What is the ruling on dedicating a non-obligatory animal as a voluntary offering (Hady)?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If an individual dedicates a non-obligatory animal as a Hady without explicitly stating it or marking/leading it as such, the dedication is not binding, and the owner retains full rights to its offspring and value, and may revoke the intention at any time before slaughter. This is because the intention was merely to give charity from his possessions, similar to dedicating a sum of money for charity.
Supporting text
If the individual explicitly declares it a Hady, or marks or leads it with that specific intention, it becomes a specified obligatory offering, where the obligation attaches to the animal itself, not the individual's liability (dhimma). If it perishes without negligence or mistreatment, nothing is due, similar to a deposit (wadi'ah). If it perishes due to negligence, the owner is liable for compensation, as it was a mandatory offering for another.