Sacrifice of an animal for wealthy children

Sometimes, considerable amounts of money are saved in the name of minors.  Does this make sacrifice of animal Compulsory (Wajib) for them or should their parents perform the sacrifice from their wealth on their behalf?  There are 2 opinions of the jurists in this regard:

(1) It is clarified in the books of jurisprudence and edicts that if a minor is wealthy, then sacrifice of animal is Compulsory (Wajib) on them.

(2)  Imam Ibn A’abideen Shaami (May Allah Most High shower His mercy on him) has declared in Radd Ul Muhtaar that the authoritative opinion is that sacrificing an animal is not Compulsory (Wajib) for minors.  The principles of the Shariah support this.  The condition for other forms of worship to become compulsory on a person is adulthood.  As long as a child does not reach adulthood, the rules of the Shariah don’t apply to him/her.  The Shariah doesn’t hold him/her liable for anything.  In light of this, like Salaat, fasting, Zakaat and Haj, sacrifice of an animal is also not Compulsory (Wajib) for a minor.  As the money/wealth is the property of the child, the parents should not use that money to perform the sacrifice on their behalf.

It is given in Durre Mukhtaar:

Translation: It is not correct for a father to use the wealth of his minor child to sacrifice an animal.  This is the authoritative opinion.  (Durre Mukhtaar, Vol. 5, Pg. No. 223)

Similarly, it is not Compulsory (Wajib) for parents/guardians to use their own wealth to sacrifice an animal on behalf of their children.  If parents/guardians do so, it is commendable (Mustahab)

It is given in Radd Ul Muhtaar:

Translation: It is not Compulsory (Wajib) on the father to sacrifice an animal on behalf of his children.  It is mentioned in Zahir Ur Riwayah that it is Mustahab (commendable) to do so and not Compulsory (Wajib) unlike Sadqa Fitr (which is Wajib on the father on behalf of the children)  (Radd Ul Muhtaar, Vol. 5, Pg. No. 222)

Author: Mufti Hafidh Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri,
Professor, Islamic Law, Jamia Nizamia.