The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4374

"The Messenger of Allah forbade sacrificing an animals with its ears slit form the front, and animals with its ears slit form the back, and animal with its ears slit lengthwise, an animals with a round hole in tits ear, or an animals with its nose cut off"

Textual Analysis & Context

This hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i addresses defects that render animals unsuitable for sacrifice (udhiyah). The Prophet ﷺ prohibited five types of physical imperfections that compromise the animal's completeness and value.

The prohibition applies to both voluntary sacrifices and required offerings like the Eid al-Adha sacrifice, ensuring the animal meets standards of physical perfection befitting an act of worship.

Classification of Defects

Ear Defects: Front-slit ears, back-slit ears, lengthwise-slit ears, and ears with round holes - all indicate tampering with natural appearance, potentially hiding identification marks or reducing value.

Nasal Defect: Animals with cut-off noses suffer significant disfigurement and potential breathing difficulties, affecting their health and completeness.

Scholarly Interpretation

Classical scholars like Imam an-Nawawi explain these prohibitions fall under the principle of "tadamun" (completeness) in worship. The sacrifice must be of premium quality, reflecting the worshipper's sincerity.

The Malikiyyah and Hanabilah consider these defects major ("a'yar kabir") that invalidate the sacrifice, while minor defects like natural ear notches don't necessarily invalidate it according to most schools.

Legal Rulings & Exceptions

The consensus holds that these specific defects invalidate the ritual sacrifice. However, if such an animal is slaughtered for ordinary consumption (not as udhiyah), its meat remains lawful (halal).

Scholars differentiate between congenital defects and acquired ones, with most holding that congenital defects of similar severity also invalidate the sacrifice due to the principle of analogy (qiyas).