The 'Id sacrifice is a recommended practice and not obligatory

Question: I inform you that I am married, praise be to Allah, and I have children. I live in a city other than the one where my family resides, and during the holidays we come to the city where my family is. This 'Id al-Adha, I came with my children five days before the festival, and we did not sacrifice, even though I am able to do so, praise be to Allah.
Is it permissible for me to sacrifice? Does my father's 'Id sacrifice suffice for me, my wife, and my children? What is the ruling on the 'Id sacrifice for one who is able? Is it obligatory for one who is not able? Is it permissible to take the cost of the 'Id sacrifice as a debt from the salary? A. A. S., Rafha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Answer: The 'Id sacrifice is a recommended practice and not obligatory. One sheep suffices for a man and his household; because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to sacrifice every year with two white, horned camels. He would slaughter one on his behalf and on behalf of his household, and the other on behalf of whoever of his Ummah (the Muslim community) had not sacrificed (peace and blessings be upon him).
And if you are in a separate house, O questioner, then it is prescribed for you to sacrifice on your behalf and on behalf of your household. Your father's 'Id sacrifice does not suffice for you, for him, and for his household; because you are not with them in the house, but you are in a separate house. There is no blame on a Muslim who borrows to sacrifice, if he has the ability to repay. May Allah guide them all.