Types of Sacrificial Animals and Their Legal Requirements According to Islamic Law

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YOGYAKARTA - Sacrifice is performed every Eid al-Adha as a form of obedience to Allah SWT. However, it should be noted that not all types of animals are allowed for sacrifice. Therefore, before rushing to the animal market, you need to know the types of sacrificial animals. In addition, you also need to know the conditions for the validity of sacrificial animals.

Summarized from various sources, the following will discuss the types of sacrificial animals, the conditions for their validity, and tips for choosing the right sacrificial animals. That way, you can sacrifice more calmly, confidently, and in accordance with the guidance of the Islamic religion.

5 Types of Sacrificial Animals

In Islam, the animals that are allowed to be sacrificed are animals that fall into the category of livestock (Bahimatul an'am). These animals have been clearly determined in the sharia and cannot be replaced with other types. The following are 5 types of sacrificial animals and the number of people per animal:

Camel for seven people. Cow for seven people. Buffalo for seven people. Goat for one person. Sheep/Sheep for one person. Conditions for the Sacrifice of Animals

In addition to the type, the animal that will be sacrificed must also meet the requirements for a valid sacrifice so that the sacrifice body is not wasted. The following are the requirements for a valid sacrificial animal:

Meet the minimum age

The age of the animal must meet the minimum provisions. According to Imam Nawawi, camels are at least 5 years old, cows or buffaloes are 2 years old, and goats or sheep are at least 1 year old or have changed their teeth. For sheep, the age of 6 months is allowed if it looks like an adult sheep (jadza'ah).

The Prophet said: "Do not slaughter except musinnah (animals of sufficient age). Unless it is difficult for you, then slaughter jadza'ah from sheep." (HR. Muslim).

Healthy and not disabled

The physical condition of the animal must be healthy and not deformed. It is not allowed to sacrifice with sick and free of defects animals. This is emphasized in the hadith narrated by Imam Muslim:

"There are four defects that are not allowed in sacrificial animals: blind eyes and obvious blindness, sick and visibly sick, lame and visibly lame, and very thin to the point of having no bone marrow."

Legal ownership

The animal to be sacrificed must be legally owned. Animals obtained from theft or without a permit are not valid for sacrifice.

Slaughter is carried out at the time that has been determined.

The time of sacrifice begins after the Eid al-Adha prayer until before sunset on 13 Dzulhijjah. If it is done outside of that time, it is not counted as a sacrifice.

Slaughter according to the rules of sharia

The process of slaughter must be in accordance with the rules of sharia. Slaughter is done by calling the name of Allah, facing the qiblat, and is carried out by a Muslim who is sane.

Tips for Choosing a Sacrificial Animal

Choosing a sacrificial animal should be done carefully and not in a hurry so that it is in accordance with the provisions of syariat. In order not to be wrong, follow the following tips when buying sacrificial animals:

Pay attention to the physical condition of the animal

Choose an animal that looks active, agile, and not lethargic. In addition, pay attention to its eyes, eyes that are clear and not watery indicate a healthy animal.

Check the body thoroughly.

Make sure there are no defects such as limp or wounds. Check the mouth, nose, and feet. Clean and dull hair can be an additional indicator.

Make sure the age is in accordance with the provisions.

Animal age can be seen from the condition of the teeth. Animals that are old enough usually have certain tooth replacement. If in doubt, ask the seller.

Choose a trusted seller

Thus, you will get honest information about the condition of the animal. They sometimes also provide health certificates.

Pay attention to the cleanliness of the cage.

A clean cage environment shows that animals are well cared for. This also affects animal health. The better the care, the better the quality of the meat.

Thus the discussion of the types and conditions of valid sacrificial animals in Islamic law. By understanding and following what has been discussed above, you can ensure that the sacrifice you perform is valid and in accordance with the law. Happy performing the sacrifice.

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