What is the ruling on paying Zakat using animals of different quality (e.g., healthy vs. sick, male vs. female)?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
When paying Zakat involving different qualities such as healthy versus sick, male versus female, or young versus old, the owner must pay a sound, mature female animal whose value corresponds to the combined value of the prescribed animals, unless the owner voluntarily offers a superior animal.
Supporting text
This rule applies to different classifications of camels (Bakhiti, Mahri, 'Arabi), different classes of cattle, fat versus lean animals, and choice versus inferior animals, where the payment must be valued precisely according to the combined value of the required types.