How to choose the right sacrificial animal so that the worship is legitimate and quality

Eid al -Adha is one of the most important moments in the Muslim calendar. One of the important worship of this holiday is the worship of sacrifice which is a symbol of compliance and sacrifice to the Almighty God. One of the most vital aspects and must be recorded in the implementation of sacrifice is to choose sacrifice in accordance with sharia. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the details of how to choose legitimate and quality sacrifice.

Therefore, it is important for us as Muslims to find out the criteria and tips or ways to choose the right sacrificial animals so that the sacrificial worship performed is completely accepted by Allah SWT and can provide maximum benefits for the recipient.

1. How to choose sacrificial animals according to the Shari’a

The first step in choosing sacrificial animals is to ensure that the type of animal we choose is permissible in Islamic law. Legitimate animals to be made sacrificial animals are animal animals such as:

• Goat
• Sheep
• Cow
• Buffalo
• Possible

While livestock such as chickens, ducks, or other small animals do not meet the requirements as sacrificial animals. The selection of this type of animal must also be adjusted to the ability and number of people who want to sacrifice. For example, a goat or sheep can only be sacrificed for one person, while one cow or camel can be sacrificed for a maximum of seven people.

2. How to choose sacrificial animals based on age

Islam also regulates the age of sacrificial animals as the main requirement so that sacrificial worship is valid. Here is how to choose the right sacrificial animal based on age:

• Sheep: Minimum age of 6 months and looks like an adult sheep
• Goat: Minimum 1 year old
• Cow or Buffalo: Minimum 2 years old
• Camel: Minimum age of 5 years

Therefore, when choosing sacrificial animals, don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the age of the animal. If possible, it is better for friends to ask for evidence such as birth records. Some trusted breeders usually always have complete documents to make it easier for buyers to ensure the validity of the age of sacrificial animals.

3. How to choose sacrificial animals based on the physical condition of the animal

One way to choose sacrificial animals that are often ignored is to check the physical condition of the animal as a whole. Animals that will be used as sacrificial animals must be in good health, not defective, and have no disease. Here are some physical criteria for animals that are worthy of sacrifice:

• Bright eyes and not blind
• Complete ears, not torn or interrupted
• Perfect legs, not lame or paralyzed
• Clean skin from disease or wound
• Not too thin, ideal body weight
• Not toothless or lost most of his teeth

If the animal does not meet the physical requirements above or animals, including disability and illness, it is not valid to sacrifice because it is not in accordance with the provisions of the Shari’a and the value of the worship is reduced.

Also read: When is the right time to slaughter sacrificial animals

4. How to choose sacrificial animals from trusted breeders

The exact way to choose another sacrificial animal is to buy from a trusted breeder or seller. In this way, you can ensure that the animals sold have been well cared for, get proper feed, and are in good health. Professional sellers or breeders will usually also be ready to provide complete information about animals, ranging from age, medical history, to livestock origin.

If possible, friends can go directly to the farm to see the animal’s condition directly. You should not be too easily tempted by cheap prices that are not fair, because it could be that the animal does not meet the requirements of sacrifice.

5. Paying attention to the ethics and maintenance process

One way to choose sacrificial animals that you can do is to pay attention to how the animal is kept. Animals that are treated humanely, given nutritious food, and living in a clean cage will certainly have a better quality of meat and soothe our minds when carrying out sacrifices.

Keep in mind that sacrificial worship is not only about slaughtering animals, but also about spreading benefits and concern for fellow living things. Therefore, maintenance ethics must be a consideration in choosing the right sacrificial animals.

6. The right purchase time

In order to get the best sacrificial animals, you should not buy approaching the day of Eid al -Adha. In addition to prices that usually have soared, the choice of animals is usually also increasingly limited. Ideally, the purchase of sacrificial animals is carried out about 2-3 weeks before the holiday, so that friends still have many choices and animals available are still in fresh condition.

If you use a sacrificial or online sacrificial system, make sure the sacrificial organizer has an official and transparent permit in the process, such as the sacrificial program in the interior of the Bumi Mandiri Insan.

7. Consult with experts or sacrificial committees

When a friend experiences doubt in choosing sacrificial animals, there is no harm in consulting an animal expert or sacrificial committee at the local mosque. These experts usually have experience so they can help ensure that the animals that you choose have met all the requirements of syar’i and health.

In essence, choosing sacrificial animals is not a trivial matter. Sacrificial worship is a form of our obedience as Muslims to God and a form of social solidarity with others, so it must be done with full responsibility.

For friends who want to sacrifice easily, practically, and according to the Shari’a, friends can choose sacrifices in the interior of the Mandiri Bumi Insan who are confirmed to be mandated and make the sacrifice that you do more on target for those in need.