- Book of the Udhiyah
The udhiyah (sacrificial animal) is obligatory for every free, resident, and financially able Muslim on the Day of Sacrifice, both for himself and for his minor children: he must slaughter one sheep for each of them, or one camel or cow on behalf of seven persons. Neither the poor nor the traveller are required to offer a sacrifice.
The time for slaughter begins at dawn on the Day of Sacrifice, but the people of the towns may not slaughter until the imam has performed the ‘Eid prayer, whereas those in the countryside may slaughter any time after dawn.
The sacrifice may be offered over three days: the Day of Sacrifice and the two following days.
It is not permissible to offer a blind animal, a one-eyed animal, a lame animal that cannot walk to the place of slaughter, or an emaciated animal. Nor is it valid to sacrifice an animal whose ear or tail has been cut off, or whose ear is mostly missing; if most of the ear or tail remains, however, it is acceptable.
It is permissible to sacrifice a naturally hornless animal, a castrated one, an animal with mange, or one afflicted with thawl (a mild nervous disorder).
For camels, cattle, and goats, the animal must be at least of the thani class or older; for sheep, a six-month-old jadhaʿ is also sufficient.
The owner may eat from the sacrifice, feed both the rich and the poor, and store some of the meat. It is recommended that the portion given in charity not be less than one-third. He should donate the hide or fashion it into a household article.
It is preferable that he slaughter the animal himself if he is skilled in slaughtering, and it is disliked to have a Jew or Christian perform the slaughter.
If two men mistakenly slaughter each other’s sacrificial animal, the sacrifice is valid for both of them, and neither is liable for compensation.