Question:
When building and moving into a new house, is it compulsory to invite relatives for a feast? Is it enough to slaughter a goat and distribute the meat?
Answer:
Islam does not command slaughtering an animal specifically when moving into a new house. Slaughtering animals is specifically prescribed for the birth of a child (Aqiqah). For a male child, two goats are recommended; for a female child, one goat is recommended. This is a Sunnah but not obligatory. If someone cannot afford it, there is no sin.
Animal sacrifice is also prescribed during Eid al-Adha (Qurbani) for those who can afford it. Apart from these occasions, slaughtering animals is not required for other events.
Even wedding feasts do not require meat. The Prophetﷺ (peace be upon him) sometimes served simple meals such as wheat-based food. A feast can include any food according to one’s financial ability, including simple items like fruits or snacks. Feast, when shifting into a new house is permissible, but not compulsory. If someone moves into a house without hosting a feast, there is no sin.
A hadith in Sahih Bukhari compares the Prophetﷺ’s mission to a person who builds a house and invites people for a feast. Those who accept the invitation receive the benefit, and those who do not miss out. Scholars use this example to show that hosting a feast when building a house is permissible and a good practice, but not obligatory.