The 'Id sacrifice on behalf of the deceased
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What is the ruling on performing the 'Id sacrifice on behalf of a deceased person?
If the deceased person made a bequest to perform the 'Id sacrifice, then it is performed on his behalf. If he did not make such a bequest, then making du'a' for him is better than performing the sacrifice for him. The prescribed practice is to perform the 'Id sacrifice on behalf of the living. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to sacrifice a sheep on his own behalf and on behalf of his household. If you sacrifice a sheep on your own behalf and on behalf of your household, and you intend it for all your household members and your relatives who have passed away, there is nothing wrong with it, because they are included in the general category. However, specifically designating a sacrifice for a deceased person as a voluntary act from your own resources is not in accordance with the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not sacrifice on behalf of his wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), even though she was among the women he loved most. He did not sacrifice on behalf of his uncle Hamzah (may Allah be pleased with him), even though he was among the people he loved most. He did not sacrifice on behalf of his relatives or his daughters who had passed away. This indicates that this is not prescribed. However, if a person does so, we do not blame him; rather, we guide him to what is better, which is making du'a' for the deceased.
If the deceased person made a bequest to perform the 'Id sacrifice, then it is performed on his behalf. If he did not make such a bequest, then making du'a' for him is better than performing the sacrifice for him. The prescribed practice is to perform the 'Id sacrifice on behalf of the living. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to sacrifice a sheep on his own behalf and on behalf of his household. If you sacrifice a sheep on your own behalf and on behalf of your household, and you intend it for all your household members and your relatives who have passed away, there is nothing wrong with it, because they are included in the general category. However, specifically designating a sacrifice for a deceased person as a voluntary act from your own resources is not in accordance with the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not sacrifice on behalf of his wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), even though she was among the women he loved most. He did not sacrifice on behalf of his uncle Hamzah (may Allah be pleased with him), even though he was among the people he loved most. He did not sacrifice on behalf of his relatives or his daughters who had passed away. This indicates that this is not prescribed. However, if a person does so, we do not blame him; rather, we guide him to what is better, which is making du'a' for the deceased.