One Ud-hiyah for the brothers who live in adjacent houses

Q: We are five married brothers living in poor houses opposite one another; surrounded by a circular backyard. We eat all our meals together: breakfast, lunch and dinner and sit together. Our mother lives in a home with us. My question is: Will one sacrificial animal offered in `Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice) suffice as an Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims) on behalf of all of us, as our father used to do before he died, (Part No. 10; Page No. 426) (may Allah be merciful to him) or should each one of us offer his own Ud-hiyah?


A: If you share the estate and expenses, one Ud-hiyah will suffice on behalf of you all as you take the same ruling of one householder. However, if each one of you has his house independent from others in terms of ownership and expenses, then each household has its particular ruling and each should offer its own separate Ud-hiyah. However, there is nothing wrong if one of you volunteers on behalf of everyone to offer an Ud-hiyah for all of you from his money. You must know that Ud-hiyah is a Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) not an obligatory act.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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