Udhiyah Rules and Conditions: Your Comprehensive Guide

Udhiyah, also known as Qurbani, is a religious practice where an animal is sacrificed as an act of worship during Eid al-Adha. This ritual is significant in Islam, and Muslims perform it every year. However, you should follow Udhiyah rules and conditions to ensure its validity and acceptability to Allah. Here is your comprehensive guide to the rules of Qurbani:

Animal Requirements

One of the primary requirements is that the animal to be sacrificed must be in good health, free of any disabilities, and of a specific age. Depending on the animal, it must be at least one, two, or five years old. The animal should also be from one of the following: a camel, cow, goat, or sheep.

Slaughtering Procedure

The slaughter must also be done following a specific procedure to make sure that the meat is halal. The sacrifice must be carried out by a mentally sound Muslim who has reached the age of puberty. The animal should be placed on its left side, and the slaughterer should use a sharp knife to cut the throat while reciting, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.” He should not sharpen the knife in front of the animal, and the animal should not witness other animals’ slaughter.

Sharing Requirements

Sharing is a crucial aspect of the Udhiyah, and you must divide the meat into three parts. One-third of the meat goes to the person performing the sacrifice, one-third to their family and friends, and the remaining third to the poor people. This emphasizes the value of generosity and reminds Muslims to help those who are less fortunate.

Purchasing Requirements

Moreover, the animal must be purchased using lawful earnings, and you should do the act of Udhiyah with sincere and pure intention. The animal should not be bought with money obtained through haram means, such as interest or gambling. It is also essential to perform the sacrifice within the prescribed time frame, which starts after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and ends at sunset on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. Performing the sacrifice on the first day is recommended, but it can be carried out on any of the three days.

Individual Sacrifice

Another critical rule of Udhiyah is that each person must perform their own sacrifice, and the animal should not be shared between multiple people. This ensures that the act of Udhiyah is performed with sincerity and devotion and reinforces the value of individual responsibility.

Sincerity and Devotion

Muslims should perform this act of worship with sincerity and devotion. It should not be a display of wealth or status, and people should not feel obliged to perform the sacrifice if they cannot afford it. Allah rewards those who perform Udhiyah with a sense of closeness to Him and an increase in their good deeds.

In conclusion, Udhiyah rules must be strictly followed to ensure that the sacrifice is valid and acceptable in the eyes of Allah. The animal must be healthy and slaughtered in a specific manner, and the meat must be divided and shared with others. The act of Udhiyah must be carried out with pure intention and devotion to Allah. By following these guidelines, Muslims can perform Udhiyah in a way that fulfils the requirements of their faith and helps them attain closeness to Allah.