Sacrificing Cattle and Calves (Udhiyah with Cows)

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Sacrificing Cattle and Calves (Udhiyah with Cows)

06/03/2025By: Tasnim.h

Sacrificing cows or calves is one of the permissible forms of Udhiyah in Islam. Cattle are among the animals mentioned in the Qur'an as acceptable for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. A Muslim is rewarded for offering this sacrifice sincerely for the sake of Allah and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

✅ Ruling on Sacrificing Cows and Calves

• Sacrificing cows or calves is permissible and highly recommended (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) for those who can afford it. • The person performing it receives a great reward if the intention is pure and the proper conditions are met.

🐮 Minimum Age Requirement

• The cow or calf must be at least two full years old to be considered valid for sacrifice. • It must have reached the "Thaniyyah" age, which is the minimum age required by Islamic law.

🤝 Sharing in a Cow Sacrifice

• It is allowed for up to seven individuals to share one cow, provided that: o All participants intend to offer it as Udhiyah (or Hady, in the case of pilgrimage). o The purpose is religious and not merely for dividing meat among them.

🥩 Distribution of the Meat

• It is Sunnah to divide the meat into three portions: 1. One-third for personal/family consumption 2. One-third as gifts to relatives and neighbors 3. One-third for the poor and needy • There is no set limit on how much one may eat from it.

❌ Conditions for a Valid Cow or Calf Sacrifice

The cow or calf must be: • From the category of livestock animals. • At the correct age. • Free of major defects, such as: o Obvious blindness o Severe illness o Lameness that prevents walking o Emaciation with no hope of recovery

🕋 Time of Slaughter

• The time for slaughter begins after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and ends at sunset on the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah. • Any slaughter done before the Eid prayer does not count as a valid Udhiyah.

✨ Virtues of Sacrificing Cows

• Following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. • Spreading joy and provision to both rich and poor. • Honoring the rituals of Allah, as stated in the verse: “That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” [Al-Hajj: 32] Sacrificing a cow or calf is a noble and beloved act in Islam. It reflects devotion to Allah, supports the needy, and revives the beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. For those who are able, this is a powerful form of charity, worship, and communal solidarity during the blessed days of Eid al-Adha.

* All articles published on this blog are sourced from various websites on the internet and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered as confirmed studies or accurate information. Please verify the information independently before relying on it.