What is the ruling regarding a bequest of a sheep (*shāh*) from one's flock?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Bequests
Primary text
The ruling concerning a bequest of a sheep (*shāh*) from one's flock is the same as the ruling concerning a bequest of one of one's slaves. The term *shāh* encompasses both sheep and goats. The established view holds that it covers the young, the old, the male, and the female because the term encompasses all of these categories. This is evidenced by the Prophet's saying, "For forty sheep, one sheep is due," which intends males and females, young and old. The basis for inclusion is this general ruling derived from the prophetic statement.
Supporting text
The jurist's personal opinion suggests that the term *shāh* does not include anything except a mature female, unless the local custom dictates otherwise. If the custom of the people does not refer to anything except females by that term, then the bequest only encompasses what is commonly understood in their local usage, as the appearance of the situation implies intent based on what they customarily use.