Question # 31: Seven people share in a camel sacrifice. However, there’s a common perception in the subcontinent that 14 people share in a camel. Does it have scriptural basis or is it a misconception?

bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,

 Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Dear questioner,

First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.

Shorter Answer: Seven people share in a camel for the purpose of udhiyah (sacrifice).

Long Answer: 14 people share in a camel for the purpose of udhiyah (sacrifice) is a misconception as there is no authentic narration supporting this claim. The following are the evidences from the ahadith to support that it is only permissible for seven people to share one camel or cow:

  • Narrated Jabir (رضي الله عنه): “We performed the Nahr (sacrifice) with the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) at Al-Hudaibiyyah: A camel for seven (persons) and a cow for seven (persons).” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Saheeh)
  • Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (رضي الله عنه) reported: We joined Allah’s Apostle (صلى الله عليه و سلم) in Hajj and Umra and seven persons shared in the sacrifice of an animal. A person said to Jabir (رضي الله عنه): Can seven persons share in the sacrifice of al-Badnah (a camel) as he shares in al- Jazur (a cow)? He, (Jabir) said: It (al-Jazur) is nothing but one among the budun. Jabir was present at Hudaibiya and he said: We sacrificed on that day seventy camel, and seven men shared in each sacrifice (of camel). (Muslim)
  • Jabir (رضي الله عنه) reported: We set out in the state of Ihram for Hajj along, with Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم). He commanded us that seven persons should join in a camel and a cow for offering sacrifice. (Muslim)

Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.

 Wassalaam