Hadith Prohibition on Defective Sacrificial Animals

The Prophet (ﷺ) prohibited to sacrifice an animal with a slit ear and broken horn.

This prohibition falls under the broader Islamic principle that sacrificial animals must be free from apparent defects that diminish their value or perfection. The slit ear and broken horn represent visible imperfections that make the animal less than ideal for offering to Allah.

Scholarly Commentary on the Prohibition

Classical scholars explain that sacrificial animals must meet specific criteria of perfection, as the sacrifice represents one's devotion to Allah. Animals with defects like slit ears or broken horns are considered deficient and thus unsuitable for this sacred act.

The wisdom behind this prohibition includes: ensuring the best quality is offered to Allah, maintaining the dignity of the ritual, and avoiding what people would normally consider defective in their transactions.

This ruling is consistent with other hadiths that prohibit sacrificing blind, sick, lame, or emaciated animals, establishing a comprehensive standard for sacrificial offerings.

Narrator Authentication Note

Abu Dawud said: The narrator Jurayy (b. Kulaib) is Sadusi, and belongs to Basrah. No one narrated traditions from him except Qatadah.

This chain of narration, while limited, is accepted by scholars of hadith science. The isolation of a narrator does not necessarily weaken the narration if the narrator himself is reliable and trustworthy.

Practical Application in Islamic Law

This prohibition applies to all types of Islamic sacrifices including Udhiyah (Eid al-Adha sacrifice), Aqiqah (newborn sacrifice), and voluntary offerings.

Scholars differ on whether such a sacrifice is merely disliked (makruh) or invalid (batil), with the majority holding that it invalidates the sacrifice if the defect is substantial and apparent.

The Muslim community must exercise due diligence in selecting sacrificial animals, ensuring they meet the Islamic standards of perfection and freedom from defects.