Don't Get It Wrong! The Criteria for Valid and Invalid Sacrificial Animals

Idul Adha is one of the Islamic festivals renowned for the act of sacrifice. The tradition of Qurban has existed since the time of Prophet Ibrahim and continues today. The command to sacrifice is even stated in the Qur’an, Surah Al-Kawthar, verse 2: ‘Establish prayer and sacrifice.’ The sacrifice is carried out only on 10, 11, 12 and 13 Dzulhijjah; slaughter outside these dates is not considered a sacrifice. When carrying out the sacrifice, attention must be paid to the animal to be slaughtered. What are the requirements and provisions for sacrificial animals? Read on for more details.

What types of animals may be sacrificed?

Animals used for sacrifice are four-legged livestock with cloven hooves such as camels, cattle/buffalo, and sheep/goats. Livestock such as chickens do not fall into this category.

Each sacrificial animal will be slaughtered on behalf of its owner. A camel can be designated for 10 people per animal, cattle for 7 people per animal, and sheep for 1 person per animal. The owner’s name must belong to a living person. If a person has died and did not leave a will for sacrifice, their name cannot be listed.

Minimum age of sacrificial animals

Each sacrificial animal has a different minimum age. The requirements are:

• Camel: minimum age 5 years

• Cattle: minimum age 3 years

• Goat: minimum age 1 year

• Sheep: minimum age 6 months

Physical health of sacrificial animals

Owners should pay attention to the health of the prospective sacrificial animal. There are at least four aspects to consider. First, it is better to use a fat and perfectly healthy animal. Second, preference should go to camels, then cattle, and finally sheep. Third, colour is preferably white. Fourth, preference is for male animals, although there is no prohibition on using female animals.

As for sacrificial animals with defects, they will be makruh or not valid. The defects that render it not valid include: the eyes are partly blind, sick and visibly ill, limping, too old. While those with defects such as broken or shattered horns and ears cut off partly or entirely are makruh.