"I heard the Messenger of Allah say" - and he gestured with his fingers, but his fingers were shorter than the fingers of the Messenger of Allah - he said "It is not permissible to offer as a sacrifice an animal that clearly has one bad eye, a lame animal that is obviously lame, as sick animal that is obviously sick, or an animals that is so emaciated that it is as if there is no marrow in its bones."
The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4371
This narration from the Messenger of Allah establishes clear guidelines regarding animals that are impermissible for sacrifice. The Prophet's gesture with his fingers emphasizes the clarity and certainty required in identifying these defects.
Scholarly Commentary on Defective Animals
The four categories mentioned represent animals with defects that substantially diminish their value and make them unsuitable as offerings to Allah. The clear emphasis on "obviously" defective indicates that minor imperfections that don't affect the animal's health or substance do not invalidate the sacrifice.
The blind animal with obvious blindness refers to complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. The obviously lame animal cannot walk properly to pasture. The obviously sick animal shows clear signs of illness. The emaciated animal lacks the basic nutritional substance required for a valid sacrifice.
Legal Rulings and Wisdom
Classical scholars like Imam an-Nawawi explain that these prohibitions ensure that Muslims offer only wholesome, healthy animals as sacrifices, reflecting the honor due to acts of worship. The sacrifice represents submission to Allah and should be of the best quality one can afford.
The mention of "no marrow in its bones" indicates extreme weakness where the animal lacks the essential vitality expected in sacrificial animals. This teaching ensures that the sacrificial ritual maintains its spiritual significance and doesn't become a means of disposing of defective livestock.