The requirements for the sacrifice are among the fundamental issues of Islamic jurisprudence that every Muslim obligated to perform the sacrifice as an act of worship must know in advance. Known as “udhiyya” in classical sources of Islamic jurisprudence, this act of worship consists of the slaughter of an animal during the days of Eid al-Adha, in accordance with specific conditions, for the purpose of drawing closer to Allah the Almighty. This guide addresses the religious basis of the sacrifice, for whom it is obligatory, the characteristics to look for in selecting an animal, and the time and method of slaughter, all based on fiqh sources.
The Definition and Religious Basis of the Sacrifice Ritual
Sacrifice is a religious ritual involving the slaughter of specific animals during the days of Eid al-Adha with the aim of drawing closer to Allah (takarrub). For detailed information on the definition, significance, and religious basis of sacrifice: What Is Sacrifice? →
Conditions for Sacrifice: Who Is Required to Perform It
According to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, the conditions for sacrifice are examined under two main headings: the conditions of obligation (which determine who is required to perform the sacrifice) and the conditions of validity (which specify the requirements regarding the animal and the method of slaughter for the sacrifice to be considered valid).
Conditions of Obligation (Conditions for Being Responsible for the Sacrifice)
Sacrificing an animal is obligatory for Muslims who meet the following four conditions:
- Being Muslim: The ritual of sacrifice is obligatory only for Muslims.
- To be free: This is not required of those who are slaves or captives.
- Being a resident: The sacrifice is not obligatory for travelers who are considered to be on a journey.
- Possession of the nisab amount: Sacrifice is obligatory for anyone who possesses approximately 80.14 grams of gold or its equivalent in assets, in addition to their basic necessities and debts. Unlike zakat, it is not a requirement for these assets to be productive (generating income) or for a full year to have passed.
A Muslim who meets all four of these conditions but fails to offer a sacrifice incurs a significant legal responsibility. The sacrifice is not obligatory for the poor or those traveling. As for young children, according to the narration preferred by Imam al-Quduri, it is considered obligatory for a wealthy father to offer a sacrifice on behalf of his young children as well.
Health Requirements for Sacrificial Animals
Which Animals Can Be Sacrificed? Species and Age Requirements
The animals eligible for sacrifice and the minimum age requirements for each are as follows:
- Sheep and goats: They must be at least one year old. However, if a 6-month-old lamb appears as large and well-fed as a one-year-old sheep, it may be slaughtered as a sacrifice.
- Cattle and buffalo: Must be at least 2 years old.
- Camel: Must be at least 5 years old.
While small livestock (sheep and goats) are considered individual sacrifices, up to seven people may jointly participate in the sacrifice of large livestock (cattle, buffalo, camels). In such a joint sacrifice, it is essential that each participant’s intention be for worship (obligatory sacrifice, voluntary sacrifice, aqiqah, etc.); if any participant joins for commercial purposes, the reward for the sacrifice of the others becomes questionable.
Defects That Invalidate the Sacrifice
Animals with the following characteristics may not be slaughtered as sacrificial animals:
- People who are blind in one or both eyes
- Those who are too lame to walk to the slaughterhouse
- Those whose bones have become brittle from extreme emaciation
- Those with more than half of their ear or tail cut off
- Those with one dry udder in sheep and goats, and two dry udders in cattle
- People who have lost all their teeth or enough to prevent them from spreading
- Wild (non-domesticated) animals such as deer and gazelles
Defects That Do Not Invalidate the Sacrifice
However, some defects do not affect the validity of the sacrifice. Having small ears, being hornless, or having slightly broken horns, having pierced or branded ears, or having scabies that does not prevent the animal from eating are among such minor defects. Furthermore, it is permissible to sacrifice neutered or castrated animals.
When Is the Sacrifice Performed? The Time of Slaughter and the Requirement for the Eid Prayer
The sacrifice may be performed on the first, second, and third days of Eid al-Adha. The time for sacrifice ends at sunset on the third day. These three days are known as the "eyyâm-ı nahr."
It is not permissible to slaughter the sacrificial animal before the Eid prayer is performed in cities. However, in rural areas and villages where the Eid prayer is not performed, the slaughter may take place at dawn. If a person residing in a city wishes to send their sacrificial animal to a rural area, the time of dawn at the slaughter site in the rural area is taken as the reference point.
Prayers for the Sacrifice (Arabic and Turkish)
It is recommended to make an intention when sacrificing an animal and to recite the following prayer and verses.
Intention in Turkish: “O Lord, I intend to sacrifice an animal for Your pleasure. I am sacrificing this animal, which You have graciously bestowed upon me, as a substitute for my humble self.”
The Verse of Intent — Al-An'am, 6:162 (Arabic):
"Indeed, my prayer, my worship, my life, and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; He has no partner."
Indeed, my prayer, my worship, my life, and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; He has no partner.
Takbir (At the Moment of Slaughter): “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar. La ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar. Allahu akbar, and all praise is due to Allah. In the name of Allah, Allahu akbar.”
It is mandatory to recite the basmala during slaughter; if the basmala is intentionally omitted, the meat of the slaughtered animal becomes haram. Additionally, at least three of the animal’s windpipe, esophagus, and two carotid arteries must be severed.
How Is Sacrificial Meat Distributed?
Dividing the sacrificial meat into three portions is a recommended practice:
- One-third is given as alms to the poor and needy.
- One-third is given to friends, relatives, and neighbors.
- The remaining one-third may be retained for family members.
When sharing the meat of large livestock, it must be weighed (using a scale) before being divided; dividing it by estimation is not permissible. However, if additional parts such as the skin, head, or feet are included with the meat, dividing it by estimation becomes permissible.
The skin of the sacrificial animal may not be sold. According to a hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him), a person who sells the skin of a sacrificial animal forfeits the reward for the sacrifice. The skin may be given to the poor as charity or used at home to make durable items such as a rug or prayer mat.
The Wisdom Behind the Sacrifice Ritual
According to Islamic scholars, the primary purposes of the ritual of sacrifice are as follows:
- Surrender to God: The essence of the sacrifice is not about the meat, but about submitting to God’s command.
- Social solidarity: By sharing meat, the poor are also included in the joy of the holiday, thereby strengthening social solidarity.
- A means of atonement for sins: The blood that is shed has been made a means of attaining Allah’s forgiveness.
- Historical and spiritual significance: This act of worship ensures that the example of complete submission to God demonstrated by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and his son Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him) is kept alive for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is age a requirement for the sacrifice?
Yes, the animal to be sacrificed must have reached a certain age. For sheep and goats, the animal must be at least one year old (though a six-month-old lamb may be accepted if it appears large and well-fed); for cattle and buffalo, at least two years; and for camels, at least five years. This age requirement is one of the health criteria for the sacrifice.
Is it obligatory for a traveler to offer a sacrifice?
According to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, a person traveling a distance of 90 km or more is not required to offer a sacrifice. For the sacrifice to be obligatory, the person must be a resident (settled).
How many people can co-own a head of cattle?
Up to seven people may share in the sacrifice of a cow, buffalo, or camel. It is required that each participant intend the sacrifice for religious purposes (obligatory sacrifice, voluntary sacrifice, aqiqah, etc.). If one of the participants intends the sacrifice for a non-religious purpose, the validity of the sacrifice for the others becomes questionable.
Can sacrificial animal hides be sold?
The skin of a sacrificial animal may not be sold; a hadith states that anyone who sells the skin of a sacrificial animal will forfeit the reward for the sacrifice. The skin may be given to the poor as charity or turned into a durable item for household use (such as a prayer rug or a mat).
Is it permissible to distribute the cost of the sacrifice instead of slaughtering the animal?
According to the Hanafi school of thought, the ritual of sacrifice is fulfilled only through the shedding of blood. If the sacrifice is not performed at the designated time and the value of the sacrifice is distributed instead, the obligation has not been fulfilled. Donations made to the poor, however, earn additional merit; yet they do not serve as a substitute for the ritual of sacrifice.
