Defects in Sacrificial Animals and the Ruling on Castrated Animals

Is Every Defect a Barrier to Qurbani?
Qurbani (sacrifice) is a significant Islamic act of worship, and Shari’ah provides clear instructions about it. Through the Prophet ﷺ, Allah has identified the specific defects that invalidate the sacrificial offering. Not every defect makes the sacrifice unacceptable — only certain major defects serve as disqualifiers. Had every kind of flaw disqualified an animal, Shari’ah would have explicitly declared it. This reflects the mercy of Allah that only a few major defects are considered obstacles, while others are not.

Defects That Invalidate Qurbani​

According to Sahih Muslim, the sacrificial animal must be a “Jaz’ah” (one that has reached a certain age) or “Thaniyah” (one with two permanent teeth).
(Ref: Sahih Muslim 1963)

The Prophet ﷺ identified the following four disqualifying defects:
❶ An animal with an obviously defective eye (e.g., visibly squinting or blind in one eye).
❷ An animal with a clearly visible illness.
❸ An animal that limps severely.
❹ An animal so weak and thin that its bones contain no marrow.

Reference:
Musnad Ahmad 4/84; Sunan Abi Dawood: 2802; Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1497; Sunan al-Nasa’i: 4374; Sunan Ibn Majah: 3144

Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ instructed the companions to inspect the animal’s eyes and ears carefully.
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1503; Sunan al-Nasa’i: 4381; Sunan Ibn Majah: 3143)

He further stated that the Prophet ﷺ prohibited the sacrifice of animals with cut ears or broken horns.
(Sunan Abi Dawood: 2805; Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1503; Sunan al-Nasa’i: 4382; Sunan Ibn Majah: 3145)

Ruling on Castrated Animals​

The Prophet ﷺ clearly listed the defects that disqualify an animal, and castration is not among them. There is no scholarly dispute among Hadith scholars or jurists regarding the permissibility of sacrificing a castrated animal.

Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (رحمه الله) stated:
“We are not aware of any disagreement on this matter.”
(Al-Mughni: 3/476, 9/442)

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله) also said:
“There is no harm in it.”
(Masa'il al-Imam Ahmad & Ishaq ibn Rahwayh by Ishaq al-Kawsaj: 2/368)

Is Castration the Only Non-Disqualifying Defect?​

There are several other traits that are commonly found in animals but do not affect the validity of the sacrifice, such as:
◈ The animal being short in height.
◈ Its color being less attractive or affecting its market price.
◈ A female animal not being pregnant.

None of these are listed in the Shari’ah as disqualifying defects, and neither is castration.

Conclusion​

Only a few specific major defects disqualify an animal from being used for Qurbani. Castration and other minor flaws do not invalidate the sacrifice unless they are explicitly stated in the Shari’ah. Thus, offering a castrated animal as sacrifice is permissible and valid.