How many people can share in the sacrifice of one animal for Qurbani?

A sheep or a goat can only be sacrificed on behalf of one person. However, a camel or a cow can be sacrificed either for one person or jointly for up to seven people. It is not permitted to exceed seven people [1].

This is based on the narration of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him):

نَحَرْنا مع رسولِ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم عامَ الحُديبيةِ: البَدنةَ عن سَبعةٍ، والبَقرةَ عن سَبعةٍ

“With the Messenger of Allah at Hudaybiyyah, we sacrificed a camel on behalf of seven people and a cow on behalf of seven people.” [2]

However, all those who join together to sacrifice a camel or cow must intend to perform the act of worship of Qurbani. If even one of them joins only for the sake of obtaining meat, the sacrifice will not be valid as Qurbani for any of them [3]. Qurbani, qiran [4], tamattu‘ [5], aqiqah [6], and nadhr [7] sacrifices can all be combined in this way, as long as everyone’s intention is for worship [8].

From the book “Qurbani Fatwas”

• [1] “al-Mabsut”, 6/171.

• [2] Muslim, No. 1318.

• [3] “al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah”, 5/375.

• [4] Qiran – a type of Hajj in which a person performs ‘Umrah first, then remains in ihram without exiting it, and waits for the time of Hajj. When the time for Hajj begins, they continue with the same ihram, thus combining both acts of worship in one ihram.

• [5] Tamattu‘ – a type of Hajj in which a person performs ‘Umrah first, then exits ihram. Until the time for Hajj, all things normally forbidden in ihram become permissible. When Hajj begins, they re-enter ihram and continue with Hajj.

• [6] Aqiqah – in Arabic, it means “the hair of a newborn.” In Islamic law, it refers to the sacrifice offered as thanks to Allah when a child is born.

• [7] Nadhr sacrifice – this refers to an animal sacrificed after a Muslim makes a vow to do so upon the fulfillment of a certain condition.

• [8] “Bada’i‘ al-Sana’i‘”, 4/198.