Is it permissible to pay Zakat or Sadaqah with an animal of a higher category than the one legally required?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
It is permissible when one pays an animal category that is genetically superior to the legally due one, such as paying a Bint Labun (a three-year-old female camel) instead of a Bint Makhad (a two-year-old female camel), or a Haqqah (a four-year-old female camel) instead of a Bint Labun or Bint Makhad. Similarly, paying two Bint Labuns or two Haqqahs for a Jadha’ah (a five-year-old female camel) is valid. There is no known disagreement on this matter, as the excess provided is of the same kind and is sufficient on its own, similar to an excess in number. This is supported by the narration of Abu Ubayy ibn Ka'b, where the Prophet, peace be upon him, accepted a superior camel offered by a man in place of the due Bint Makhad, stating that what was due was the Bint Makhad, but the additional good offered was accepted with a blessing for his wealth.
Supporting text
The ruling extends to paying animals superior in quality, such as giving a fat camel instead of a thin one, a healthy one instead of a sick one, a noble one instead of a common one, or a pregnant one instead of a non-pregnant one; these are accepted and fulfill the obligation, and the payer receives the reward for the surplus given.