Can Birds Be Used for Udhiya? Sheikh Owaida Othman Settles the Debate
Learn the ruling on sacrificing birds in Islam as Sheikh Owaida Othman of Dar Al-Ifta confirms Udhiya is limited to livestock only.
Renewed Debate on Bird Sacrifice
As Eid al-Adha approaches, debate resurfaces regarding the permissibility of using birds such as chickens or roosters for Udhiya, especially amid unverified claims circulating on social media.
Sheikh Owaida Othman’s Fatwa
Clear Rejection of Bird Sacrifice
Sheikh Owaida Othman, Fatwa Secretary at Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, confirmed that:
- Sacrificing birds is not permissible
- This includes chickens and roosters
- Udhiya is restricted to livestock only
Valid Udhiya Animals
Only the following are valid:
- Camels
- Cattle
- Sheep and goats
Birds are not included.
Islamic Evidence
From the Qur’an
Allah mentions Udhiya as being from:
“livestock animals”
which limits the ruling to specific categories.
Prophetic Practice
- The Prophet ﷺ never performed Udhiya with birds
- No authentic reports from the Companions support it
The Story of Bilal ibn Rabah
Weak Narrations
Reports attributed to Bilal ibn Rabah sacrificing a rooster:
- Are not authentic
- Have questionable chains of narration
- Cannot be used as legal evidence
Fabricated Claims
Stories like “a muezzin sacrificed a muezzin”:
- Have no authentic basis
- Are not found in reliable sources
Conditions of Valid Udhiya
Type of Animal
Udhiya must be from:
- Camels
- Cattle
- Sheep/goats
Birds are excluded.
Required Age
Animals must reach the required Islamic age for sacrifice.
Final Conclusion
Sheikh Owaida Othman of Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta affirmed that birds such as chickens and roosters are not valid for Udhiya, which is strictly limited to livestock meeting specific conditions.
FAQ
Can birds be used for Udhiya?
No, they are not permissible.
What animals are valid for Udhiya?
Camels, cattle, sheep, and goats.
Did the Prophet perform Udhiya with birds?
No, there is no authentic evidence.
Is the story of Bilal sacrificing a rooster true?
No, it is not authentic.
What is the main requirement for Udhiya?
It must be livestock and meet Islamic conditions.
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