An issue concerning a vow to sacrifice a specific animal

Question

Zayd raised a buffalo calf; it went missing. He said: “If it is found, I will sacrifice it for the sake of Allah.” It was found, but now Zayd needs it. Is it permitted by the Shari‘a for him to keep it himself and sacrifice in its place another animal of the same value, or is the sacrifice of this very animal necessary? (Note.) That calf is now no longer a calf but a grown male buffalo.

Answer

The sacrifice of this very animal is necessary. If the days of sacrifice pass and its sacrifice does not take place, he should give it in sadaqa alive (“Shami”, vol. 5, p. 204).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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