Is the young male sheep (*Jad'*) preferred over the one-year-old goat (*Thani*)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
Al-Qadi mentioned that the young male sheep (*Jad' al-Dha'n*) is preferred over the one-year-old goat (*Thani al-Ma'iz*) because it is narrated that the Prophet said, 'Excellent is the sacrifice of the young male sheep.' This is based on the assumption that this narration is sound.
Supporting text
It is possible that the one-year-old (*Thani*) is superior, based on the Prophet's statement: 'Do not slaughter except a *Musinnah* (an animal reaching the age requirement), but if it is difficult for you, then slaughter a young male sheep (*Jad'*) from the sheep.' This indicates the superiority of the *Thani* as it is established as the norm, and the *Jad'* is only permitted as a substitute when the *Thani* is unavailable.