What specific attributes must be mentioned when specifying an animal for a contract of sale or obligation?
Chapter on Guaranteed Salaf (Advance Payment) for a Specified Term
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
For all animals, the species (type), age, masculinity or femininity must be specified. The color must be mentioned if the species varies by color. The age of a male slave is determined by his own testimony if he is adult; otherwise, the testimony of his master is accepted. If neither is available, one must revert to the opinion of experts based on likelihood and estimation.
Supporting text
If the species of a slave is varied, such as Turkic slaves with subtypes like Jikli or Khazri, there is a legal ambiguity as to whether the subtype must be explicitly mentioned or if mentioning the general species suffices.