Dhul Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar. Literally, it means "Possessor of the Pilgrimage" or "The Month of the Pilgrimage." Obviously, this name of the month indicates that the great annual worship of "hajj" is performed in this month, which gives it special significance. Some specific merits and rules relevant to this month are mentioned below:
FIRST TEN DAYS OF DHUL HIJJA
Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)."
Then some companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Not even Jihad?"
He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things."
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَرْعَرَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ الْبَطِينِ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ " مَا الْعَمَلُ فِي أَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ أَفْضَلَ مِنَ الْعَمَلِ فِي هَذِهِ ". قَالُوا وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ قَالَ " وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ، إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ يُخَاطِرُ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ بِشَىْءٍ ".
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 969
In-book reference: Book 13, Hadith 18
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 15, Hadith 86
https://sunnah.com/bukhari/13/18
It was narrated from Hunaidah bin Khalid, from his wife, from one of the wives of the Prophet, that:
The Messenger of Allah used to fast nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of 'Ashura', and three days of each month: The first Monday of the month, and two Thursday.
أَخْبَرَنِي أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، عَنْ أَبِي نُعَيْمٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَوَانَةَ، عَنِ الْحُرِّ بْنِ الصَّيَّاحِ، عَنْ هُنَيْدَةَ بْنِ خَالِدٍ، عَنِ امْرَأَتِهِ، عَنْ بَعْضِ، أَزْوَاجِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَصُومُ تِسْعًا مِنْ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ وَيَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ وَثَلاَثَةَ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ أَوَّلَ اثْنَيْنِ مِنَ الشَّهْرِ وَخَمِيسَيْنِ .
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2417
In-book reference: Book 22, Hadith 328
English translation: Vol. 3, Book 22, Hadith 2419
https://sunnah.com/nasai/22/328
There is another hadith which is often quotes to mention virtues of the first ten days of this month but that hadith is Da'if (weak)
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“There are no days in this world during which worship is more beloved to Allah, Glorious is He, than the (first) ten days (of Dhul- Hijjah). Fasting one of these days is equivalent to fasting for one year, and one night of them is equal to Lailatul-Qadr.”
حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ شَبَّةَ بْنِ عَبِيدَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا مَسْعُودُ بْنُ وَاصِلٍ، عَنِ النَّهَّاسِ بْنِ قَهْمٍ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " مَا مِنْ أَيَّامِ الدُّنْيَا أَيَّامٌ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ سُبْحَانَهُ أَنْ يُتَعَبَّدَ لَهُ فِيهَا مِنْ أَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ وَإِنَّ صِيَامَ يَوْمٍ فِيهَا لَيَعْدِلُ صِيَامَ سَنَةٍ وَلَيْلَةٍ فِيهَا بِلَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ " .
Grade: Da’if (Darussalam)
English reference: Vol. 1, Book 7, Hadith 1728
Arabic reference: Book 7, Hadith 1800
https://sunnah.com/urn/1271310
9TH DAY OF DHUL HIJJA (YOUMUL 'ARAFAH)
The 9th day of Dhul Hijja is called "Youmul - 'Arafah" (The Day of 'Arafah). This is the day when the Hujjaj assemble on the plain of 'Arafat, six miles away from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of hajj, namely, the Wuqoof of'Arafat (the stay in 'Arafat).
It was narrated that ‘Ikrimah said:
“I entered upon Abu Hurairah in his house and asked him about fasting the Day of ‘Arafah at ‘Arafat. Abu Hurairah said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade fasting the Day of ‘Arafah at ‘Arafat.’”
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَعَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، حَدَّثَنِي حَوْشَبُ بْنُ عَقِيلٍ، حَدَّثَنِي مَهْدِيٌّ الْعَبْدِيُّ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، قَالَ دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ فِي بَيْتِهِ فَسَأَلْتُهُ عَنْ صَوْمِ، يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ بِعَرَفَاتٍ فَقَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ نَهَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ عَنْ صَوْمِ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ بِعَرَفَاتٍ .
Grade: Hasan(Darussalam)
English reference: Vol. 1, Book 7, Hadith 1732
Arabic reference: Book 7, Hadith 1804
https://sunnah.com/urn/1271350
Ibn Abi Najib narrated from his father who said:
"Ibn Umar was asked about fasting (the Day of) Arafah (at Arafat). He said: 'I performed Hajj with the Prophet, and he did not fast it, and with Abu Bakr, and he did not fast it, and with Umar, and he did not fast it, and with Uthman, and he did not fast it. I do no fast it, nor order it nor forbid it."
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مَنِيعٍ، وَعَلِيُّ بْنُ حُجْرٍ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ بْنُ عُيَيْنَةَ، وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي نَجِيحٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ سُئِلَ ابْنُ عُمَرَ عَنْ صَوْمِ، يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ بِعَرَفَةَ فَقَالَ حَجَجْتُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَلَمْ يَصُمْهُ وَمَعَ أَبِي بَكْرٍ فَلَمْ يَصُمْهُ وَمَعَ عُمَرَ فَلَمْ يَصُمْهُ وَمَعَ عُثْمَانَ فَلَمْ يَصُمْهُ . وَأَنَا لاَ أَصُومُهُ وَلاَ آمُرُ بِهِ وَلاَ أَنْهَى عَنْهُ . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ . وَقَدْ رُوِيَ هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي نَجِيحٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ رَجُلٍ عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ . وَأَبُو نَجِيحٍ اسْمُهُ يَسَارٌ وقد سمع من ابن عمر.
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 751
In-book reference: Book 8, Hadith 70
English translation: Vol. 2, Book 3, Hadith 751
https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/8/70
It was narrated from Abu Qatadah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.”
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَبْدَةَ، أَنْبَأَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا غَيْلاَنُ بْنُ جَرِيرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَعْبَدٍ الزِّمَّانِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ إِنِّي أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ وَالَّتِي بَعْدَهُ " .
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
English reference: Vol. 1, Book 7, Hadith 1730
Arabic reference: Book 7, Hadith 1802
https://sunnah.com/urn/1318030
WHAT IS MEANT BY UDHIYA?
The word udhiyah means an animal of the ‘an’aam class (i.e., camel, cow, sheep or goat) that is slaughtered during the days of Eid al-Adha because of the Eid and as an act of worship, intending to draw closer to Allah thereby.
IS UDHIYA SUNNAH OR FARD?
Scholars have difference of opinion in this regard. Hanafi Muslims consider it to be obligatory ( for those who are able to do so) while other schools of though consider it as a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu’akkadah). Here one needs to understand a difference between fard and Sunnah. Anything which is considered fard or Wajib falls in the category of obligation and if one does not do it, he/she is considered sinful. On the other hand Sunnah whether confirmed or not, is not an obligation and one will not be sinful for not doing it.
Umm Salama reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying:
If anyone of you intends to offer sacrifice he should not get his hair cut or nails trimmed.
وَحَدَّثَنَاهُ إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، أَخْبَرَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ حُمَيْدِ بْنِ، عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ عَوْفٍ عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ، تَرْفَعُهُ قَالَ " إِذَا دَخَلَ الْعَشْرُ وَعِنْدَهُ أُضْحِيَّةٌ يُرِيدُ أَنْ يُضَحِّيَ فَلاَ يَأْخُذَنَّ شَعْرًا وَلاَ يَقْلِمَنَّ ظُفُرًا " .
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1977 d
In-book reference: Book 35, Hadith 54
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 22, Hadith 4870
https://sunnah.com/muslim/35/54
We can conclude following from this hadith:
WHAT IN THE MINIMUM AGE FOR THE ANIMAL OF SACRIFICE?
A grown-up animal means one that is considered to be an adult. The jadh’ah is that which is half a year old. So it is not correct to sacrifice a camel, cow or goat that has not yet reached maturity, or a sheep that is less than six months old. Below is understanding of minimum age in different madhabs.
WHAT ANIMALS CANE BE SLAUGHTERED?
The animal to be slaughtered should be one of the an’aam class of animals, which are: camels, cattle, sheep and goats, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
TIME OF SACRIFICE ( AFTER EID PRAYER TILL JUST BEFORE SUNSET OF 13TH OF DHUL-HIJJAH)
An animal for udhiyah should be slaughtered at the time specified in sharee’ah, which is from after the Eid prayer on the Day of Sacrifice until sunset on the last of the days of al-Tashreeq, which is the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. So the days when the sacrificed may be offered are four: the day of Eid after the prayer, and the three days after that. Whoever slaughters it before the Eid prayer is over, or after sun sets on the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, his sacrifice is not valid.
The evidence is following hadith:
Q/A ON THIS SUBJECT:
Video below shortly answers some conditions for the animals which can be slaughtered, minimum age of the animal to be slaughtered and how to divide the meat of scarified animal between poor/needy, relatives and yourself.
Video below shortly answers which sacrifice is better - a camel or cow, a share in camel or cow or a sheep? It also briefly touches upon whether udhiyah is Sunnah or Fard.
Another video below clarifies that one animal is sufficient to be slaughtered on behalf of entire family.
Is it an innovation to sacrifice for Muslim ummah?
Is it an innovation to sacrifice for prophet (peace be upon him)? Did companions did anything like that?
Can we sacrifice for our deceased?
FIRST TEN DAYS OF DHUL HIJJA
Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)."
Then some companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Not even Jihad?"
He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things."
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَرْعَرَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ الْبَطِينِ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ " مَا الْعَمَلُ فِي أَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ أَفْضَلَ مِنَ الْعَمَلِ فِي هَذِهِ ". قَالُوا وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ قَالَ " وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ، إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ يُخَاطِرُ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ بِشَىْءٍ ".
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 969
In-book reference: Book 13, Hadith 18
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 15, Hadith 86
https://sunnah.com/bukhari/13/18
It was narrated from Hunaidah bin Khalid, from his wife, from one of the wives of the Prophet, that:
The Messenger of Allah used to fast nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of 'Ashura', and three days of each month: The first Monday of the month, and two Thursday.
أَخْبَرَنِي أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، عَنْ أَبِي نُعَيْمٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَوَانَةَ، عَنِ الْحُرِّ بْنِ الصَّيَّاحِ، عَنْ هُنَيْدَةَ بْنِ خَالِدٍ، عَنِ امْرَأَتِهِ، عَنْ بَعْضِ، أَزْوَاجِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَصُومُ تِسْعًا مِنْ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ وَيَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ وَثَلاَثَةَ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ أَوَّلَ اثْنَيْنِ مِنَ الشَّهْرِ وَخَمِيسَيْنِ .
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2417
In-book reference: Book 22, Hadith 328
English translation: Vol. 3, Book 22, Hadith 2419
https://sunnah.com/nasai/22/328
There is another hadith which is often quotes to mention virtues of the first ten days of this month but that hadith is Da'if (weak)
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“There are no days in this world during which worship is more beloved to Allah, Glorious is He, than the (first) ten days (of Dhul- Hijjah). Fasting one of these days is equivalent to fasting for one year, and one night of them is equal to Lailatul-Qadr.”
حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ شَبَّةَ بْنِ عَبِيدَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا مَسْعُودُ بْنُ وَاصِلٍ، عَنِ النَّهَّاسِ بْنِ قَهْمٍ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " مَا مِنْ أَيَّامِ الدُّنْيَا أَيَّامٌ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ سُبْحَانَهُ أَنْ يُتَعَبَّدَ لَهُ فِيهَا مِنْ أَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ وَإِنَّ صِيَامَ يَوْمٍ فِيهَا لَيَعْدِلُ صِيَامَ سَنَةٍ وَلَيْلَةٍ فِيهَا بِلَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ " .
Grade: Da’if (Darussalam)
English reference: Vol. 1, Book 7, Hadith 1728
Arabic reference: Book 7, Hadith 1800
https://sunnah.com/urn/1271310
9TH DAY OF DHUL HIJJA (YOUMUL 'ARAFAH)
The 9th day of Dhul Hijja is called "Youmul - 'Arafah" (The Day of 'Arafah). This is the day when the Hujjaj assemble on the plain of 'Arafat, six miles away from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of hajj, namely, the Wuqoof of'Arafat (the stay in 'Arafat).
People who perform Hajj are not supposed to fast on the day of 'Arafah, based on following hadiths:
Narrated Maimuna:
The people doubted whether the Prophet (ﷺ) was fasting on the day of `Arafat or not, so I sent milk while he was standing at `Arafat, he drank it and the people were looking at him.
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ ـ أَوْ قُرِئَ عَلَيْهِ ـ قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرٌو، عَنْ بُكَيْرٍ، عَنْ كُرَيْبٍ، عَنْ مَيْمُونَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّ النَّاسَ، شَكُّوا فِي صِيَامِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ، فَأَرْسَلَتْ إِلَيْهِ بِحِلاَبٍ وَهْوَ وَاقِفٌ فِي الْمَوْقِفِ، فَشَرِبَ مِنْهُ، وَالنَّاسُ يَنْظُرُونَ.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1989
The people doubted whether the Prophet (ﷺ) was fasting on the day of `Arafat or not, so I sent milk while he was standing at `Arafat, he drank it and the people were looking at him.
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ ـ أَوْ قُرِئَ عَلَيْهِ ـ قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَمْرٌو، عَنْ بُكَيْرٍ، عَنْ كُرَيْبٍ، عَنْ مَيْمُونَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّ النَّاسَ، شَكُّوا فِي صِيَامِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ، فَأَرْسَلَتْ إِلَيْهِ بِحِلاَبٍ وَهْوَ وَاقِفٌ فِي الْمَوْقِفِ، فَشَرِبَ مِنْهُ، وَالنَّاسُ يَنْظُرُونَ.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1989
In-book reference: Book 30, Hadith 96
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 3, Book 31, Hadith 210
https://sunnah.com/bukhari/30/96
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 3, Book 31, Hadith 210
https://sunnah.com/bukhari/30/96
It was narrated that ‘Ikrimah said:
“I entered upon Abu Hurairah in his house and asked him about fasting the Day of ‘Arafah at ‘Arafat. Abu Hurairah said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade fasting the Day of ‘Arafah at ‘Arafat.’”
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَعَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، حَدَّثَنِي حَوْشَبُ بْنُ عَقِيلٍ، حَدَّثَنِي مَهْدِيٌّ الْعَبْدِيُّ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، قَالَ دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ فِي بَيْتِهِ فَسَأَلْتُهُ عَنْ صَوْمِ، يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ بِعَرَفَاتٍ فَقَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ نَهَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ عَنْ صَوْمِ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ بِعَرَفَاتٍ .
Grade: Hasan(Darussalam)
English reference: Vol. 1, Book 7, Hadith 1732
Arabic reference: Book 7, Hadith 1804
https://sunnah.com/urn/1271350
"Ibn Umar was asked about fasting (the Day of) Arafah (at Arafat). He said: 'I performed Hajj with the Prophet, and he did not fast it, and with Abu Bakr, and he did not fast it, and with Umar, and he did not fast it, and with Uthman, and he did not fast it. I do no fast it, nor order it nor forbid it."
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مَنِيعٍ، وَعَلِيُّ بْنُ حُجْرٍ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ بْنُ عُيَيْنَةَ، وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي نَجِيحٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ سُئِلَ ابْنُ عُمَرَ عَنْ صَوْمِ، يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ بِعَرَفَةَ فَقَالَ حَجَجْتُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَلَمْ يَصُمْهُ وَمَعَ أَبِي بَكْرٍ فَلَمْ يَصُمْهُ وَمَعَ عُمَرَ فَلَمْ يَصُمْهُ وَمَعَ عُثْمَانَ فَلَمْ يَصُمْهُ . وَأَنَا لاَ أَصُومُهُ وَلاَ آمُرُ بِهِ وَلاَ أَنْهَى عَنْهُ . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ . وَقَدْ رُوِيَ هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي نَجِيحٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ رَجُلٍ عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ . وَأَبُو نَجِيحٍ اسْمُهُ يَسَارٌ وقد سمع من ابن عمر.
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 751
In-book reference: Book 8, Hadith 70
English translation: Vol. 2, Book 3, Hadith 751
https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/8/70
Reward for fasting on 9th of Dhul Hijja for non-pilgrims:
“Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.”
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَبْدَةَ، أَنْبَأَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا غَيْلاَنُ بْنُ جَرِيرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَعْبَدٍ الزِّمَّانِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي قَتَادَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ إِنِّي أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ وَالَّتِي بَعْدَهُ " .
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
English reference: Vol. 1, Book 7, Hadith 1730
Arabic reference: Book 7, Hadith 1802
https://sunnah.com/urn/1318030
WHAT IS MEANT BY UDHIYA?
The word udhiyah means an animal of the ‘an’aam class (i.e., camel, cow, sheep or goat) that is slaughtered during the days of Eid al-Adha because of the Eid and as an act of worship, intending to draw closer to Allah thereby.
IS UDHIYA SUNNAH OR FARD?
Scholars have difference of opinion in this regard. Hanafi Muslims consider it to be obligatory ( for those who are able to do so) while other schools of though consider it as a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu’akkadah). Here one needs to understand a difference between fard and Sunnah. Anything which is considered fard or Wajib falls in the category of obligation and if one does not do it, he/she is considered sinful. On the other hand Sunnah whether confirmed or not, is not an obligation and one will not be sinful for not doing it.
IS CUTTING NAILS AND HAIR PROHIBITED IN FIRST TEN DAYS OF DHUL HIJJA?
Umm Salama reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying:
If anyone of you intends to offer sacrifice he should not get his hair cut or nails trimmed.
وَحَدَّثَنَاهُ إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، أَخْبَرَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ حُمَيْدِ بْنِ، عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ عَوْفٍ عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ، تَرْفَعُهُ قَالَ " إِذَا دَخَلَ الْعَشْرُ وَعِنْدَهُ أُضْحِيَّةٌ يُرِيدُ أَنْ يُضَحِّيَ فَلاَ يَأْخُذَنَّ شَعْرًا وَلاَ يَقْلِمَنَّ ظُفُرًا " .
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1977 d
In-book reference: Book 35, Hadith 54
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 22, Hadith 4870
https://sunnah.com/muslim/35/54
We can conclude following from this hadith:
- If the onset of Dhu’l-Hijjah has been proven and a person wants to offer a sacrifice, it is haram for him to remove anything from the hair on his body or to cut his nails or any part of his skin.
- This ruling applies only to the one who is going to offer the sacrifice, and not to the rest of his family, and not to the one whom he appoints to slaughter the sacrifice on his behalf.
- No differentiation is made between men and women with regard to this ruling. If a woman wants to offer a sacrifice on her own behalf, whether she is married or not, then she should refrain from removing any hair from her body or cutting her nails, because of the general meaning of the texts which state that that is not allowed.
- Whoever removes anything from his hair or nails although he plans to offer a sacrifice does not have to offer any fidyah (ransom) according to scholarly consensus, whether he did that deliberately or out of forgetfulness. But he has to repent and seek forgiveness.
- What is the logic behind this prohibition?
Al-Shawkaani said:
- None of these things are haraam for the one who does not intend to offer a sacrifice because he is unable to.
WHAT IN THE MINIMUM AGE FOR THE ANIMAL OF SACRIFICE?
Jabir reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
Sacrifice only a grown-up animal, unless it is difficult for you, in which case sacrifice a ram (of even less than a year, but more than six months' age).
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الزُّبَيْرِ، عَنْ جَابِرٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لاَ تَذْبَحُوا إِلاَّ مُسِنَّةً إِلاَّ أَنْ يَعْسُرَ عَلَيْكُمْ فَتَذْبَحُوا جَذَعَةً مِنَ الضَّأْنِ " .
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1963
In-book reference: Book 35, Hadith 19
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 22, Hadith 4836
https://sunnah.com/muslim/35Sacrifice only a grown-up animal, unless it is difficult for you, in which case sacrifice a ram (of even less than a year, but more than six months' age).
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الزُّبَيْرِ، عَنْ جَابِرٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لاَ تَذْبَحُوا إِلاَّ مُسِنَّةً إِلاَّ أَنْ يَعْسُرَ عَلَيْكُمْ فَتَذْبَحُوا جَذَعَةً مِنَ الضَّأْنِ " .
Reference: Sahih Muslim 1963
In-book reference: Book 35, Hadith 19
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 22, Hadith 4836
A grown-up animal means one that is considered to be an adult. The jadh’ah is that which is half a year old. So it is not correct to sacrifice a camel, cow or goat that has not yet reached maturity, or a sheep that is less than six months old. Below is understanding of minimum age in different madhabs.
- Sheep
- Six months, according to the Hanafis and Hanbalis.
- One year, according to the Maalikis and Shaafa’is.
- Goats
- One year according to the Hanafis, Maalikis and Hanbalis.
- Two years according to the Shaafa’is.
- Cows
- Two years according to the Hanafis, Shaafa’is and Hanbalis.
- Three years according to the Maalikis.
- Camels
- Five years according to the Hanafis, Maalikis, Shaafa’is and Hanbalis.
Sacrifice of a cow or a camel equal 7 sacrifices.
It is also important to mention that the common practice at the time of Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions was to sacrifice only a sheep for the entire house hold. It is not necessary to sacrifice one animal for each member of the house hold, as it is indicated in hadith below:
It is also important to mention that the common practice at the time of Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions was to sacrifice only a sheep for the entire house hold. It is not necessary to sacrifice one animal for each member of the house hold, as it is indicated in hadith below:
Narrated 'Ata bin Yasar:
"I asked Abu Abyub [Al-Ansari] how the slaughtering was done during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: 'A man would sacrifice a sheep for himself and the people in his household. They would eat from it and feed others, until the people (later) would boast about it and it became as you see now."
حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ مُوسَى، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ الْحَنَفِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الضَّحَّاكُ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنِي عُمَارَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَطَاءَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ، يَقُولُ سَأَلْتُ أَبَا أَيُّوبَ الأَنْصَارِيَّ كَيْفَ كَانَتِ الضَّحَايَا عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ كَانَ الرَّجُلُ يُضَحِّي بِالشَّاةِ عَنْهُ وَعَنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ فَيَأْكُلُونَ وَيُطْعِمُونَ حَتَّى تَبَاهَى النَّاسُ فَصَارَتْ كَمَا تَرَى . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ . وَعُمَارَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ هُوَ مَدَنِيٌّ وَقَدْ رَوَى عَنْهُ مَالِكُ بْنُ أَنَسٍ . وَالْعَمَلُ عَلَى هَذَا عِنْدَ بَعْضِ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ أَحْمَدَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَاحْتَجَّا بِحَدِيثِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ ضَحَّى بِكَبْشٍ فَقَالَ " هَذَا عَمَّنْ لَمْ يُضَحِّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي " . وَقَالَ بَعْضُ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ لاَ تُجْزِئُ الشَّاةُ إِلاَّ عَنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْمُبَارَكِ وَغَيْرِهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ .
Grade: Sahih(Darussalam)
"I asked Abu Abyub [Al-Ansari] how the slaughtering was done during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: 'A man would sacrifice a sheep for himself and the people in his household. They would eat from it and feed others, until the people (later) would boast about it and it became as you see now."
حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ مُوسَى، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ الْحَنَفِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الضَّحَّاكُ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنِي عُمَارَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَطَاءَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ، يَقُولُ سَأَلْتُ أَبَا أَيُّوبَ الأَنْصَارِيَّ كَيْفَ كَانَتِ الضَّحَايَا عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ كَانَ الرَّجُلُ يُضَحِّي بِالشَّاةِ عَنْهُ وَعَنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ فَيَأْكُلُونَ وَيُطْعِمُونَ حَتَّى تَبَاهَى النَّاسُ فَصَارَتْ كَمَا تَرَى . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ . وَعُمَارَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ هُوَ مَدَنِيٌّ وَقَدْ رَوَى عَنْهُ مَالِكُ بْنُ أَنَسٍ . وَالْعَمَلُ عَلَى هَذَا عِنْدَ بَعْضِ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ أَحْمَدَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَاحْتَجَّا بِحَدِيثِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ ضَحَّى بِكَبْشٍ فَقَالَ " هَذَا عَمَّنْ لَمْ يُضَحِّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي " . وَقَالَ بَعْضُ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ لاَ تُجْزِئُ الشَّاةُ إِلاَّ عَنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْمُبَارَكِ وَغَيْرِهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ .
Grade: Sahih(Darussalam)
Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1505
In-book reference: Book 19, Hadith 16
English translation: Vol. 1, Book 17, Hadith 1505
https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/19/16
In-book reference: Book 19, Hadith 16
English translation: Vol. 1, Book 17, Hadith 1505
https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/19/16
WHAT ANIMALS CANE BE SLAUGHTERED?
The animal to be slaughtered should be one of the an’aam class of animals, which are: camels, cattle, sheep and goats, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
Baheemat al-an’aam (translated here as “beast of cattle”) includes camels, cattle and sheep. This is what is well known among the Arabs, and this was the view of al-Hasan, Qataadah and others.
TIME OF SACRIFICE ( AFTER EID PRAYER TILL JUST BEFORE SUNSET OF 13TH OF DHUL-HIJJAH)
An animal for udhiyah should be slaughtered at the time specified in sharee’ah, which is from after the Eid prayer on the Day of Sacrifice until sunset on the last of the days of al-Tashreeq, which is the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. So the days when the sacrificed may be offered are four: the day of Eid after the prayer, and the three days after that. Whoever slaughters it before the Eid prayer is over, or after sun sets on the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, his sacrifice is not valid.
The evidence is following hadith:
Narrated Jundab:
On the day of Nahr the Prophet (ﷺ) offered the prayer and delivered the Khutba and then slaughtered the sacrifice and said, "Anybody who slaughtered (his sacrifice) before the prayer should slaughter another animal in lieu of it, and the one who has not yet slaughtered should slaughter the sacrifice mentioning Allah's name on it."
حَدَّثَنَا مُسْلِمٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ الأَسْوَدِ، عَنْ جُنْدَبٍ، قَالَ صَلَّى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ النَّحْرِ ثُمَّ خَطَبَ، ثُمَّ ذَبَحَ فَقَالَ " مَنْ ذَبَحَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ فَلْيَذْبَحْ أُخْرَى مَكَانَهَا، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَذْبَحْ فَلْيَذْبَحْ بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ ".
Reference: Sahihal-Bukhari 985
In-book reference: Book 13, Hadith 34
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 15, Hadith 101
https://sunnah.com/bukhari/13/34On the day of Nahr the Prophet (ﷺ) offered the prayer and delivered the Khutba and then slaughtered the sacrifice and said, "Anybody who slaughtered (his sacrifice) before the prayer should slaughter another animal in lieu of it, and the one who has not yet slaughtered should slaughter the sacrifice mentioning Allah's name on it."
حَدَّثَنَا مُسْلِمٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ الأَسْوَدِ، عَنْ جُنْدَبٍ، قَالَ صَلَّى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ النَّحْرِ ثُمَّ خَطَبَ، ثُمَّ ذَبَحَ فَقَالَ " مَنْ ذَبَحَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ فَلْيَذْبَحْ أُخْرَى مَكَانَهَا، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَذْبَحْ فَلْيَذْبَحْ بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ ".
Reference: Sahihal-Bukhari 985
In-book reference: Book 13, Hadith 34
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 15, Hadith 101
Q/A ON THIS SUBJECT:
Video below shortly answers some conditions for the animals which can be slaughtered, minimum age of the animal to be slaughtered and how to divide the meat of scarified animal between poor/needy, relatives and yourself.
Is it an innovation to sacrifice for prophet (peace be upon him)? Did companions did anything like that?
Can we sacrifice for our deceased?
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