What is required if a person vows to offer a specific type of large animal, such as a camel (Badana), a cow, or a sheep?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Vows
Primary text
If one vows, "It is incumbent upon me to offer a Badana, or a cow, or a sheep," the least acceptable from that specified category is obligatory. If a Badana is vowed, a Thani (two-year-old she-camel) suffices. If a camel is unavailable, a cow suffices. If neither is available, then seven sheep suffice. This is because the vow is interpreted according to the established legal practice, where the cow substitutes for the Badana, and similarly, seven sheep substitute for it.
Supporting text
The view of Al-Qadi and the explicit statement of Al-Shafi'i is that if one is capable of offering the camel (Badana) but chooses to offer a cow or sheep instead, the offering is invalid. However, what is implied by the Madhhab of Al-Kharqi suggests that this substitution is permissible, citing that whoever is obligated to offer a Badana and slaughters seven sheep, it suffices.