Udhiyah is a strongly emphasized Sunnah according to the majority of scholars, and this is the view chosen by Shaykh Ibn Baz, may Allah have mercy on him. Some scholars consider it obligatory for those who are able. Whoever makes a valid vow to offer an udhiyah must fulfill it. Those who can afford it should give it due attention, without burdening those who cannot or competing in expenditure.

The time for slaughter begins after the Eid al-Adha prayer in a place where that prayer is held. The arrival of dawn on Eid day is not enough, and slaughter before the prayer does not qualify. It is preferable to slaughter after both the prayer and khutbah. For people in a place where Eid prayer is not held, such as those living in the desert, Ibn Baz issued a fatwa permitting slaughter after the sun has risen above the horizon.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Reported by al-Bukhari (5546).

The time continues until sunset on the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah according to the view chosen by Ibn Baz and a number of scholars. The days for slaughter are therefore Eid day and the three days after it. Jurists differ over the end of this period. Buying meat slaughtered before the prescribed time and calling it udhiyah does not qualify. For details of Eid prayer, see Eid Prayer: How to Pray and Its Rulings.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, identified four defects that prevent an animal from qualifying as udhiyah, saying:

Reported by Abu Dawud (2802) and graded authentic by al-Albani. The last refers to an emaciated animal with no marrow in its bones, as Abu Dawud explained.

Defects more severe than these are also disqualifying, such as complete blindness or inability to walk. Not every minor imperfection prevents an animal from qualifying, but an animal free of defects is preferable. Details concerning the ears, horns, and similar matters have their own rulings and areas of scholarly difference. If a defect is unclear, ask qualified scholars before buying the animal rather than relying only on the seller's reassurance.

One sheep or goat qualifies for the person offering it and their household. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that in the Prophet's time, peace and blessings be upon him, a man would sacrifice one sheep for himself and his household; they would eat from it and feed others. Reported by al-Tirmidhi (1505), who described it as a hasan sahih hadith.

Up to seven people may share a cow or camel, with each participant having at least a one-seventh share. Each may include their household with them. The basis for seven people sharing an animal is established in Jabir's hadith, may Allah be pleased with him, concerning the Hajj sacrifice (hady), in Muslim (1318).

Including household members in one udhiyah is different from independent individuals jointly owning a sheep or goat. A sheep or goat is not divided into separate udhiyah shares in the way a cow or camel can be.

The person offering udhiyah eats from it, gives some to family members and neighbors, and feeds the poor. Dividing it into three equal portions is not required; division into thirds is recommended by some scholars, not an obligatory proportion. Ibn Baz explained that there is flexibility, and that the poor may receive less or more than one-third.

Allah Most High says:

Do not treat gifts to well-off relatives as a replacement for the poor's portion. A number of jurists require that some of the meat be given in charity. Give the poor meat they can benefit from, not something unfit to eat. These rulings concern an ordinary udhiyah. For one required by a vow or provided for in a will, observe the ruling of the vow or the wording of the bequest, and ask qualified scholars when anything is unclear.

It is preferable for someone who knows how to slaughter properly to do so personally, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did. They may appoint a trustworthy Muslim who knows Islamic slaughter, or a reliable organization that buys and slaughters the animal on their behalf. Their presence is not required. Before paying, confirm that the arrangement is to purchase an animal that meets the age and health requirements and is slaughtered correctly within the prescribed time, not simply to buy a quantity of meat.

If the timing of Eid differs between the country of the person offering udhiyah and that of the agent, the relevant time is the time for slaughter in the agent's country, according to the Permanent Committee's fatwa. The person offering the sacrifice continues refraining from removing hair and nails until their animal has actually been slaughtered.

The butcher's fee is paid from other funds, not from the udhiyah's meat or hide. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, to give the meat, hides, and coverings of his sacrificial camels in charity and not to give any of them to the butcher as payment. The narration states that they paid the butcher from their own funds. Reported by Muslim (1317). Meat may be given to the butcher as a gift or charity, provided it is not payment for the work or a reason to reduce the fee.

According to the majority of scholars, the person offering udhiyah does not sell any of its meat or hide. They may use the hide, give it as a gift, or give it in charity. Udhiyah is an act of devotion, not a means of recovering part of its cost. For an explanation of takbir during these days, read Takbir in the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah.