What should be considered for a proper sacrifice?

For the sacrifice to be acceptable to Allah, it must be performed correctly. The believer who sacrifices performs this act once a year and for the pleasure of his Lord. Therefore, performing this act in a manner that is worthy of the One who accepts it reflects our sincerity and devotion.

Allah Almighty mentions in the Holy Quran the sacrifice made by the two sons of Adam, the head of humanity, and says: “Recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam in truth. When they offered a sacrifice, it was accepted from one of them and not from the other. He said, “Indeed, I will kill you.” (The other) said, “Indeed, Allah accepts only from those who are righteous.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 27)

Indeed, Allah accepts only from the pious. He desires ease for His servants and also deserves to be worshipped in the most beautiful way. Abu Darda, a role model for us, expressed his worship in the following words: "Knowing that Allah has accepted even one of my prayers is more beloved to me than the world and everything in it."

What is required of us to perform our sacrifice properly?

For the proper performance of the sacrifice, the following is required of us:

The first: the animal to be sacrificed must be free from defects that could harm its meat and health.

There are four types of faults that are associated with causing such a defect. They are: the animal being clearly blind in one eye; being clearly sick; being lame; being extremely thin. These faults are considered a hindrance to sacrifice according to the hadith narrated by Bara ibn Azib, may Allah be pleased with him.

Second: performing the sacrifice at a special time. According to the Hanafi school of thought, this special time is the three days of Eid al-Adha. That is, the daytime of the three days of Eid and the night of the first and second days of Eid. The night of the third day of Eid is not counted as Eid.

At the same time, it should be noted that sacrificing at night is considered tanzihan makruh. At the same time, it is considered mustahabb to hire a Muslim butcher to slaughter the sacrifice.