Is a cow sufficient for a mandatory cow sacrifice?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If a cow is obligatory, a Badanah (camel) suffices because the cow offers more meat and is more abundant. Furthermore, seven sheep suffice for the cow because they suffice for the Badanah, making them more readily applicable to the cow.
Supporting text
If a Badanah is required, but not due to a vow or hunting penalty, a cow suffices. This is based on the report where Jabir indicated that they used to sacrifice a camel for seven people, and when asked about the cow, he responded, 'Is it anything other than from the livestock?' However, concerning vows, Ibn 'Aqil stated that one must offer what was intended. If the vow was stated generally, there are two narrations: one that the cow suffices based on the general reports, and another that it does not suffice unless the Badanah is unavailable. The latter view is held by Al-Shafi'i because it is a substitute, requiring the absence of the primary item. The former view is stronger due to the hadith and because whatever suffices for seven in Hady and the Tamattu' sacrifice suffices for the vow stated as 'Badanah,' just like the camel.