All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.
Udhiyah is one of the great symbols of Islam. It is the animal from grazing livestock that a Muslim slaughters during the days of sacrifice, seeking nearness to Allah. It is connected to Eid al-Adha, and it includes honoring Allah, reviving the way of Ibrahim عليه السلام, and showing kindness to family and the poor.
Udhiyah is a strongly emphasized Sunnah according to the majority of scholars, while some scholars held that it is obligatory for the one who is able. Therefore, a capable Muslim should not leave it without need, out of respect for this symbol and to avoid the area of scholarly disagreement.
Udhiyah has conditions that must be observed for it to be valid and sufficient. The most important include:
The time for slaughtering udhiyah begins after the Eid prayer on the Day of Nahr. It is not valid before the Eid prayer. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
Agreed upon.
The time of slaughter extends until sunset on the last of the Days of Tashriq, the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah, according to a number of scholars.
Udhiyah must be from grazing livestock: camels, cattle, sheep, or goats. It is not valid from other animals such as birds, deer, or the like.
The basic rule is that the udhiyah should have reached the legally considered age. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
Narrated by Muslim. Musinnah refers to a thaniyyah or older, and a jadha'ah from sheep is sufficient in cases of need or according to the details mentioned by the scholars.
The udhiyah should be free from clear defects. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
Narrated by Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi, and An-Nasa'i, and authenticated by scholars.
Whoever intends to offer an udhiyah should refrain from cutting his hair, nails, and skin once the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah begin until he slaughters his udhiyah. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
Narrated by Muslim. This ruling applies specifically to the one offering the udhiyah. His family members who share in the reward are not required to refrain.
It is recommended for a Muslim to eat from his udhiyah, give some as gifts, and give some in charity to the poor. Dividing it into thirds is not obligatory, but it is a good division according to many scholars.
The majority of scholars hold that it is a strongly emphasized Sunnah, while some held that it is obligatory for the able person. It is safer for the able person to be keen on it.
Sharing is allowed in a camel or cow for seven people. As for one sheep, it suffices for a man and his household.
This applies only to the one intending to offer the udhiyah, meaning the owner of the sacrifice. The rest of the household included in the reward are not required to refrain.
There is no sin if he forgot, and his udhiyah is valid insha'Allah. If he did it deliberately, he should seek Allah's forgiveness.
Udhiyah is a great symbol through which a Muslim honors Allah, follows the Sunnah of His Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, and shows kindness to family and the poor. The capable Muslim should be keen on it, learn its rulings, and make his intention seeking nearness to Allah alone.