the entire household if done with that intention. If a widow lives alone and has means, she should perform her own Udhiyah.

Key Takeaways

• Udhiyah is Sunnah mu’akkadah for anyone with financial means, men or women.
• A widow is included in this ruling without distinction.
• One Udhiyah can cover an entire household if intended as such.
• If living independently, a widow should offer her own if she is able.

Detailed Answer

Udhiyah is an emphasized Sunnah for every Muslim who can afford it. It is not linked to marriage, widowhood, or gender, but to financial capacity.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever can afford it but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer place.” Sunan Ibn Majah 3123

This applies equally to men and women. If a widow has surplus wealth, she is encouraged to perform Udhiyah.

However, if she lives with her children and one of them offers a sacrifice on behalf of the family, it covers her, too.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“One sheep is sufficient as Udhiyah for a man and his family.”
Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi 1505

Thus, if her son intends his Udhiyah to include the entire household, it suffices for his widowed mother as well.

What This Means for You

If a widow has her own means, she may sacrifice independently. If her son sacrifices for the family with that intention, she is included and does not need to offer a separate Udhiyah.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Hadith

1. Sunan Ibn Majah 3123: Whoever can afford it but does not sacrifice, let him not approach our prayer place.
2. Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi 1505: One sheep is sufficient for a man and his household.
3. Musnad Ahmad 20207: Hadith on Udhiyah and household inclusion.

Secondary Sources

4. Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughnī: Discussion on Udhiyah rulings for individuals and households.
5. Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah, 11/419: Widow included in household sacrifice.