The types and features of the sheep

Q 6: Is it sufficient to offer a six months old sheep as an Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims)? They say that it is not sufficient to offer a six-months old sheep as Ud-hiyah because it should be at least one year old.

A: It is not sufficient to offer as an Ud-hiyah a sheep unless it is at least six months old or older whether it is a male or female. The sheep at this age is called Jaz`a. It is reported by Abu Dawud and Al-Nasa'y on the authority of Mujashi` that he said: "I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying: 'A young she-goat may substitute a six-year-old camel or three-year-old cow or goat.'" Goats, cows and camels should be of a certain age in order to be slaughtered as Ud-hiyah whether male or female. (Part No. 11; Page No. 415) Goats should be more than one year old. Cows should be more than two years old. Camels should be more than five years old. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Sacrifice only a grown-up animal, unless it is difficult for you, in which case sacrifice a ram (of even less than a year, but more than six months' age)." This Hadith was reported by Muslim. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.