This excerpt is taken from Sheikh Farooq Rafi Sahib's book Qurbani, Aqiqah, and Ashra Zil-Hijjah.
It is also permissible to offer a separate sacrifice on behalf of family members. The evidence for this is the following hadith. Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:
وضحى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن نسائه بالبقر
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sacrificed a cow on behalf of his wives (during the Farewell Pilgrimage)."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Menstruation, Chapter on the command regarding a woman who has given birth: 294. Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 3028. Sahih Ibn Hibban: 1429
Offering more than one animal as a sacrifice is a Sunnah and recommended act, provided that in this act there is adherence to Sunnah, sincerity, attainment of piety, and devotion to Allah.
Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
كان النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم يضحي بكبشين وأنا أضحي بکبیشن
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to slaughter two rams, and I also slaughter two rams.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Book of Sacrifices, Chapter on the Prophet's sacrifice of two horned rams: 5553. Sunan Nasai, Book of Sacrifices, Chapter on the ram: 439. Musnad Ahmad: 101/3
Benefit:
Ibn Battal, may Allah have mercy on him, states:
فمن أراد أن يضحي عن نفسه باثنين أو ثلاثة، فهو أزيد فى أجره إذا أراد بذلك وجه الله وإطعام المساكين
"The person who wishes to offer two or three sacrifices on his own initiative, this act brings him greater reward and merit, provided that the purpose of this act is the pleasure of Allah and feeding the poor."
Reference: Sharh Ibn Battal: 14/11
