Which is more important: to complete the expenses for the upcoming baby (who is the firstborn) or to offer a sacrifice on Eid al-Adha?
The Udhiyah (sacrifice) is a Sunnah according to the majority of scholars. Jurists differed regarding the definition of affordability (istita'ah) required for it. The Hanafis define it as possessing 200 dirhams or 20 dinars in excess of basic needs and debts. The Malikis define it as not needing its price for essential matters for that year. The Shafi'is define it as being in excess of the needs of the sacrificer and those he supports, and the clothing for the day of Eid and the days of Tashreeq. The Hanbalis consider it disliked to abandon it for one who is able, and permit borrowing if one is able to repay. The Udhiyah is a confirmed Sunnah for one who is able. If it is possible to combine it with the Aqiqah (sacrifice for a newborn), that is good. If it is not possible, then the Udhiyah takes precedence due to its earlier time, and because it is more emphasized according to some scholars.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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