THE SACRIFICE
Purchase your sacrificial animal—whether it be a camel, cow, or sheep. If not, choose a well-fed ram; if not a ram, then a castrated sheep. If even that is unavailable, a goat will suffice. Magnify the sacred rites of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, for they stem from the piety of hearts. Do not give the butcher the hide, collars, or saddle cloths of the animal. Instead, distribute these as charity. Do not give the skin or any part of it as payment to the slaughterer.
When you have purchased your sacrificial animal, face the Qibla and slaughter or sacrifice it while saying:
"I turn my face to the One who originated the heavens and the earth, as a true monotheist, submitting to Him, and I am not among the polytheists. Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Lord عز وجل of all worlds. He has no partner, and I have been commanded to this, and I am among the Muslims. O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, from You and for You. In the name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, Allah سبحانه وتعالى is the Greatest. O Allah سبحانه وتعالى, accept from me."
Then proceed with the slaughter. Ensure you do not sever the spinal cord (do not nakh‘) until the animal has fully died and its body has cooled.
Afterward:
• Eat from the meat.
• Distribute as charity.
• Share with whomever you wish.
• Finally, shave your head.
[The Requirements of Sacrificial Animals]
It is necessary to reiterate the rules concerning sacrifices here, as mentioned earlier in this book.
1. Camels (Budn): Only a camel that has completed five years and entered its sixth year is permissible.
2. Cows and Goats (Thani): A cow or goat must have completed one year and entered its second year to be valid.
3. Sheep (Jadha’): A sheep is valid for sacrifice if it is one year old.
Shares in Sacrifices:
• A cow suffices for seven individuals in general locations but for one person in Mina.
• A camel can suffice for seven individuals.
• A large camel (jazur) suffices for ten separate individuals.
• A ram is sufficient for one person and their household.
• In times of scarcity, a single sheep can suffice for seventy individuals.
By adhering to these guidelines, the sacrificial rites fulfill the required conditions as prescribed.