10 Essential Facts Every Muslim Should Know About the Ud’hiyah (Ileya) Sacrifice
By Sanusi Lafiagi
Here are key points every Muslim should know about the Ud’hiyah (also known as the Ileya sacrifice), observed during Eid al-Adha:
1. Permissible Animals for Sacrifice
Only specific animals are valid for Ud’hiyah: camels, cows, sheep, and goats.
2. Minimum Age Requirements
To be considered eligible for sacrifice, animals must meet the following age criteria:
Camel: 5 years
Cow: 2 years
Sheep: 6 months
Goat: 1 year
3. Number of Participants per Animal
The following sharing rules apply:
Camel: Can be shared by up to 7 individuals
Cow: Up to 7 individuals
Ram and Goat: One person only
4. Disqualifying Defects in Animals
An animal is invalid for sacrifice if it has:
Noticeable blindness or vision problems
Clear signs of illness
Visible limping
Extreme thinness to the point that there’s no marrow in its bones
5. Women and the Sacrifice
A woman is allowed to perform the slaughter herself, even if she is menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding. Neither gender nor ritual purity is a requirement.
6. Taking a Loan for Ud’hiyah
It is permissible to borrow money to purchase an animal for sacrifice, provided the loan is interest-free and the borrower intends to repay it.
7. Delegating the Sacrifice
One can appoint another person to carry out the slaughter on their behalf.
8. Timing for the Sacrifice
The period for Ud’hiyah begins right after the Eid prayer on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah and continues until sunset on the 13th.
9. Distribution of the Meat
Traditionally, the meat is divided into three portions:
One part for personal or family consumption
One part to be given to the poor and needy
One part to be shared with relatives, friends, or neighbors
10. Sunnah Practices Before Sacrifice
It is recommended (Sunnah) for those intending to offer a sacrifice to avoid cutting their hair or nails from the moment the crescent o
f Dhul Hijjah is sighted until the sacrifice is done.
And Allah knows best.
