The Prophet (ﷺ) said: A cow serves for seven, and a camel serves for seven.
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "A cow serves for seven, and a camel serves for seven."
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 2808 | Book: Sacrifice (Kitab Al-Dahaya)
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes the legal principle regarding the number of people who may share in a single sacrificial animal. The ruling indicates that one cow or camel suffices as a valid sacrifice for up to seven individuals or households.
The wisdom behind this ruling includes facilitating acts of worship for those with limited means, encouraging communal participation in religious rites, and preventing excessive slaughter that might lead to waste. This demonstrates the Shariah's balance between fulfilling religious obligations and practical considerations.
Juridical Application
According to the majority of scholars, this ruling applies to both obligatory sacrifices (like the Eid al-Adha sacrifice) and voluntary offerings. Each participant must have the intention of seeking reward from Allah.
The seven shares must be distributed equally in value, though the physical division may vary according to household needs. This ruling does not apply to smaller animals like sheep or goats, which generally serve for only one person or household.
Conditions & Limitations
The animal must meet all standard sacrificial requirements: free from defects, reaching the appropriate age (camel: 5 years, cow: 2 years), and slaughtered during the designated time for Eid sacrifice.
All seven participants must be Muslims performing the sacrifice for the sake of Allah. The shares cannot be sold or given as payment, but must be distributed as charity or consumed by the participants themselves.