Legitimacy of Offering a Goat in Sacrifice

Sayyidah ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ once sent a sheep as a sacrificial offering.”

✿ Lexical Explanation:

  • Ghanam (غنم): The Arabic term "ghanam" includes both sheep and goats.

✿ Explanation of the Ḥadīth:

This narration is evidence for the permissibility of sacrificing a goat or sheep. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, on one occasion, offered such an animal as a sacrificial gift (hady) for the Sacred Precinct (al-Ḥaram), even when he was not personally present.

This demonstrates that it is entirely permissible to offer a goat or sheep as a valid form of sacrifice. Whether one is performing Hajj personally or sending a sacrificial offering on their behalf, both sheep and goats are accepted offerings in Islamic law.

✔ Summary:

① This ḥadīth proves the validity of offering a goat or sheep for sacrifice.
② It reflects the flexibility in the types of animals accepted for sacrifice.
③ Sending the sacrificial animal to the sacred precinct, even without personal presence, is a recommended practice.
④ The Prophet’s ﷺ example sets a precedent for simplicity and ease in fulfilling sacrificial obligations.
 
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