The Islamic celebration of Eid-e-Kabir is around the corner, rams are slaughtered and offered as a sacrifice to thank God for sustenance and also as a personal sacrifice of sharing food with other humans.

But do you know there are four important things to check before you buy the Sallah ram?

Sallah is a time of immense joy and gratitude for Nigerian Muslims. Choosing the sacrificial animal is a central part of the celebration. It holds deep significance, and the Quran offers guidance on selecting a suitable ram, allowing us to fulfil this act of worship with sincerity and following Islamic principles.

Below are four important things to check before you get your ram, and these things have been backed by Quranic injunctions too.

1. Age and health: (Quran 6:143):

According to the Quran, it is important to offer a sacrifice that is of good quality. Surah Al-An’am verse 143 states, “[He has created] the eight categories (of things) – of them are the standing crops and others of benefit and enjoyment for you, and others upon which you graze (your animals).” Choosing a healthy ram ensures the meat is suitable for consumption and honours the gift of life bestowed upon the animal.

Also, look for a ram that is at least one year old for a cow or camel, and at least six months old for a sheep or goat. This ensures the meat is fully developed and provides sustenance for those receiving it.

2. Physical attributes: (Quran 27:88)

The Quran highlights Allah’s perfection in creation “ The work of Allah who has perfected everything (He created). Qur’an 27:88 (An-Naml, The Ant). While this is a minor scenario, your sallah ram should be free from major defects or disabilities that would significantly impact its well-being or the quality of the meat. Look for a ram with a balanced build and good physical proportions. This ensures a reasonable amount of meat for distribution to family, neighbours, and importantly the less fortunate.

3. Check proper treatment (Quran 16:90):

The Quran emphasises treating animals with compassion (Surah An-Nahl verse 90). It is important to ensure the ram was raised and transported humanely.

Whenever possible, inquire about the ram’s source and ensure it was treated ethically throughout its life. Look for reputable places where rams are sold,and who are known for adhering to Islamic slaughtering practices.

4. Colour choices

Although the focus is on the health and well-being of the animal, some hadiths (teachings of the Prophet Muhammad) mention colour preference. It is important to note that these hadiths are not directly mentioned in the Quran but they provide additional context for Muslims.

Black: A narration from Ibn Majah (hadith number 3128) describes the Prophet (PBUH) sacrificing a ram with “a black stomach, black feet and black around its eyes.”

White with Black Markings: Another narration according to, (hadith number 4841) mentions the Prophet (PBUH) sacrificing “two horned rams which were white with black markings over them.”

READ ALSO: Saudi declares June 16 Sallah Day

Meanwhile

Understanding the country and economy you are in is important as well. The additional hadiths offer more guardians to how we get our Sallah ram. They do not supersede what the Quran has commanded us.

Ultimately, the colour of the ram is a matter of personal preference as long as the animal meets the Islamic requirements outlined earlier. The important aspect remains to offer the sacrifice with a pure heart and follow Islamic guidelines.

This year’s 2024 Eid-el-Kabir is on Saturday. The government has also declared Monday and Tuesday that follow as the public holidays.