Cattle Sacrifice: How Many People Can Share? Here's the Explanation from Scholars and Its Evidence

Kapanlagi.com - Eid al-Adha is a time filled with meaning for Muslims, especially when performing the sacrifice. In Indonesia, cattle are the primary choice for sacrificial animals. Besides the abundant meat, cattle also allow for collective sacrifice. However, an important question often arises: how many people are actually allowed to share one cow for sacrifice?

This question is not only related to the technicalities of sharing but also reflects the community's awareness to perform worship according to Islamic law. There are times when we hear of communities trying to use one cow for more than seven people, citing reasons like practicing sacrifice or charitable intentions. So, what do the scholars think and what is the legal basis in Islam regarding this matter?

To answer this question, let us explore the evidence from authentic hadiths, scholars' fatwas, and the practices carried out by the companions. This article will thoroughly and deeply discuss the provisions regarding the number of people who can sacrifice with a cow, as well as answer various popular questions that often arise before Eid al-Adha.

1. Basic Provisions: A Maximum of Seven People for One Cow

According to the majority of scholars, one cow may be sacrificed by a maximum of seven people. This is based on a hadith from Jabir bin Abdillah who said: “We have slaughtered a sacrifice with the Messenger of Allah shallallâhu ‘alaihi wasallam during the year of Hudaibiyah, one camel for seven people and one cow also for seven people.” (HR Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah).

This evidence serves as the main basis for the limitation on the number of people in the cow sacrifice. This means that each participant in one cow must have a valid intention for the sacrifice, not merely wanting to give charity or practice. If the number of participants exceeds seven, then the status of the worship may change.

BAZNAS also emphasizes that “purchasing a cow together for the sacrifice is allowed, but on the condition that it does not exceed seven people”. If it exceeds that, then it is not considered part of the sacrificial worship according to Islamic law, but rather just regular charity.

2. Muhammadiyah Scholars' View: Can It Be More Than Seven?

The Muhammadiyah Tarjih Fatwa emphasizes that the maximum valid limit for sacrificing with one cow is seven people. However, in practice, some communities attempt to combine more than seven people for educational reasons or due to financial limitations, which leads to debates among the congregation.

Muhammadiyah asserts that if more than seven people contribute, the sacrifice is not valid according to Islamic law and is only considered a regular charity. Furthermore, if there is one person designated as the owner of the sacrifice, a gift agreement from the other participants is required.

In one of its fatwas, Muhammadiyah explains, "If you want to sacrifice, it must be clear who the owner of the sacrifice is. Without clarity, its status is only a regular charity." Therefore, it is important to ensure clarity in the agreement and the number of participants so that the act of sacrifice remains valid and meaningful.

3. The Difference Between Sacrifice and Charity: The Importance of Intention and Contract

Sacrifice has its own uniqueness that distinguishes it from ordinary charity, especially in terms of intention and the conditions of worship. In sacrifice, there are specific requirements that must be met, such as the number of participants, the designated time for slaughtering between the 10th and 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, and the main purpose of drawing closer to Allah. Unlike charity, which is more flexible without limits on amount and time, sacrifice carries greater rewards.

For example, if ten or more people pool together for one cow without a valid gift contract to the rightful owner, then the act is invalid and is only considered ordinary charity, as explained by Muhammadiyah scholars.

Therefore, it is very important to clearly establish who the rightful owner of the sacrificial animal is, especially in a collective context. Even in the intention, it must be explicitly stated: "I intend to sacrifice for the sake of Allah." If not, the process of sacrifice loses its meaning as an act of worship, although the meat can still be utilized for social purposes.

4. Practical Solutions: Want to Participate in Collective Sacrifice but More than Seven Participants

If a group has more than seven participants and still wants to perform a cow sacrifice, there are two Sharia-compliant solutions:

• Donate all funds to one person as the owner of the sacrifice, and that person will be the one who intends and is responsible for the sacrifice. The following year, it will be the turn of another participant.
• Divide the participants into several groups of seven people. If there are 14 people, then split into two groups and buy two cows if possible. If funds are insufficient, each person can choose to sacrifice a goat.

5. FAQ

1. Is it allowed for one person to sacrifice more than one cow?

Yes, it is very permissible for someone to sacrifice more than one cow if they are able and wish to do so.

2. What if the number of people wanting to sacrifice is more than seven?

If there are more than seven people, they can consider purchasing more than one cow so that everyone can participate.

3. Is the cow sacrifice only for one family?

No, the cow sacrifice can be performed by different groups, as long as there are no more than seven people per cow.

4. Are there specific requirements for the animal to be sacrificed?

Yes, the sacrificial animal must meet certain requirements, such as being healthy, not defective, and of sufficient age for sacrifice.

(kpl/rmt)