What is the ruling on sacrificing a calf as an Uḍḥiyah without being certain that it has reached two years of age in a non-Islamic country, and is it permissible to seek the help of a Muslim veterinarian to estimate its age, with the possibility of a margin of error?
If a sacrificial animal is found with a Muslim merchant, it is preferable to buy from him, and his word regarding its attainment of the agethat suffices (completion of two years and entering the third for cattle) is to be taken. If it is not found with a Muslim seller, it is permissible to rely on the word of a trustworthy and expert Muslim veterinarian in determining its age out of necessity, as Allah the Almighty says: "So fear Allah as much as you are able."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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