Is an animal with a broken or partially missing ear or horn acceptable for sacrifice?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
An animal that is 'Adbaa' (having half or more of its ear or horn missing) is not acceptable for sacrifice. This view is held by Abu Yusuf and Muhammad regarding ear mutilation. Regarding horns, Abu Hanifa holds that if one-third of the horn is missing, it is not acceptable, a view shared by Ahmad. The evidence against this is the Hadith narrated by 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) stating that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade sacrificing animals with mutilated ears or horns. Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab clarified that 'Adb means the loss of half or more.
Supporting text
A dissenting view, narrated from 'Ali, 'Ammar, Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab, and Al-Hasan, permits the sacrifice of an animal with a broken horn because the loss does not affect the meat, classifying it like a naturally hornless animal (Jamma'). Malik permits it if it does not bleed; otherwise, it is not permitted. The reconciliation is that breaking less than half of the horn is permissible, aligning with the view of 'Ali and those who agreed with him.