What is the religious status of a sacrificial animal slaughtered prematurely by the owner?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
A prematurely slaughtered animal is regarded as a sheep for meat (shat لحم), meaning one can do with it as desired, similar to any other animal slaughtered for its flesh, not for ritual sacrifice. If it was obligatory, the obligation shifts to replacing it with a valid offering. If it was voluntary, the premature slaughter removes it from the status of a ritual act of nearness to God (Qurbah), leaving it simply as meat.
Supporting text
An alternative view suggests that its ruling remains that of the original sacrifice, like a Hadī that becomes defective before reaching its destination, meaning it does not lose its sacrificial standing entirely. In this interpretation, describing it as 'shat لحم' relates only to its merit and reward, not to what can be done with the physical animal.