10 facts about Ud’hiyah (Ileya Sacrifice)

By Sanusi Lafiagi

There are 10 major facts about the annual sacrifice in one of the Islamic festivals, Ud’hiyah (Ileya Sacrifice) where Muslims use Rams, Sheep, Cow or Camel as prescribed by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

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1. Only the following categories animals are valid: Camel, cow, sheep, goat.

2. The age at which each of the animals above becomes eligible for sacrifice is as follows:
a. Camel: 5 years
b. Cow: 2 years
c. Sheep: 6 months
d. Goat: 1 year

3. The number of persons who can sacrifice the above animals is:

a. Camel: 7 persons
b. Cow: 7 persons
c. Ram: 1 person
d. Goat: 1 person

4. The defects that render an animal invalid for sacrifice are:

a. An obvious defect in (one or both of) its eyes such as if it’s blind in the eye, or there’s an obvious blurriness

b. An obvious illness that affects its activity

c. Obvious lameness that affects its movement

d. Emaciation that leaves no marrow in its bones.

5. A woman can slau.ghter her own sacrifice by herself, even if she were menstruating or experiencing post natal bleeding. Gender and purity are not a condition for its validity.

6. One can take a loan to buy an animal for sacrifice so long as it is not an interest based loan, and he intends to pay it back.

7. It is permitted to delegate another to do the slau.ghtering on one’s behalf.

8. The sacrifice commences immediately after the conclusion of ‘īd Salāt on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and ends after sunset on the 13th.

9. The meat should be divided into three (unequal) parts:

a. A part is to be consumed by the owner
b. A part is to be given in charity to the poor and the needy
c. A part is to be given as gifts ro friends, relatives, etc

10. It is Sunnah for whoever intends to sacrifice an animal for this purpose to refrain from cutting his nails and hair immediately the crescent of Dhul Hijjah is sighted.

Allāh knows best

Sanusi Lafiagi