The Book of Sacrifices - Sahih Muslim 1961b

Apostle of Allah, it is the day of meat and it is not desirable (to have longing for it and not to make use of it immediately), so I hastened in offering my animal as a sacrifice, so that I might feed my family and neighbours and my kith and kin. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Offer again your sacrifice. He said: Messenger of Allah, I have a small milch goat of less than one year, and that is better than two dry goats (from which only) meat (can be acquired). Thereupon he said: That is better than the two animals of sacrifice on your behalf, and the sacrifice of a goat, of less than six months shall not be accepted as a sacrifice on behalf of anyone after your (sacrifice).

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes several important rulings regarding Udhiyah (sacrificial animals). The Prophet's command to offer another sacrifice indicates that the initial animal was deficient in meeting the required conditions.

The companion's reasoning about the young milch goat being better than two mature goats demonstrates that quality and benefit are considered in sacrifice, not merely age. However, the Prophet's final ruling establishes that a goat must be at least six months old to be valid for sacrifice, setting a clear minimum age requirement.

This ruling shows the wisdom of Islamic law in balancing compassion toward animals with the religious requirements of sacrifice, ensuring animals have reached sufficient maturity while still allowing for consideration of the animal's overall benefit and quality.

Legal Rulings Derived

A goat must be at least six months old to be valid for Udhiyah.

The quality and benefit of the sacrificial animal are considered alongside age requirements.

The Prophet's approval of sacrificing a single animal of better quality over multiple inferior ones demonstrates the importance of intention and quality in worship.

This incident became the basis for the permanent ruling regarding the minimum age for sacrificial goats.