One animal is enough for both the husband and wife

Q: I work as a pilgrim's guide. Many pilgrims charge proxies to slaughter sacrificial animals on their behalf during Hajj, whether these animals are sacrificed for Tamattu` Hajj (`Umrah during the months of Hajj followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between) or Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between) or as Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) or as Fidyah (ransom) for missing a Wajib (obligatory part of Hajj) or as Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Some of these proxies are sometimes unable to slaughter these sacrificial animals on behalf of the pilgrims due to compelling reasons. Please give us a reply to the following two questions: 1- Do these proxies have to slaughter the sacrificial animals after the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah)? 2- Is it permissible for them to delay slaughtering until the Days of Tashriq of the next Hajj? (Part No. 11; Page No. 374) I extend my best regards and deep appreciation to Your Eminence for illustrating the relevant Islamic ruling which will be helpful to the pilgrims and their proxies. May Allah grant you success, make you a source of benefit to all Muslims, reward you with the best on their account and may He protect and guard you!

A: Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims) offered for Tamattu` or Qiran Hajj has to be slaughtered at its prescribed time which starts from the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhul-Hijjah) and continues until the last of the three Days of Tashriq. As for offering sacrificial animals for missing a Wajib (an obligatory part of Hajj) or committing an unallowable act during Hajj or even as Sadaqah, these have to be slaughtered after the occurrence of their relevant causes, no matter whether during, before or after the prescribed days of slaughtering. It is necessary to do it as soon as possible. It is however, permissible to delay it until some time later.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.