How should the meat of the Udhiyah sacrifice be divided among self, family, and the poor?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
The preferred division, according to Ahmad, based on the narration from Abdullah (Ibn Mas'ud), is that one-third is for the person sacrificing, one-third is given to whomever the person wishes (family or others), and one-third is given in charity to the needy. This division is also attributed to Ishaq and is one of the opinions of Shafi'i. Evidence supporting this division is provided by the saying of Ibn Mas'ud and Ibn 'Umar. The narration concerning Ibn 'Umar states the division is one-third for you, one-third for your family, and one-third for the needy. This practice is considered by some to be in agreement among the Companions, implying a consensus. Furthermore, Quranic injunctions support the distribution, mentioning 'the needy' and 'those who ask humbly and those who do not ask but are present'. This suggests three categories of recipients, supporting division into thirds.
Supporting text
An alternative view, held by the companions of Abu Hanifa, suggests dividing the meat into two halves: one half for eating and one half for charity, based on the Quranic verse commanding, 'So eat from it and feed the wretched poor' (Quran 29:28). Another view suggests that giving more in charity is better, citing a narration where the Prophet (peace be upon him) distributed the meat of the sacrificed animals, eating none of it himself, stating 'whoever wishes may cut a portion for himself.' Another opinion from Shafi'i allows for eating the entire sacrifice. The view against obligatory sharing cites the Prophet's (PBUH) action of sacrificing large animals without eating any of the meat, stating 'whoever wishes may cut a portion,' and comparing the Udhiyah to the 'Aqiqah sacrifice, where eating is not obligatory.