Udhiyah is one of the greatest rituals in Islam, performed during Eid al-Adha as an act of devotion to Allah and in remembrance of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). It expresses gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings.

Scholars state that it is a highly recommended Sunnah, and abandoning it while being able leads to missing great reward.

Required Age of Sacrificial Animals

Legal age for each type of animal

The Islamic rulings define the minimum age as follows:

• Sheep (lamb): At least 6 months old
• Goat: At least 1 lunar year
• Cattle (cow/buffalo): At least 2 lunar years
• Camel: At least 5 lunar years

Important principle

Age is not the only condition; the animal must also be well-developed and have sufficient meat. In some cases, a younger but well-grown animal may be acceptable.

Evidence for Age Requirement

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Do not slaughter except a mature animal, unless it is difficult for you, then slaughter a young sheep.”

A “mature animal” refers to one that has reached the required age, while a young sheep (jadha‘ah) is only accepted in sheep under necessity.

Conditions for a Valid Sacrifice

For a valid udhiyah, the animal must:

• Be alive at the time of slaughter
• Be intended for Allah’s sake
• Be owned by the person offering it
• Reach the required age
• Be free from major defects

Time of Slaughter

Start time

After the Eid al-Adha prayer.

End time

Until sunset of the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah.

Recommended distribution

It is recommended to divide the meat into:

• One-third for the family
• One-third as gifts
• One-third for charity
  
  
  
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Defects That Invalidate Sacrifice

An animal is not valid for sacrifice if it has serious defects, such as:

Blindness (clearly one-eyed or worse)

• Severe loss of vision in one eye
• Minor weakness of eyesight does not affect validity

Severe illness

• Illness that affects meat quality or makes the animal unfit for consumption
• Includes severe skin diseases or unconsciousness from injury

Severe lameness

• Clear inability to walk normally
• Mild limp is excused

Extreme weakness

• Very thin animal with no sufficient meat
• Identified by experts and lack of appetite

What if the Animal Becomes Defective After Purchase?

If a person buys a healthy sacrificial animal and it becomes defective later:

• It is still valid for sacrifice
• There is no blame unless negligence caused the damage

Virtue of Sacrifice

Udhiyah is among the most beloved deeds to Allah on the Day of Sacrifice. It carries immense reward, and its acceptance is emphasized in authentic narrations describing its great spiritual value.

FAQ

Can a sheep younger than 6 months be sacrificed?

No, unless it is exceptionally well-grown and considered mature.

Can a young calf be used for sacrifice?

No, it must reach at least 2 lunar years.

Do minor defects affect validity?

No, only major visible defects invalidate the sacrifice.

When does sacrifice time end?

At sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Is it allowed to eat from the sacrifice?

Yes, it is recommended to eat, gift, and donate from it.