What is the ruling on selling the meat of sacrificial animals? Some poor people receive more sacrificial meat than they need during ‘Eid al-Adha. They store some for themselves and their families and sell the surplus, using its proceeds to meet their other needs. Is it permissible in Islamic law for them to sell this meat? Is it also permissible for the person offering the sacrifice to sell the meat of his sacrifice to someone other than the butcher in order to pay the butcher’s fee?

Scholars agree that it is categorically impermissible for a person who offers a sacrificial animal to sell any part of its meat. However, Hanafi scholars permit the sale of the animal’s hide for something that is not consumed through use and whose benefit endures, such as a sieve and the like. They also permit its sale for money, provided that the proceeds are donated to the poor. However, they do not permit the seller to spend the proceeds on himself or on those under his care. If he does so, he must donate an equivalent amount to the poor.[1] The evidence for this is the hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) in which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Whoever sells the hide of his sacrificial animal will receive no reward for his sacrifice” (recorded by al-Bayhaqi in Al-Sunan al-Kubra and al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak, who authenticated it).

Qatadah Ibn al-Nu‘man (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Do not sell the meat of pilgrimage offerings [hady] or sacrificial animals” (recorded by Ahmad in his Musnad).[2]

The sacrificial animals are offered as a means to draw close to Allah Almighty, seeking His pleasure and abundant reward. If the sale of any part of the sacrificial animal were permitted, it would be inconsistent with its intended purpose as an act of worship.

 

The poor selling the sacrificial meat they receive

Islamic law permits the poor to sell the sacrificial meat they receive. They may make use of it as they wish, whether by cooking, storing, or selling it. Their ownership of it is comparable to their ownership of zakat and expiatory funds, which they may use in any manner they please, as they belong solely to them.[3]

 

The ruling

It is categorically impermissible for the person offering the sacrifice to sell any part of the sacrificial animal or to give the butcher any portion of it as payment for his services. However, it is permissible to donate its hide or any part of it, even to the person who slaughtered the animal. Conversely, the poor and needy may make use of the sacrificial meat they receive, including by selling it and using the proceeds to meet their various needs.

And Allah Almighty knows best.