Purchasing a large size animal which is inedible for Qurbaani

Q: I understand that it is more rewarding to buy a bigger and more healthier animal for qurbani. Should you buy a bigger animal which you do not prefer the tougher meat or should you buy an animal that you will eat from?

A: The Fuqahaa have explained that it is more rewarding for one to purchase a Qurbaani animal which has more meat compared to an animal which has less meat in the case where the value of both animals is the same.

However, in the case where the Qurbaani animal is just large in size but its meat is inedible (i.e. its meat is tough), then since the purpose of Qurbaani is also to eat from the meat (and feed one’s family, the poor, etc.) and this purpose will not be obtained, it will be better and more rewarding for one to purchase a good animal for the same price whose meat is edible.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)