Is it permissible to give the skin of the sacrificial animal to the butcher (Jazzaar) as part of his fee?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
It is not permissible to give the butcher anything from the skin or other parts of the sacrifice as payment for his slaughtering service. This is based on the narration of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) stating that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordered him to oversee the animal and divide its skins and coverings, and commanded that nothing be given to the butcher for his service, saying, 'We will give him from what we have.' This is because what is given to the butcher is compensation (ujra) for his work, and direct exchange (mu'awada) using any part of the sacrifice is not permitted.
Supporting text
Al-Hasan and 'Abdullah ibn 'Ubayd ibn 'Umayr permitted giving the skin to the butcher. However, if the skin is given to him due to his poverty or as a gift, there is no issue, as he is entitled to receive charity like anyone else, perhaps even more so because he performed the act and desires it.