What is the ruling if the designated sacrificial animal is slaughtered before the prescribed time?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
If a required sacrifice is slaughtered before its proper time, a replacement must be provided, similar to a Hadī sacrifice slaughtered before reaching its destination. The replacement must be equal to or better than the original sacrifice because slaughtering it prematurely constitutes its destruction. This ruling applies to sacrifices made obligatory by vow or specification.
Supporting text
The statements of scholars supporting this view are interpreted to apply specifically to sacrifices made obligatory by vow or designation. If the sacrifice was voluntary, slaughtering it prematurely invalidates the ritual aspect, leaving it as merely a sacrificial animal for meat, and no replacement is required, analogous to giving voluntary charity to an improper recipient.