Shar‘i Ruling on Sacrificing a Barren Goat and Scholarly Opinions
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol. 1, p. 610
❖ Question:
What do the scholars say regarding the ruling of sacrificing a barren goat? Is such a sacrifice permissible or not?
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d!
In the books of ḥadīth, the defects of sacrificial animals are detailed, but barrenness is not mentioned as a defect.
Therefore, sacrificing a barren goat is Shar‘ī permissible, and there should be no doubt in this matter.
The scholars agree on the permissibility of sacrificing a barren animal.
❖ Fatwā of Muftī ‘Azīz al-Raḥmān Deobandī:
Muftī ‘Azīz al-Raḥmān Deobandī stated:
“The sacrifice of a barren animal is valid.”
(Fatāwā Dār al-‘Ulūm Deoband, Vol. 1, p. 74)
❖ Additional Note on the Meat of a Barren Goat:
Just as the meat of a castrated animal is more delicious and preferred than that of a non-castrated one, similarly:
✿ The meat of a barren goat
✿ Compared to that of a normal goat
✿ Is better, more flavorful, and tastier when properly prepared.
❖ Conclusion:
Hence, there should be no hesitation or doubt regarding the permissibility of sacrificing a barren goat.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
