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Dhaka, June 3, 2025 – Eid-ul-Azha is approaching. This Eid is a special festival of sacrifice and devotion to Allah Almighty for the Muslim Ummah. The selection of sacrificial animals is an important part of this festival. Many people have questions about which animal is best for sacrifice. A discussion on selecting the best animal for sacrifice in terms of religious provisions and reality is presented below.
The best animals from a religious perspective:
According to Islamic law, certain animals have been made halal for sacrifice. These are:
Camel
Cow (buffalo is also included in cattle)
Swine
Sheep
Goat
All of these animals are permissible for sacrifice. However, according to religious knowledge and the practices of the Companions, some animals are considered better than others.
1. Camel: The best of the sacrificial animals is the camel. However, it is not very readily available in the context of Bangladesh. A camel can be sacrificed for 7 to 10 people.
2. Cow and buffalo: Cows are the second most popular sacrificial animals in Bangladesh after camels. A cow or buffalo can be sacrificed for a maximum of 7 people. It is also preferred due to the amount of meat and the convenience of family participation.
3. Sheep and goats: Next in line are sheep and goats. These are usually small animals, which are sacrificed for one person. However, if a sheep or goat is large in size, then it can be sacrificed for a maximum of 7 people - but there is disagreement among scholars on this matter. In general, sheep and goats are suitable for one person.
4. Goats: Goats are the lowest among sacrificial animals, but this is also completely permissible. Goats are also sacrificed for one person.
The most important thing is a healthy and defect-free animal:
More important than the type of animal for sacrifice, the health of the animal and its defect-freeness are more important. In Islam, it is not permissible to sacrifice an animal that has a serious defect. For example:
An animal that is seriously ill or lame, that cannot walk to the place of sacrifice.
An animal that has one or both eyes blind.
An animal that has more than half of its ears or tail cut off.
An animal that has a horn broken off at the base.
An animal that is very weak or bony, with very little meat in its body.
An animal that is not of the age required by Sharia (goats and sheep are at least 1 year old, cows and buffaloes are at least 2 years old, and camels are at least 5 years old).
The best animal in the context of Bangladesh:
In the context of Bangladesh, the most preferable and suitable animal for sacrifice is the cow. There are several reasons for this:
Availability: Cows are relatively easily available throughout the country.
Monthly requirement: A cow can be sacrificed with the participation of multiple (maximum 7) people, which facilitates sharing of the sacrifice among family and friends.
Quantity of meat: Cows have a sufficient amount of meat, which is convenient for distributing and preserving meat on the occasion of Eid.
Market price: Although the price of a cow is higher, it is the first choice of most people considering its overall benefits.
However, for those who want to sacrifice in a small family or individually, goats or sheep are also better. It is budget-friendly and easy to manage.
Ultimately, choosing the best animal for sacrifice depends on the financial capacity of the individual, the number of family members, and local availability. However, the most important thing is that the animal should be healthy, free from defects, and Shariah-compliant.
