When the prescribed Zakat due is *Bint Mukhāḍ*, but none are available, is substitution with *Ibn Labūn* permissible?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
If the owner does not possess a *Bint Mukhāḍ*, the *Ibn Labūn* (male camel of two years) suffices, based on the prophetic statement: 'If there is no *Bint Mukhāḍ* among them, then an *Ibn Labūn* male.' This condition implies that the substitution is only permitted upon the actual absence of the *Bint Mukhāḍ*. If the owner purchases a *Bint Mukhāḍ* and subsequently renders it, it is valid. If the owner intended to render the *Ibn Labūn* after purchasing the *Bint Mukhāḍ*, it is not permissible because the *Bint Mukhāḍ* has now become present in his livestock. If the owner possesses no *Ibn Labūn* and intends to purchase one, he is obligated to purchase a *Bint Mukhāḍ* instead. This is the view of Malik.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i permits the purchase of an *Ibn Labūn* based on the apparent generality of the report. However, the preferred view maintains that since both are equally absent, the *Bint Mukhāḍ* must be fulfilled, similar to when both are present. The report mandates the substitution due to leniency, relieving the need to purchase when the prescribed animal is present. If the prescribed animal is absent, purchase is necessary, making the purchase of the original prescribed animal superior. Some narrations specify that if one does not have a *Bint Mukhāḍ* in its prescribed state, and only has an *Ibn Labūn*, the latter is accepted without payment in addition. This confirms the condition of absence for the *Bint Mukhāḍ*.