Is the owner liable if a specifically designated sacrificial animal (Udhhiyah) is stolen or lost without negligence?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
If the legally required sacrificial animal is designated, and it is subsequently stolen or lost without the owner's negligence (tafrit), the owner incurs no liability (daman) for it. This is because the animal is considered a trust (amanah) in his possession. If the animal returns to him, he must sacrifice it, whether during the prescribed time or afterwards. This applies to a required sacrifice, such as one due by vow or specific designation.
Supporting text
If the animal was not obligatory through vow or designation, it is treated as a regular animal for consumption (shat لحم), and no replacement is due unless the owner chooses to provide one, as in the case of spoiling a voluntary act of worship.