1 – Definition of Udhiyah:
Udhiyah is what a Muslim slaughters as an act of drawing closer to Allah during Eid al-Adha from livestock, namely: camels, cattle, sheep, and goats.
Allah the Exalted says:
“And for every nation We have appointed a ritual of sacrifice that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of livestock.” (Surah Al-Hajj: 34)
2 – Ruling of Udhiyah:
It is reported in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever intends to offer a sacrifice and the month of Dhul-Hijjah begins, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails until he performs the sacrifice.”
It is also reported that Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) did not perform the sacrifice at times so that people would not think it is obligatory.
Therefore, Udhiyah is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah).
It is disliked for a capable person to neglect it, but it is not obligatory on individuals.
3 – Conditions of the Sacrifice
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Four types are not permissible for sacrifice:
the one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious,
the sick animal whose illness is evident,
the lame animal whose limp is clear,
and the emaciated animal that has no marrow (i.e., extremely thin).”
Thus, it is not permissible to sacrifice:
An obviously one-eyed animal (and blindness is even worse)
A clearly sick animal
A clearly lame animal
A severely weak or emaciated animal
4 – Age Requirements:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Do not slaughter except a mature animal, unless it is difficult for you, then you may slaughter a young sheep (jadha‘ah).”
Minimum ages:
Cattle: 2 years
Camels: 5 years
Goats: 1 year
Sheep: 6 months
Anything younger than this is not valid.
5 – Time of Sacrifice:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The first thing we do on this day is pray, then we return and slaughter. Whoever does this has followed our Sunnah. Whoever slaughtered before the prayer, it is just meat he presented to his family.”
He also said: “All the days of Tashreeq are days of sacrifice.”
So: The time begins after the Eid prayer
Ends at sunset of the last day of Tashreeq
Not valid before or after this period
6 – Sharing in the Sacrifice:
It is reported that:
A camel can be shared by 7 people
A cow can be shared by 7 people
As for a sheep:
It is sufficient for one person and his household
7 – Appointing Someone to Slaughter:
It is permissible to appoint someone else to perform the sacrifice.
The Prophet ﷺ delegated Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to slaughter on his behalf.
8 – What to Say When Slaughtering:
“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. O Allah, accept this from me and from my family.”
9 – Eating, Giving Charity, and Storing:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Eat, store, and give in charity.”
So it is recommended to:
Eat from the sacrifice
Store some of it
Give some in charity
10 – Place of Slaughter:
The Sunnah is to slaughter in the same country where the person lives, even if there are poorer places elsewhere.
Wisdom behind this includes:
Manifesting the ritual in that land (especially in non-Muslim countries)
Teaching the family and children the practice
Supporting local poor people
It is not recommended to transfer the sacrifice to another country unless it is not possible to perform it locally.