Prayer TimesAccording to Sharia, Qurbani may be performed with four types of livestock: sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. A goat or sheep must be at least one year old, but a lamb that is over six months old and is large and healthy like a mature sheep is also acceptable for Qurbani.
Cattle must be at least two years old, and camels must be at least five years old to be eligible for sacrifice. In addition, the animal must not have any defects or faults.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
لا تَذْبَحُوا إِلا مُسِنَّةً إِلا أَنْ يَعْسُرَ عَلَيْكُمْ فَتَذْبَحُوا جَذَعَةً مِنْ الضَّأْنِ
“Do not slaughter except a mature animal, unless it is difficult for you, then you may slaughter a six-month-old lamb.” [1]
Imam al-Kasani said: “It is permissible to sacrifice a camel, cattle, or sheep that has reached the required age, but only a lamb that is large enough is suitable for Qurbani.” [2]
Imam al-Maydaani said: “Al-jadha‘ refers to a lamb that is six months old, and it should be so large that it cannot be distinguished from a one-year-old sheep when seen from a distance.” [3]
Therefore, a lamb over six months old is not suitable for Qurbani unless it is as large as a one-year-old sheep.
Elbek Tasbolatuly,
Specialist, Sharia and Fatwa Department, Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan
[1] Muslim, No. 1963.
[2] Bada’i as-Sana’i, 6/299.
[3] Al-Lubab Sharh al-Kitab, p. 933.
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.