ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā: sunnah of the day, sacrifice rules and takbīrāt

ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā, the "festival of sacrifice," is one of the two official festivals of Islam, alongside ʿĪd al-Fiṭr. It falls on 10 Dhul-Hijjah, the day after the Day of Arafat, and extends through the three days of Tashrīq (11, 12, 13 Dhul-Hijjah). It commemorates the trial of Ibrāhīm ʿalayhi al-salām and the submission of his son Ismāʿīl ʿalayhi al-salām to the command of Allāh ﷻ.

This day combines several acts: the ʿĪd prayer, the sacrifice (al-uḍḥiya), the restricted takbīr extending over four days, and gathering with family and community. This article covers the authentic Sunnah of the day, the rules of the sacrifice according to Ibn ʿUthaymīn, the takbīr formula, the framework of the Tashrīq days, and the common mistakes to avoid.

1. The Sunnah of the day of ʿĪd

1.1 Before the prayer

Several acts are recommended on the morning of ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā:

• Perform ghusl (full ritual washing) before leaving for the muṣallā.
• Wear one's best clothes, within what is permissible.
• Apply perfume for men, according to the Sunnah of the two ʿĪds.
• Do not eat before the prayer, contrary to ʿĪd al-Fiṭr. The Sunnah for ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā is to delay the first meal until after the prayer, and to eat first from the meat of the sacrifice if one has sacrificed.
• Walk to the muṣallā when possible, according to the ḥadīth of al-Bukhārī reporting that the Prophet ﷺ would walk to the ʿĪd prayer.
• Take one route there and a different route back, in accordance with the Sunnah reported by al-Bukhārī.

1.2 During the takbīr

From leaving the house and until the start of the prayer, the takbīr is multiplied in an audible voice (for men) or quietly (for women). We detail the formula below.

1.3 After the prayer

After returning from the ʿĪd prayer:

• Proceed with the sacrifice for the one who is sacrificing.
• Distribute the meat according to the recommended division (family, relatives, the poor).
• Visit family and relatives within reason, without burdening the day with excessive social obligations.
• Congratulate with formulas transmitted from the Companions, for example: "Taqabbal Allāhu minnā wa minkum" ("May Allāh accept from us and from you").

2. The ʿĪd prayer (sunan and obligations)

2.1 Status of the prayer

The ʿĪd prayer is a sunnah muʾakkadah according to the majority of scholars, and wājib according to other opinions based on strong indicators, notably the prophetic instruction for women to come and attend. Al-Albānī (raḥimahullāh) in Ṣalāt al-ʿĪdayn discussed the strength of these views in detail and the practical importance of attending it, men, women and children alike.

2.2 Place and time

• Place: the Sunnah is to pray it at the muṣallā (outdoor prayer ground), not in the usual mosque, except in case of hindrance.
• Time: after sunrise and the sun's rise by about the height of a spear, until the sun's passage at the zenith. The delay of a few minutes after shurūq ensures the prescribed gap.
• No adhān or iqāmah for the ʿĪd prayer.

2.3 Description of the prayer

The ʿĪd prayer consists of two rakaʿāt, with a particularity in the opening takbīrāt:

• First rakʿah: takbīrat al-iḥrām, then seven additional takbīrāt (according to the most well-known opinion), then the Fātiḥah and a sūrah (commonly al-Aʿlā or Qāf).
• Second rakʿah: the standing-up takbīr, then five additional takbīrāt, then the Fātiḥah and a sūrah (commonly al-Ghāshiyah or al-Qamar).

After the two rakaʿāt, the imām delivers two short khuṭbahs (sermons), sitting between them. These khuṭbahs are recommended to attend but not required for the validity of the prayer.

2.4 For women

Women come to the ʿĪd prayer, in accordance with the Sunnah reported by al-Bukhārī and Muslim from Umm ʿAṭiyyah (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhā): the Prophet ﷺ ordered women to come out for the two ʿĪds, including young women and women menstruating, the latter attending the invocation and keeping away from the prayer area. They come in modest dress, without ostentatious adornment, and without perfume.

3. Rules of the sacrifice (al-uḍḥiya)

3.1 Religious status

The sacrifice is, according to the majority of Ahl al-Sunnah scholars, a sunnah muʾakkadah for those who can afford it. Part of the Ḥanafī school considered it wājib. Ibn ʿUthaymīn (raḥimahullāh) favored sunnah muʾakkadah, while insisting that whoever neglects it without reason is blameworthy.

Allāh ﷻ says, in the meaning of the verse:

"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice."

(Quran, Sūrat al-Kawthar, verse 2)

3.2 Conditions of the animal

Ibn ʿUthaymīn detailed in Aḥkām al-Uḍḥiya wa-l-Dhakāt the conditions of validity:

• Species: sheep, goat, cattle (bull or cow) or camel.
• Age: lamb (six months minimum), goat (one year), cattle (two years), camel (five years).
• Health: free of the defects that invalidate the sacrifice (clear lameness, evident loss of an eye, evident illness, extreme thinness that dries the marrow).
• Ownership: the animal belongs to the one sacrificing, or is sacrificed in his name through a duly established mandate.

3.3 Timing of the sacrifice

The sacrifice is performed after the ʿĪd prayer, never before. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever sacrifices before the prayer (of ʿĪd), let him repeat it."

Reported by al-Bukhārī.

It extends until sunset on the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah, that is four days in total: the day of ʿĪd and the three days of Tashrīq.

3.4 The rule of hair and nails for the one who sacrifices

According to the ḥadīth of Umm Salama (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhā) reported by Muslim, the one who wishes to sacrifice refrains from cutting his hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah until he sacrifices. This rule concerns the sacrificer himself only, not his family for whom he sacrifices. Al-Albānī confirmed its authenticity.

3.5 The act of sacrifice

The sacrifice follows the rules of lawful slaughter (al-dhakāh):

• Orientation: the animal lies on its left side, facing the qiblah.
• Name of Allāh: say "Bismillāh, wa Allāhu akbar" at the moment of slaughter.
• Sharp knife: to minimize the suffering of the animal, in accordance with the ḥadīth of the Prophet ﷺ ordering the sharpening of the blade and good treatment of the animal at slaughter (reported by Muslim).
• Swift cut of the trachea, esophagus and the two jugular veins.
• Allow the animal to drain fully before proceeding to the skinning.

Those who lack the experience or training to sacrifice themselves can delegate to a competent Muslim butcher or to a trusted organization.

3.6 Distribution of the meat

The Sunnah recommends sharing the meat in three:

• One part for oneself and one's family.
• One part for relatives and friends.
• One part for the poor.

This division is mustaḥabb (recommended), not strictly obligatory. Giving more to the poor or consuming the whole within the family remains permissible, but the sharing follows the prophetic example.

4. The restricted takbīr (muqayyad)

4.1 The time frame

The takbīr muqayyad is performed right after each obligatory prayer, from the fajr of the Day of Arafat (9 Dhul-Hijjah) until the ʿaṣr of the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah inclusive.

Not to be confused with the takbīr muṭlaq (unrestricted), which is performed at any hour during the first ten days and the days of Tashrīq, without any prayer condition.

4.2 The formula

The most transmitted formula from the Companions, notably from Ibn Masʿūd (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu), is:

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa lillāhi al-ḥamd.

Other short formulas are also transmitted, such as:

Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, wa lillāhi al-ḥamd.

Each is valid; what matters is practicing the takbīr, without locking into a single lafẓ.

4.3 Mode of execution

• Audibly for men, quietly for women.
• Individually, without forming a synchronized chorus. The takbīr is a personal dhikr; chanting it in rhythmic cadence with others as a collective ritual is not the Sunnah of the Companions.
• On the way to the mosque on the morning of ʿĪd, at home, in the market, everywhere, without artificial interruption.

5. The three days of Tashrīq

The Tashrīq days (11, 12, 13 Dhul-Hijjah) extend ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā. The Prophet ﷺ described them as days of eating, drinking and remembrance of Allāh ﷻ, in the meaning of a ḥadīth reported by Muslim.

5.1 What is recommended

• Continuing the sacrifice for the one who did not perform it on the day of ʿĪd.
• Multiplying the takbīr, both muṭlaq and muqayyad.
• Enjoying the meat of the sacrifice in family conviviality.
• Maintaining family ties through visits, shared meals, calls.

5.2 What is forbidden

• Fasting these three days is forbidden for the non-pilgrim, in accordance with the prophetic qualification of "days of eating and drinking." Exception: for the pilgrim who could not find an animal to sacrifice during Ḥajj al-tamattuʿ, fasting these three days may be required as expiation, according to the details set by the jurists.

6. Common mistakes to avoid

6.1 Sacrificing before the ʿĪd prayer

The rule is clear: sacrificing before the prayer invalidates the sacrifice, which must then be repeated after the prayer. This is the explicit word of the Prophet ﷺ reported by al-Bukhārī.

6.2 Eating before the ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā prayer

Unlike ʿĪd al-Fiṭr where one eats before going to the prayer, the Sunnah on ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā is to delay the first meal. Reversing the two habits is a common confusion.

6.3 Praying ʿĪd in the mosque instead of the muṣallā

The clear Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and of the Salaf is to pray the ʿĪd prayer at the outdoor muṣallā when possible. Praying it in the mosque is only acceptable in case of hindrance (rain, no available muṣallā). Many communities have lost this practice out of convenience; reviving it where the setting permits is praiseworthy.

6.4 Chanting the takbīr in chorus

The takbīr is an individual dhikr. Performing it in synchronized chorus is not transmitted. Each person may raise his voice, but without rhythmic collective ceremony.

6.5 Neglecting the conditions of the sacrifice

Many delegate their sacrifice without checking the conditions (species, age, health of the animal). For those delegating to an organization, choose one known for its integrity and respect of the classical criteria set by the jurists.

6.6 Reducing ʿĪd to a family meal

ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā is a religious festival before being a family festival. The prayer, the takbīr, the sacrifice, the sharing with the poor are at the heart of the day. The family meal and visits are an added joy, but must not erase the ritual framework.

7. Frequently asked questions

Can one perform the ʿĪd prayer alone at home if one misses it at the mosque?

If one misses the ʿĪd prayer in congregation, it may be made up individually or in a small congregation at home, according to the view of several scholars including Ibn ʿUthaymīn. The form remains identical: two rakaʿāt with the additional takbīrāt.

How many animals can one sacrifice for a single family?

A single sheep or goat suffices for a man and his family (his wife, his children, dependent parents). A cow or camel may be shared among seven persons or seven distinct families for the ʿĪd sacrifice.

Can one sacrifice on behalf of a deceased person?

The primary intention of the ʿĪd sacrifice is for the living and their family. Some scholars allowed including deceased close relatives in the intention, following the view of several Companions. For specific situations (vow, bequest), consult a qualified scholar.

What to do with the bones, skin and remains of the sacrifice?

The remains may be consumed, shared or buried. The skin may not be sold for the benefit of the sacrificer (according to a ḥadīth prohibiting the sale of the skin of the uḍḥiya), but it may be given in charity or used for oneself.

Does the takbīr stop after the days of Tashrīq?

Yes, the takbīr muqayyad stops after the ʿaṣr of the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah. Beyond that, one returns to the usual framework of prayers and post-prayer dhikr (subḥān Allāh, al-ḥamdu lillāh, Allāhu akbar 33 times, etc.).

Conclusion

ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā is not merely a day of festivity: it is a spiritual station extending the great moment of Arafat and inaugurating the days of Tashrīq. The ʿĪd prayer at the muṣallā, the sacrifice after the prayer, the restricted takbīr after each obligatory prayer, sharing with the poor and with relatives: simple gestures, transmitted, and deeply meaningful.

The essence of the sacrifice is not the meat that will be distributed, as the commentators remind us based on the meaning of the Quranic verse: "Neither their flesh nor their blood reaches Allāh; it is your piety that reaches Him" (meaning of the verse, Sūrah al-Ḥajj, 22:37). What reaches Allāh ﷻ is taqwā: the sincerity of the sacrificer, his obedience to the divine command, his detachment from material goods for the satisfaction of his Lord.

May Allāh ﷻ accept from us all the sacrifice, accept the prayer, the takbīr and the sharing, and grant us to live ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā in His mercy and His closeness.

Taqabbal Allāhu minnā wa minkum. Wa Allāhu aʿlam.