Q1:
Is it permissible to commission a legal entity to slaughter a sacrificial animal and distribute its meat on behalf of others?
Q2:
What is the legal statement for this responsibility?
Q3:
Based on the costs which include slaughtering, skinning, cutting, packaging, transportation, distribution etc…, what is the ruling for the following:
If prices are higher than those determined for the above, is it permissible to make up for this difference in price by reducing the number of sacrificial animals to be slaughtered?
Q4:
If the costs fall below those determined for the above, is it permissible to use the surplus money for other purposes such as to buy food for deserving recipients?
Q5:
What should be done if some of the sacrificial animals die before they are
slaughtered?
Q6:
When does the time for slaughtering start and when does it end?
Q7:
What is the legal ruling if there is a difference in location?
Q8:
Is there a time limit for the distribution of the meat of the sacrificial animal?
 

A1:Yes, it is permissible to commission a legal entity to slaughter a sacrificial animal and distribute its meat on behalf of others.

Question 1


A1:Yes, it is permissible to commission a legal entity to slaughter a sacrificial animal and distribute its meat on behalf of others.

A2- Any statement which includes commissioning another to slaughter an animal and distribute its meat on another's behalf is sufficient. However, any general or specific conditions must be stated.

A3- No, this is not permissible. A cow must be over two full years, although it is permissible to overlook this condition if the younger animal is plump and has nearly as much meat as that meeting the age requirement.

A4- Any money in excess of the costs is to be saved to buy the following year's sacrificial animals.

A5- The sacrificial animal is slaughtered either in fulfillment of a vow or as a sunna and this must be clearly stated in the agreement between the two parties. If the animal is in fulfillment of a vow, then it must be compensated for by the bank. Otherwise, the food bank is liable only if the animals die as a result of negligence or aggression against them. This is because the bank is considered a trust; if it does not slaughter another animal on behalf of the person who commissioned it to do so, then it is to inform him so he can either slaughter another animal himself or do as he sees fit. He will be rewarded for his efforts and for what he has spent; however, he will not have fulfilled the sunna of slaughtering a sacrificial animal except if it is slaughtered at the prescribed time.


A6- The time for slaughtering starts after 'Eid Prayer and continues until sunset of the last day of the three days following 'Eid [Ar. Ayam al-Tashreeq].

A7- The important thing is where the sacrifice will take place. This is because the rulings for authorizing another to perform a request are contingent upon the person who has been commissioned to perform the slaughter.


A8- No.