What is the ruling on offering as a sacrifice a sheep whose horn has been cut off for its growth, and a lame sheep whose lameness has not affected its fatness, and a sheep whose tail has been cut off? And what is the minimum age for a sheep offered as a sacrifice?

Scholars have differed regarding sacrificial animals (Uḍḥiya) that have defects other than the four explicitly mentioned in the ḥadīth of Al-Barā’ ibn ʿĀzib: "The one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious, the sick animal whose sickness is obvious, the lame animal whose lameness is obvious, and the emaciated animal that has no marrow," and whatever is similar in meaning or more severe. Some scholars have prohibited such sacrifices, while others have permitted them. It is preferable for the sacrificial animal to be free from all defects, based on the ḥadīth of ʿĀ’ishah: "He (the Prophet) sacrificed two horned, white-black rams," and because Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure. Therefore, if a castrated animal (majbūbah) is fatter, has more meat, and is generally better, then it is preferable; otherwise, another animal is preferable. Similarly, concerning an animal with a cut tail, another animal is preferable, but if not, then it is permissible. As for a lame animal, it is not permissible as long as its lameness is obvious.