The best animal for sacrifice

Q: I work in the Saudi city of Al-Ta'if. My work conditions did not allow me to spend `Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice) with my wife who was staying at her father's house. Am I required to offer Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims)?

A: It seems that you are asking about whether you are required to offer Ud-hiyah for not spending `Eid-ul-Adha with your family. If this is the purpose of your question, you should know that offering Ud-hiyah is basically an act of Sunnah (commendable act) which a Muslim offers on behalf of themselves and their family. Though, according to the precepts of Shari`ah (Islamic Law), a person is granted reward for offering an act of Sunnah, they will not be subjected to any sort of punishment if they neglect doing it. Accordingly, nothing is required of you for not offering Ud-hiyah. However, it is preferable, if you are wealthy enough, to offer it regularly in future in order to follow the Prophet's line of conduct, regardless of whether you slaughter it at home or at work. It is, however, preferable to offer it at home as this will be of much more benefit. If your question is intended for something else, you have to clarify it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.