What happens if the value remaining after buying a sacrificial animal is insufficient to purchase a whole animal?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
If the residual value after fulfilling the obligation to purchase a sacrificial animal is too little to acquire an animal, the owner should purchase meat with the remainder and give it in charity, because slaughter and the distribution of meat are intended objectives, and if one is unattainable, the other must be done.
Supporting text
An alternative view states that the remainder should be given as charity, as the primary objective of drawing near to God through the shedding of blood was not achieved, making the meat and its price equivalent.