What Is The Criterion of Wealth That Makes Sacrificing an Animal Compulsory?

The criterion is that one who possesses 60 grams 755 milligrams of gold or 425 grams 285 milligrams of silver or the equivalent cash or more other than the basic necessities must sacrifice an animal.  Food, clothes, shelter, means of transport and other household goods come under the category of basic necessities.

According to the jurists, only three pairs of clothes are to be regarded as basic needs, one for wearing at home, the other while working and the last for special occasions such as Friday, Eid, etc.  Similarly, regarding shelter, they specify that each one should have two rooms one for summer, another for winter.  Kitchen, bathroom and lavatory are also included in basic needs.

As mentioned in Radd Ul Muhtaar:

 (Radd Ul Muhtaar, Vol. 5, Pg. No. 219)

In light of the aforementioned clarifications, one should check the value of goods excluding shelter and basic needs and if that is equal to the value of 60 grams 755 milligrams of gold 425 grams 285 milligrams of silver, then sacrificing an animal is Compulsory (Wajib).  Thus, if an extra mode of transport (vehicle), extra pairs of clothes than the required ones and goods beyond the basic needs become equal or more than the prescribed limit, then the sacrifice of an animal ought to be made.

Some people think that sacrificing an animal is Compulsory (Wajib) only on the head of the family and not on other members.  We should remember in this regard that sacrificing an animal is like Salaat and fasting, compulsory on every Muslim whose wealth meets the aforementioned criterion regardless of whether he or she might the head of the family or not.  Therefore, if a family has five members and each one has wealth/money which meets the aforementioned criterion, then all the five members must sacrifice an animal.

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