Mathaba

Category: Q&A – Wealth Purification

  • Ritual Sacrifice (Udhiyyah/ Qurbani) on Behalf of the Deceased

    Ritual Sacrifice (Udhiyyah/ Qurbani) on Behalf of the Deceased

    Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt

    Question:

    I have two questions regarding the Qurbānī (ritual animal slaughter) during ‘Eīd Al Adha. During the days of ‘Eīd Al Adha, it has been customary in our culture to slaughter on behalf of deceased relatives and also on behalf of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him).

    I would like to obtain the religious verdict regarding the following:

    1. Is it permissible to slaughter (Qurbānī) on behalf of the deceased?
    2. Is it permissible to slaughter (Qurbānī) on behalf of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him)?

    Answer:

    Thank you/ Jazākumullāhu Khayran for your question. Your commitment to learning the correct position in matters related to the religion is admirable.

    The response to your concerns is as follows:

    1. It is permissible to slaughter Udhiyyah animals for Allāh’s sake on behalf of the deceased with the intention the reward of the good deed would reach them. This would be considered an optional act (nafl).
    2. It is also permissible to slaughter Udhiyyah animals for Allāh’s sake on behalf of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) with the intention of rendering an act of goodness. This again would be considered an optional deed (nafl).

    Please refer to the following hadīths:

    ‘Alī (may Allāh be pleased with him) reports, “The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) instructed me to slaughter on his behalf. Therefore, I will continue to slaughter (Udhīyyah) on his behalf as long as I live”. (Tirmidhī, Abu Dawud, Musnad Ahmed)

    Hamash (may Allāh be pleased with him) says, “I saw Alī (may Allāh be pleased with him) slaughtering two sheep, so I asked him why he is slaughtering two sheep.” He said, “The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) made a bequest that I should render Udhīyyah for him.” (Tirmidhī).

    Abbās (may Allāh be pleased with him) says that Sā’d ibn Ubādah (ra) was away when his mother passed away. When he returned he asked the Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings upon him), “Will it be of any benefit if I give charity on her behalf? The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) replied in the affirmative”. (Bukhāri)

    And Allāh Knows Best.

  • Udhiyyah/ Qurbani for a Household

    Udhiyyah/ Qurbani for a Household

    Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat

    Question:

    My wife and I both have our own income from jobs. Normally we do one sacrifice on Eid ul Adha that is either goat or sheep with the intention that this is from both of us. Do we need to do separate sacrifices of two goat or sheep, one from me and one from my wife?

    Answer:

    Jazakumullahu Khayran / Thank you for your question.

    Qurbani / Udhiyyah sacrifice is required from every individual who owns Zakah Nisab (amount of wealth that causes Zakah to be mandatory on a believer). Thus, in your situation, both husband and wife should render two separate individual goat or sheep for Qurbani (Udhiyyah).

    “Whoever has the [financial] capacity [to offer the sacrifice] and does not offer the sacrifice, they should not come near our place of prayer.” (Ibn Mājah)

    And Allah Knows Best

  • Zakah on a Joint Account

    Zakah on a Joint Account

    Question

    I am an adherent to Hanafi fiqh. What is the ruling on Zakah when a couple has a joint account? Is it OK if only the husband pays zakah on the total amount of the joint account? Please be aware that both husband and wife have full access to the account.

    Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat

    بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

    Jazak Allah for contacting us for your query.

    The joint account of a couple would fall under the rulings of joint property (shared ownership).

    There can be several scenarios for such a joint account, hence the zakah can be paid in numerous ways.

    1. If each partner’s individual amounts are known, than each partner can discharge their zakah on their individual amounts, once the amount reaches the nisaab and a lunar year has passed.
    2. If each partner’s individual separate amounts are unknown, than there is no harm in one partner discharging the zakah on the total amount on behalf of both partners, following all the applicable rules of Zakah. However, in such a scenario, it is mandatory for the partner that is discharging the zakah, to be granted permission from the other partner for this.

    Imam Abul Hasan Al Quduri writes, “None of the partners are to pay the Zakah of the wealth of the other without his permission’ (Mukhtasar Al Quduri)

    Some general references regarding financial partnership:

    “Allah’s hand is with partners in business as long as they do not betray each other.” (Abu Dawud).

    “Profit return is shared according to conditions determined freely by partners. And the loss is dealt with according to ratio of their capitals.” (Ibn Majah)

    “Many partners oppress one another (in business), except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and very few they are.” (Holy Quran 38:24).

    And Allah Knows Best.