The best slaughter animal in relation to kind:

1. The camel – if it is slaughtered whole (i.e. by one person)
2. The cow – if it is slaughtered whole (i.e. by one person)
3. The Sheep
4. The goat
5. A seventh of a camel (i.e. a camel shared by seven as opposed to the first camel that is not shared.)
6. A seventh of a cow.

The best type in relation to characteristics:

• The Fattest
• The most meaty
• The most physically fit
• The one with the best appearance.

In a Hadeeth collected by al Bukhari on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik – may Allah be pleased with him:

"The Messenger of Allah - صلى الله عليه وسلّم - used to slaughter two large, fleshy black and white Sheep with large horns."

On the authority of Abu Sa'eed al Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him:

"The Prophet slaughtered a large Fuhl ram with black eyes, a black mouth and black limbs."

Collected by The Four, at Tirmidhee stated; Hasan Saheeh.

On the authority of Abu Raafi':

"When the Prophet - صلى الله عليه وسلّم - used to slaughter, he would buy two fleshy/fat rams." In another narration: "Two Mawjoo rams."

A Mawjoo is better in terms of meat.

A Fuhl is better in terms of appearance.

This is what is best, in terms of kind and characteristics.