Sacrificing a cow when it is prohibited by law

Question

Question: The sacrifice of cows has been prohibited by law by the government. Now, if Zayd sacrifices a cow secretly, will the sacrifice be valid according to the Shari‘a or not, and is it permissible according to the Shari‘a to do so or not?

Answer

If there is the resolve to sacrifice life, property and honour, and he performs the sacrifice with sincerity, then, in sha’ Allah, it will be accepted — both in this world and in the Hereafter; that is, let him be ready with all his strength to bear the consequences here as well, and let him hope for reward in the Hereafter.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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