Tips for Choosing a Healthy and Sharia-Compliant Sacrificial Animal

As Eid al-Adha approaches, people begin preparing their best sacrificial animals. Of course, we want to ensure that the animal we choose for qurbani is in line with Islamic law. Qurbani itself is a reminder of the struggle and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. He received a command from Allah to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail. From that story, the practice of sacrificing animals during the 10th to 13th of Zulhijah emerged as a recommendation for every Muslim around the world.

Dear Initiators, qurbani brings immense blessings. For those who perform it, the reward is greater than giving the equivalent amount in charity. Furthermore, the community in need also benefits from the qurbani, such as receiving the meat from the sacrifice. Naturally, we need to prepare the best sacrificial animal to receive these blessings.

For Dear Initiators who wish to perform qurbani, it’s essential to understand the criteria for selecting a healthy and Sharia-compliant sacrificial animal. Human Initiative will share tips on how to choose the right sacrificial animal to make this year’s qurbani truly blessed.

Criteria for Sacrificial Animals According to Islam

Sacrificial animals are generally livestock, such as camels, cattle (including buffalo), goats, and sheep. In Indonesia, cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep are commonly used for qurbani. The general rule is that a goat or sheep is for 1 person, while a cow or buffalo is for 7 people. Additionally, it’s important for Dear Initiators to pay attention to the health condition and age of the animal selected for qurbani.

According to NU Online, the age of the sacrificial animal is an important factor. The minimum age is as follows: for cattle, it should be at least 2 years old and have entered its 3rd year; for camels, at least 5 years old and entered their 6th year; for sheep, at least 1 year old, or a minimum of 6 months old for those who have difficulty obtaining a 1-year-old sheep; and for goats, at least 1 year old and have entered their 2nd year.

Animals with physical defects are not permissible for qurbani. According to Rumaysho, defects that make an animal unsuitable for qurbani include one eye being completely blind, visible illness, limping with clear signs of injury, or being so old that it has no bone marrow.

Other Preferred Characteristics for Sacrificial Animals

In addition to health and age, the following characteristics can also serve as tips for choosing the best sacrificial animal:

• Fat and well-nourished;

• Mostly white or predominantly white in color;

• Valuable in price;

• Horned;

• Male;

• Black hooves and a black stomach;

• Black coloring around the eyes.

After reading this article, Dear Initiators, you now know the tips for choosing a sacrificial animal in accordance with Islamic law. Ensure that the animal you choose is the best. Additionally, Dear Initiators can also channel their qurbani through Human Initiative, a trusted organization for distributing qurbani. InsyaAllah, not only will its quality be maintained, but your qurbani’s benefits will reach the far corners of the country.