The Committed Believer · Sacrifice & the Newborn

Udhiyah Obligations and Conditions

Explore conditions and obligations related to offering Udhiyah in Islam.

8 questions · Medium · about 5 minutes

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1. If someone cannot afford udhiyah after covering essential expenses for themselves and dependents, are they required to offer it?

  • No, they are not required to offer it. (correct answer)
  • Yes, they must borrow money for it.
  • Yes, because it is obligatory regardless of means.
  • Only if they live with their father.

Why

Udhiyah is prescribed for the one who has enough wealth beyond what they need for themselves and those they must support. If a person does not have enough surplus to pay for udhiyah after essential expenses, they are not required to offer it. If family members live together and share accommodation and expenses, one udhiyah may suffice for the household. A son may also give his father the price of the udhiyah as a gift or delegate him to offer it, but if they live separately, each household is treated separately.

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2. What is the majority ruling on udhiyah?

  • It is a confirmed Sunnah, not obligatory. (correct answer)
  • It is a pillar of Islam.
  • It is forbidden for someone who lives alone.
  • It is required only from people who live with extended family.

Why

The majority of jurists regard udhiyah as a confirmed Sunnah, not an obligation, although some scholars held that it is obligatory for the one who can afford it. One sheep may be sufficient for a man and the members of his household, even if they are many. But someone who lives in a separate house or has a separate household is not included in another person’s udhiyah merely because they gather on Eid.

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3. For whom is udhiyah prescribed?

  • Someone who can afford it beyond essential needs and dependents’ needs. (correct answer)
  • Every Muslim regardless of financial situation.
  • Only men who head a household.
  • Only people living with their parents.

Why

Udhiyah is prescribed for the one who has enough wealth beyond personal needs and the needs of those they must support. If a person has a regular income and has surplus money with which they can afford udhiyah, then it is prescribed for them to offer it. This applies to men and women; being male is not a condition.

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4. What takes priority over offering udhiyah when a person owes a debt?

  • Paying off the debt. (correct answer)
  • Buying a more expensive udhiyah.
  • Hosting a large Eid meal.
  • Delaying repayment without concern.

Why

Paying off debt takes priority over offering udhiyah because debt is obligatory to repay, while udhiyah is a confirmed Sunnah according to the majority. Even according to scholars who regarded udhiyah as obligatory, it is only required from someone who can afford it. If the debt is deferred and the person is confident they can pay it when due, then offering udhiyah may be permissible; otherwise, the money should be saved for the debt.

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5. May a pregnant livestock animal be offered as udhiyah?

  • Yes, according to the correct view cited, if it has no other disqualifying defect. (correct answer)
  • No, pregnancy always invalidates the udhiyah.
  • Only if the foetus is removed before slaughter.
  • Only if the animal is a camel.

Why

Scholars differed over offering a pregnant animal as udhiyah. The majority did not list pregnancy among the defects that make an animal unacceptable, while the Shaafa‘is held that a pregnant animal should not be offered because pregnancy affects the meat. The correct view cited is that a pregnant livestock animal is acceptable if it is free of the defects that invalidate sacrificial animals. If the foetus is extracted alive, it should be slaughtered; if extracted dead, the majority view is that it may be eaten because the mother’s slaughter counts for it.

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6. Is someone required to take a loan in order to offer udhiyah?

  • No, they are not required to take a loan. (correct answer)
  • Yes, everyone must borrow if necessary.
  • Yes, but only if they have dependents.
  • No, because udhiyah is forbidden for people in debt.

Why

A person who cannot afford udhiyah is not required to offer it, and there is no obligation to take a loan for it. This applies whether one follows the view that udhiyah is Sunnah or the view that it is obligatory, because even those who regarded it as obligatory made ability a condition. If a person can repay the loan, such as someone expecting a salary soon, then borrowing may be good; but if repayment is doubtful, it is better not to take on debt for something not required.

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7. Which animals are acceptable for udhiyah?

  • An‘aam animals: camels, cattle, sheep, and goats. (correct answer)
  • Any large mammal.
  • Wild animals such as deer.
  • Birds such as chickens.

Why

A valid udhiyah must be from the an‘aam livestock animals: camels, cattle, sheep, or goats. It must also be free of disqualifying defects and meet the required age. There is no difference between male and female animals in this regard; either may be offered if the other conditions are met.

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8. Who must say Bismillah at the time of slaughter?

  • The slaughterman who is actually doing the slaughtering. (correct answer)
  • Only the owner, even if someone else slaughters.
  • The nearest family elder.
  • No one, because Bismillah is unrelated to slaughter.

Why

Saying Bismillah at the time of slaughter is obligatory according to the majority, and the one who must say it is the slaughterman, because he is the one carrying out the act of slaughter. If he deliberately omits it, the meat is not halal. If he forgets or is unaware of the ruling, he is excused and the slaughter is valid. The owner’s intention for whom the udhiyah is offered is sufficient and does not have to be spoken aloud.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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