What is uḍḥiyah / qurbānī (ritual sacrifice)?
Allah says: So pray to your Lord and sacrifice! (Surah al-Kawthar 108:2). As mentioned in hadith, the uḍḥiyah is the most beloved act to Allah on the day of Eid al-Adha, and one is rewarded for every hair of the animal. It is the practice of our father Ibrahim, peace be upon him, who was willing to sacrifice everything for Allah’s sake.
For us, it also signifies our willingness to sacrifice for His sake, whether it is our time, wealth, desires, or lives. Allah, in His infinite mercy, only requires an animal when He could have required much more from us, and He gives us a great material blessing in return, in the form of meat to eat.
Who must perform the uḍḥiyah?
Every adult Muslim, male or female, who is not traveling and possesses the niṣāb (see details below) must perform the uḍḥiyah. One is not obligated to do so on behalf of minor children. If a child has reached puberty and possesses the niṣāb, he must perform the sacrifice.
One may sacrifice on behalf of someone else, such as a wife or child, with their express or implied permission.
What is the niṣāb?
The niṣāb is 87 grams of gold or 612 grams of silver in total assets (including non-productive ones) minus debts, above basic needs. This is the same threshold that obligates ṣadaqah al-fiṭr and disqualifies one from receiving zakat.
Note that the niṣāb amount is the same as that of obligating zakat, but in zakat only productive assets are considered (such as cash, gold and silver, and trade goods).
Which animals will suffice for uḍḥiyah?
One may sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. For cows and camels, up to seven people may share in one animal.
The animal must be at least one year old in case of a sheep or goat. A sheep of six months that resembles one-year-olds in size will also suffice. A cow must be two years old, and a camel must be five years old.
The animal must not have defects such as blindness, lameness, toothlessness, or most of the ear or tail being cut off. However, a castrated or dehorned animal will suffice.
What is the time of uḍḥiyah?
One may sacrifice from the time of Fajr on Eid al-Adha, after Salat al-Eid if performed in one’s locality. It is preferable to perform it on the first day, but it may also be done on the following two days, until Maghrib.
If the sacrifice is performed in another location, the time at that location is considered, not one’s local time.
What should be done with the meat?
It is recommended that one give a third of it in ṣadaqah, give or feed a third to relatives and friends, and eat or store a third for personal use. If he wishes, he can keep it all for himself.
Should I slaughter myself or send it somewhere else?
One should slaughter the animal oneself if capable of doing so properly. If not, then it is preferable to witness it, even for women.
It is permissible to appoint someone else in any location to do it on his behalf. While performing it locally is ideal, it may be done elsewhere, especially where there is greater need or if given to a relative.
Should I refrain from cutting my hair and nails in the days of Dhul Hijjah before sacrificing?
It is recommended to avoid cutting them, though it remains permissible to do so.
