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Everything You Need to Know About Udhiyah (Sacrifice) on Eid al-Adha: Islamic Rulings, Conditions, and Slaughter Etiquette

Eid al-Adha: Its Meanings, Rulings, and the Islamic Ruling on Purchasing a Sacrificial Animal


Introduction

Eid al-Adha is one of the great Islamic holidays, occurring on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah after the Day of Arafah, when pilgrims perform the Hajj rituals, and Muslims around the world complete the Eid observances with prayer and sacrifice.  

  

1. The Meaning and Virtues of Eid al-Adha in Islam

A. The Names and Significance of Eid

Eid al-Adha is known by several names, including:  

- **Eid al-Nahr (Festival of Sacrifice)**: Because it is the day when sacrificing animals is legislated.  

- **The Greater Eid**: In some Muslim countries, to distinguish it from Eid al-Fitr.  

- **The Day of the Greater Hajj**: As mentioned in some hadiths.  

It is an occasion that combines spiritual joy in worship with social joy in solidarity among Muslims.  

B. The Virtues of Eid in the Prophetic Sunnah

Many hadiths highlight the virtues of this day, including:  

- Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that when the Prophet ï·º arrived in Medina, the people had two days of celebration. He said: **"Allah has replaced these two days with two better days: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha."** (Abu Dawud).  

- This day also marks the conclusion of the Hajj months, during which pilgrims complete their rituals.  


2. The Legitimacy and Ruling on Udhiyah in Islam

A. Definition of Udhiyah

Udhiyah refers to the slaughtering of livestock (camels, cows, sheep, or goats) during the days of Eid al-Adha as an act of worship to Allah.  

B. The Ruling on Udhiyah in the Four Schools of Thought

Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on Udhiyah:  

1. **The Majority (Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools)**: A confirmed Sunnah for those who can afford it.  

2. **The Hanafi school**: Obligatory for those who are financially capable.  

Evidence includes:  

- The Quranic verse: **"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."** (Al-Kawthar: 2).  

- Umm Salamah reported that the Prophet ï·º said: **"When the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) begin, and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails."** (Muslim).  

C. Conditions for Udhiya

1. **Type**: Must be from livestock (camels, cows, sheep, or goats).  

2. **Age**:  

   - Lambs: At least 6 months old.  

   - Goats: At least 1 year old.  

   - Cows: At least 2 years old.  

   - Camels: At least 5 years old.  

3. **Free from defects**: It is not permissible to sacrifice blind, sick, lame, or emaciated animals.  




3. The Ruling on Purchasing More Than One Udhiyah

?A. Can Someone Sacrifice on Behalf of Others

The basic rule is that Udhiyah is a Sunnah for a person and their household, but it is permissible to:  

- **Share in a sacrifice** (only for camels and cows, where one animal suffices for seven people).  

- **Donate additional sacrifices** to the poor or charitable organizations.  

B. The Ruling on Purchasing Extra Sacrificial Animals

It is permissible to buy more than one Udhiyah if the intention is:  

1. **Charity for the poor**.  

2. **Generosity toward family and relatives**.  

3. **Spreading joy among Muslims**.  


Some companions of the Prophet ï·º were known to sacrifice more than one animal.  


C. The Difference Between Udhiyah and Hady (Sacrificial Animal for Hajj)

- **Udhiyah**: A Sunnah for non-pilgrims.  

- **Hady**: Obligatory for Hajj pilgrims (those performing Tamattu’ or Qiran Hajj).  


4. The Etiquette and Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha

1. **Performing Ghusl (ritual bath) and applying perfume**.  

2. **Wearing the best clothes**.  

3. **Going to the prayer ground via one route and returning via another**.  

4. **Reciting Takbeer from Fajr on the Day of Arafah until the last days of Tashreeq**.  

5. **Distributing the sacrificial meat** (eating some, giving some in charity, and gifting some).  



5. Udhiyah in the Modern Era: Questions and Answers

A. Online Udhiyah (Sacrifice Through Charities)

Permissible if the Islamic conditions are met (intention, slaughter according to Shariah, and distribution to the needy).  

B. Buying Udhiyah in Installments

Permissible if the buyer can afford the payments, but it is preferable not to go into debt for Udhiyah.  

?C. Is Selling the Hide of the Sacrificial Animal Permissible

It is not permissible to sell it, but it can be donated or used personally.  


Conclusion

Eid al-Adha is a great occasion that combines worship and social solidarity, and Udhiyah is a devotional act that reminds us of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).  

Muslims should purify their intentions, adhere to the Sunnah in slaughtering, and care for the poor and needy.  

We ask Allah to accept our good deeds and to bless the Muslim Ummah with goodness and blessings on this Eid.  



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