Is it permissible to substitute the obligatory sacrifice with another animal?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
The primary ruling is that it is not permissible to sell or substitute the obligatory sacrifice because it has been dedicated to Allah (SWT). This view is held by 'Ata', Mujahid, 'Ikrimah, Malik, Abu Hanifa, and Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, and was preferred by Abu al-Khattab. The basis is that if the prescribed sacrificial animal is lost or stolen after being designated, no substitute is required according to the established position of Imam Ahmad, which would not be the case if ownership had completely reverted to him.
Supporting text
There is a view permitting substitution or exchange with a better animal of the same kind, drawing support from the Prophet's (PBUH) action of sharing one hundred camels with 'Ali in Hajj, which implies a form of gift or sale. Furthermore, some scholars permit selling it and buying a better one, arguing that ownership has not fully left, evidenced by the permissibility of substitution. Another view suggests it is permissible to substitute it only with a better one, but not an equal one, because substituting with an equal one yields no benefit, similar to destroying it.