The Ruling on Sacrificing a Buffalo
Written by: Imran Ayub Lahori
❀ Which Animals Are Prescribed for Sacrifice?
The Shari‘ah has commanded that only those animals be sacrificed which fall under the term:
بهيمة الأنعام
These include camel, cow, sheep, and goat, as previously explained. Therefore, only these animals should be offered for sacrifice, and it is better to refrain from sacrificing a buffalo—especially because there is no authentic evidence of the Prophet ﷺ ever sacrificing a buffalo.
❀ The View of Those Who Permit Buffalo Sacrifice
Those who consider buffalo sacrifice permissible base their reasoning only on the fact that:
- They argue that the word بقر (cow) includes buffalo as well, or
- They draw analogy by equating buffalo with cows.
However, it is established that sacrificing a cow is proven from the statements, actions, and approvals of the Prophet ﷺ. Hence, one should sacrifice cows, as this practice is authentically traced back to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
❀ Statement of Sayyid Sabiq (رحمه الله)
He stated:
“Sacrifice is not permissible from animals other than camels, cows, and sheep/goats. Allah Almighty said: ‘That they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided them of grazing livestock.'”
[Fiqh al-Sunnah: 3/264]
❀ Conclusion (Rājih View)
The correct opinion is that buffalo should not be sacrificed. Instead, one should sacrifice camel, cow, sheep, or goat—as per the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
