Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … The fundamental principle is that the sacrificial camel (hady) should go ahead unburdened, neither loaded with goods nor being ridden upon; this is required out of respect for it. Just as the camel which the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) rode was separate, and the sacrificial camels were distinct. However, when a person is in straitened circumstances, possessing only a single camel which he wishes to offer as hady, and the distance is great, then there is no harm in riding such an animal. The last hadith makes it explicitly clear that in a situation of necessity, one should ride such an animal, and by necessity is meant the absence of any other means of conveyance, not that one is completely incapable of walking. However, while riding, one must maintain respect for the animal: that is, neither drive it harshly, nor strike it, nor curse or abuse it, but rather allow it to proceed according to its own pace, and when it becomes tired, allow it to rest.