When Does the Sacrifice Period Begin and End? A Detailed 3-Day Guide

The time for sacrificing the animal begins at the conclusion of the Eid prayer on the first day of Eid al-Adha (the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah) in places where the Eid prayer is performed, and at the time of true dawn (imsak) in villages and similar places where the prayer is not performed. The ritual of sacrificing an animal is one of the fundamental acts of worship in Islam, and the times for its completion vary according to different schools of Islamic jurisprudence. This guide covers the time for the sacrifice, its religious basis, who is obligated to perform it, and the proper method of slaughter in full detail.

When Does the Sacrifice Begin?

The time for sacrificing animals begins on the first day of Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. In cities and towns where the Eid prayer is performed, the sacrifice may begin once the prayer has concluded. In villages and similar areas where the Eid prayer is not performed, the sacrifice may begin at the time of true dawn (the time of imsak).

On the other hand, the first day holds special significance: according to the vast majority of Islamic scholars, it is more virtuous to perform the sacrifice on the first day of the festival. Furthermore, beginning the sacrifice while one is still able to perform the festival prayer is more in keeping with the spirit of the prayer.

When Does the Time for Sacrificial Slaughter End According to the Different Schools of Islamic Law?

There are differences among the schools of Islamic jurisprudence regarding the exact day on which the sacrifice must be performed. These differences depend on the number of days of Tashriq:

According to the Hanafi school of thought, which is widely followed in Turkey, the period for sacrificing animals lasts three days: the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhu al-Hijjah. Animals sacrificed outside of these three days do not count as a valid sacrifice.

The Definition and Ruling on the Sacrifice Ritual

The word "kurban" means "to draw near" and "something that serves as a means of drawing closer to Allah" in the dictionary. As a concept in Islamic jurisprudence, kurban refers to the ritual slaughter, in accordance with established procedures, of animals—such as sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, or camels—that meet specific criteria, on certain days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, with the intention of worship.

According to the Hanafi school of thought, the sacrifice is obligatory for every Muslim who possesses wealth equal to the nisab threshold (80.14 grams of gold or its equivalent) beyond their basic needs and debts. While it is viewed similarly in the Hanbali school, it is considered a strongly recommended sunnah in the Shafi'i and Maliki schools.

The Religious Basis of Sacrifice: Verses and Hadiths

The ritual of sacrifice is an ancient religious practice grounded in the Holy Quran and authentic hadiths. The primary sources are as follows:

Evidence from the Holy Quran

So pray to your Lord and sacrifice

Pronunciation: Fe-salli li-rabbike venhar

Translation: “Pray to your Lord and offer a sacrifice.” (Surah al-Kawthar, 108:2)

Evidence from the Noble Hadiths

Whoever has the means but does not offer a sacrifice should not approach our place of prayer

Translation: “If anyone is able to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (Ibn Maja, Adahi, 2)

“Sacrifice an animal; indeed, the practice of sacrifice is the tradition of your father Abraham.” (Ahmed b. Hanbal, Musnad)

Who Is Required to Sacrifice an Animal?

According to the Hanafi school of thought, four basic conditions must be met for the sacrifice to be obligatory for a person:

• Being Muslim: Sacrifice is a religious obligation required only of Muslims.
• Being free, of sound mind, and of age: According to the view of Imam al-Azam, a guardian may also sacrifice an animal from the property of a wealthy child.
• Residing in a place: It is not obligatory for those considered travelers (seferî) to sacrifice an animal; however, it is permissible for them to do so.
• Possession of the nisab amount: A person who possesses 80.14 grams of gold or its equivalent in assets, after deducting basic necessities and debts, is considered “wealthy,” and the sacrifice becomes obligatory for them.

Sacrificial Slaughter Procedure: Step by Step

Sacrificial slaughter is a religious ritual that must be performed without causing the animal pain and in accordance with religious guidelines. Islamic scholars have specified that the slaughter should be carried out in the following stages:

1. Intention: One must intend to sacrifice an animal for the sake of Allah from the heart. This intention must be made before the sacrifice.
2. Turning the animal toward the qibla: If possible, the animal is turned toward the qibla and laid on its right side.
3. The Basmala and the Takbir: Immediately before the slaughter, one says, “Bismillâhi Allâhü ekber.” The Basmala is an essential requirement for the validity of the slaughter.
4. Requirements for slaughter: It is sunnah to sever the windpipe, the esophagus, and the two carotid arteries. Severing at least three of these four channels is sufficient for the animal to be considered halal.
5. Prayer of Gratitude: Although it is recommended to perform two rak'ahs of the Prayer of Gratitude after the slaughter, it is not obligatory.

Can an animal be sacrificed at night?

Slaughter may also be performed during the nights of the Eid period; this is permissible. However, Islamic jurists have classified slaughtering on the first and second nights of Eid as makruh tanzihi (disliked, though not sinful). The main reason for this is that the likelihood of error increases during nighttime slaughter, and the necessary care may not be fully exercised.

For this reason, it is generally considered more appropriate to perform the sacrifice during daylight hours whenever possible.

The Significance and Social Importance of the Sacrifice

The ritual of sacrifice is not merely the slaughter of an animal. This act of worship, which symbolizes Prophet Abraham’s (peace be upon him) submission to God, carries deep spiritual and social significance:

• A symbol of submission: Every sacrifice is a concrete expression of an individual’s resolve to submit their self and possessions to Allah’s will.
• Social solidarity: Dividing the meat into three parts—one-third for the poor, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for the household—strengthens the sense of sharing and mutual aid.
• Gratitude: Recognizing that the blessings a person possesses come from Allah and using them to seek His pleasure is one of the most evident forms of gratitude.

In cases where more than one person wishes to perform a sacrifice together, the rules governing joint ownership apply.