What happens if an animal designated as obligatory Hady (sacrifice) perishes before reaching its destination?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If a person designates an animal for an obligatory Hady (such as the Hady for Tamattu or Qiran, or compensation for violating a prohibition) and it perishes before reaching its place, the owner may dispose of the remains as he wishes, and he remains liable for the original obligatory Hady. This applies if he designated the animal verbally without specifying it as the one fulfilling the obligation. In this case, his ownership does not cease until the prescribed sacrifice is made and distributed to its rightful recipients. He retains the right to sell, give away, or consume the perished animal. If the animal develops a defect that invalidates its suitability as a sacrifice, slaughtering it does not discharge his obligation, and he must offer another sacrifice, as the obligation remains due against his personal liability until it reaches its intended recipients.
Supporting text
If the obligatory Hady was designated verbally by stating, 'This is the obligatory sacrifice due upon me,' its designation binds the obligation, but it does not discharge the liability from his person if it perishes or is stolen. The obligation reverts to his personal liability, similar to when a specific item bought to settle a debt perishes before possession, causing the debt to reinstate against him.