According to the Hanafi school of thought, the period for sacrificing animals lasts three days: the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhu al-Hijjah. According to the Shafi'i school of thought, however, this period extends to four days and includes the 13th day as well.

The sacrifice is obligatory for Muslim men and women who are of sound mind, free, resident (not traveling), and possess sufficient wealth to be required to pay the fitrah. This ruling applies to those who possess 80.14 grams of gold or an equivalent amount of other assets, after deducting their basic and essential needs (a home, household goods, a means of transportation, three sets of clothing, and one year’s worth of living expenses) and their debts. Even if the value of the sacrifice is given as charity instead of performing the sacrifice at the designated time, the act of worship is not considered fulfilled.

Animals eligible for sacrifice include sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo (câmûs), and camels. Sheep and goats must be at least one year old, cattle and buffalo at least two years old, and camels at least five years old. If a lamb is large and cannot be distinguished from a one-year-old sheep, it is sufficient for it to have reached six months of age. Up to seven people may share in the sacrifice of a cow, buffalo, or camel; however, sheep and goats do not accept shares and may only be sacrificed in the name of a single person.

A proxy for the sacrifice may be granted verbally, in writing, by telephone, or online. When a proxy is granted online through an organization, the proxy is considered to have been transferred to the organization from the moment the donation is made. It is essential that the proxy be granted before the time of the sacrifice.

According to classical sources of Islamic jurisprudence, it is considered recommended to divide the sacrificial meat into three parts: one-third is given as charity, one-third is given as gifts to relatives and friends, and one-third is provided to family members whose maintenance is the responsibility of the person performing the sacrifice. It is also permissible to give away a portion of the sacrificial meat as a gift or to donate the entire amount. If the person performing the sacrifice is in need, it is considered more virtuous and recommended to feed the sacrifice to his household.

A wealthy Muslim who is unable to perform the sacrifice even after the designated time has passed must give the market value of the sacrifice on that day to the poor as charity. This constitutes a religious dispensation for the fulfillment of this obligation.