It is narrated about Sayyiduna Bara’ bin ‘Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) that while mentioning sacrifice, he stated that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gestured with his blessed hand—my hand is smaller compared to the blessed hand of the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Four types of animals cannot be sacrificed: a one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious, a sick animal whose sickness is apparent, a lame animal whose lameness is evident, and an extremely weak animal that has no marrow in its body. People asked Sayyiduna Bara’ (may Allah be pleased with him): We also consider it undesirable to sacrifice an animal that has a defect in its teeth, ear, or tail. Sayyiduna Bara’ (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: You may consider whatever you wish as undesirable, but do not declare it unlawful for the people.

Sayyiduna Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded us to examine the eyes and ears (of the sacrificial animals).