Is it obligatory to act upon the hadith: "Whoever has the means and does not offer a sacrifice, let him not approach our prayer area," and is it sufficient for the head of the household to offer the sacrifice on behalf of his family, and is it permissible to disseminate this to invite people to act upon it?
The hadith, "Whoever has wealth and does not offer a sacrifice, let him not approach our prayer place," has been authenticated as both Marfu' (attributed to the Prophet) and Mawquf (attributed to a Companion). Al-Albani favored its authenticity, while Al-Arna'ut leaned towards its weakness. The Udhiyah (sacrifice) is a confirmed Sunnah according to the majority of scholars, and obligatory according to some. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged it. Evidence for it not being obligatory is that Abu Bakr, Umar, and a number of Companions omitted it, fearing that people would consider it obligatory. The husband's sacrifice is sufficient for his wife and other household members. There is no harm in disseminating the hadith to encourage the ritual of Udhiyah.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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