Juristic Evidences and Fatwas on the Legitimacy of Sacrificing a Buffalo

In light of the previous arguments, reasoning, and all details, the scholars have declared the sacrifice of a buffalo permissible and have issued fatwas permitting it. Observe some fatwas of the scholars:

Firstly: Fatwas of Arab scholars:
(1) Fatwa of Imam Ahmad and Ishaq bin Rahwayh, may Allah have mercy on them:
Imam Ishaq bin Mansur al-Kawsaj asked Imam Ahmad:

الجواميس تجزئ عن سبعة؟ قال : لا أعرف خلاف هذا

Question: Can seven people share in the sacrifice of a buffalo?
Answer: (Imam Ahmad said) I do not oppose it.
Similarly, they ask:

قال سفيان . . . والجواميس تجزى عن سبعة؟ قال أحمد كما قال قال إسحاق : كما قال

Sufyan al-Thawri says: Are buffaloes sufficient for seven people? (Is this correct?) Imam Ahmad said what they said is correct. And Imam Ishaq said it is as they said.

(2) Fatwa of Imam Abu Zakariya An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him:
Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, says about the sacrifice of a buffalo:

شرط المجزي فى الأضحية أن يكون من الأنعام وهى الإبل والبقر والغنم سواء فى ذلك جميع أنواع الإبل من البحاني والعراب وجميع أنواع البقر من الجواميس والعراب والدربانية . . .

The condition for the sacrifice to be valid is that the animal must be from the category of cattle (Bahimat al-An’am), that is: camel, cow, and goat. Among camels, the Bakhti and Arabi and other types of camels are considered equal, and among cows, the buffalo, Darbaniya, Arabi, and other types of cows are considered equal.

(3) Fatwa of Allama Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him:

س : سئل فضيلة الشيخ رحمه الله : يختلف الجاموس عن البقر فى كثير من الصفات كاختلاف الماعز عن الضأن ، وقد فصل الضأن ، وقد فصل الله فى سورة الأنعام بين الضأن والماعز ، ولم يفصل بين الجاموس والبقر ، فهل يدخل فى ضمن الأزواج الثمانية فيجوز الأضحية بها أم لا يجوز؟ فأجاب بقوله : الجاموس نوع من البقر ، والله عز وجل ذكر فى القرآن المعروف عند العرب الذين يحرمون ما يريدون ويبيحون ما يريدون ، والجاموس ليس معروفا عند العرب

Question: It was asked to the honorable Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him: The buffalo differs from the cow in many characteristics, just as a goat differs from a ram, while Allah Almighty has mentioned the ram and the goat separately in Surah Al-An’am, but has not distinguished between the buffalo and the cow. So, does the buffalo, male and female, fall under the eight categories, and is its sacrifice permissible or not?
Answer: You said: The buffalo is a type of cow, and Allah Almighty has mentioned in the Holy Quran only those cattle which were known among the Arabs, whom they would declare forbidden according to their desires and permissible according to their wishes, and the buffalo was known among the Arabs.

(4) Fatwa of Sheikh Abdul Aziz Muhammad Al-Salman, may Allah have mercy on him:

س : تكلم بوضوح عن أحكام ما يلي : . . . الجواميس فى الهدي والأضحية ، اذكر ما تستحضره من دليل أو تعليل

Answer: والجواميس فى الهدي والأضحية كالبقرة فى الإجزاء والسن وإجزاء الواحدة عن سبعة؛ لأنها نوع منها ، والله أعلم

Question: Please explain clearly regarding the following rulings: What is the ruling on buffalo for Hadi and Qurbani? Also mention any evidence or reasoning that is known.
Answer: The ruling on buffalo for Hadi and Qurbani is like that of a cow in terms of sufficiency, age, and sharing seven in one; because it is a type of cow. And Allah knows best.

(5) Fatwa of Muhaddith Al-Asr Allama Abdul Hasan Al-Abbad, may Allah preserve him:

س : ما حكم الأضحية بالجاموس؟

ج : الجاموس من البقر

Question: What is the ruling on sacrificing a buffalo?
Answer: Buffalo is also from the category of cows.
He also says:

والأضاحى خاصة ببهيمة الأنعام : الإبل والبقر والغنم والجاموس يعد من فصيلة البقر

Qurbani is specific to the beasts of burden: that is camel, cow, and goat, and buffalo is considered a type of cow.

(6) Fatwa of Fazilat al-Sheikh Mustafa al-Adawi:

س : من أى شيء تكون الأضحية ؟

ج : الشيخ مصطفى العدوي : تكون الأضحية من الأنعام الثمانية ، والأنعام الثمانية هي التى ذكرت فى قول الله تعالى ﴿وأنزل لكم من الأنعام ثمانية أزواج﴾

And in another verse, the Exalted says ﴿ثمانية أزواج من الضأن اثنين ومن المعز اثنين ومن الإبل اثنين ومن البقر اثنين﴾

, so the sacrifice is only valid from the eight types of livestock, and this is the opinion of the majority. They are: the camel, the she-camel, the bull, the cow, the male goat, the female goat, the ram, and the ewe. The buffalo is included with the cow, as the buffalo is just a black cow. These are the categories from which sacrifices are permissible.

Question: From what should the sacrifice be made?
Answer: Sheikh Mustafa Adawi
The sacrifice should be from eight pairs, and their mention is in the command of the Almighty: (And for you among the grazing livestock are eight pairs) and (eight pairs meaning two types in sheep and two types in goats) and (and two types in camels and two types in cattle). Therefore, the sacrifice can only be from these eight pairs, and this is the opinion of the majority. They are: camel and she-camel, bull and cow, male goat and female goat, ram and ewe. The buffalo is considered similar to the cow because the buffalo is essentially a black cow. Hence, sacrifice from these categories is permissible.

(7) Fatwa of the teacher of Masjid Nabawi, Allama Muhammad Al-Shanqeeti:

قال : . . . والإبل بنوعيها : العراب ، والبختية ، والبقر بنوعيه : البقر ، والجواميس والغنم بنوعيه : الضأن ، والمعز ، فجعل الله فى الإبل زوجين ونوعين . . والبقر يفضل على الجاموس ؛ لأن النبى ضحى عن نسائه بالبقر ، وعلى هذا فإن البقر أفضل من التضحية بالجاموس ؛ والجاموس يدخل فى هذا بنوعيه

Allama Muhammad Mukhtar Al-Shanqeeti, while explaining the rulings of sacrifice, states:
Both types of camels are permissible: Arab and Bakhti, and both types of cows are permissible: cows and buffaloes, and both types of goats are permissible: male goat and female goat. Thus, Allah Almighty has created two pairs and two types in camels… and the cow is superior to the buffalo because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sacrificed a cow on behalf of his wives. Therefore, the sacrifice of a cow is superior to that of a buffalo. And the buffalo, in its both types (castrated and intact), is included in this.

(8) Fatwa of Sheikh Hamid bin Abdullah Al-Ali:

س : فضيلة الشيخ إشرح لنا أحكام الأضحية؟

ج : الحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على نبينا محمد وعلى اله وصحبه و بعد : الأضحية سنة مؤكدة . . . . وأفضلها الإبل وتجزىء عن سبعة ، ولا يقل عمرها عن خمس سنين . . ثم البقر أو الجاموس وتجزىء عن سبعة ولا يقل عمرها عن سنتين . ثم الغنم ولا تجزىء إلا عن واحد

Question: Virtuous Sheikh, please explain the rulings of sacrifice for us?
Answer: الحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على نبينا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه و بعد : Sacrifice is a confirmed Sunnah. The best sacrifice is a camel; one camel suffices for seven people, and its age should not be less than five years. Then, in order of preference, comes a cow or buffalo, which also suffices for seven people, and its age should not be less than two years. After that, there is a goat, which suffices for only one person.

(9) Fatwa of Fazilat al-Sheikh Dr. Ahmad al-Hajji al-Kurdi:

شيخنا الفاضل د . أحمد الكردي
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله و بركاته
هل تجوز الأضحية بولد الجاموس الذى تجاوز عمره سنة ووزنه مائتين كيلو جرام على أن يكون عدد من يشترك فى الأضحية اثنان فقط؟
إجابة المفتي أ . د . أحمد الحجي الكردي :
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم ، الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على سيدنا محمد خاتم الأنبياء والمرسلين ، وعلى اله وأصحابه أجمعين ، والتابعين ومن تبع
هداهم بإحسان إلى يوم الدين ، و بعد : فالجاموس فى الأحكام الشرعية كالبقر ، ويشترط للتضحية بالبقر أن يكون قد أتم السنتين واسأل الله لكم التوفيق ، والله تعالى أعلم

Fazilat al-Sheikh Dr. Ahmad al-Hajji al-Kurdi:
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Question:
Is it permissible to sacrifice a buffalo calf (katta) that is one year old and weighs more than two hundred kilograms, given that only two people will participate in the sacrifice?
Answer:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and prayers and peace be upon our master Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers, and upon his family and companions altogether, and those who follow their guidance with excellence until the Day of Judgment. After that:
A buffalo is like a cow in Islamic rulings, and the condition for sacrificing a cow is that it must be two full years old. And I ask Allah to grant you success.

(10) Fatwa of Fiqh Encyclopedia Kuwait:
Regarding the sacrificial animal, the Fiqh Encyclopedia Kuwait states:

الشرط الأول : وهو متفق عليه بين المذاهب : أن تكون من الأنعام ، وهى الإبل عرابا كانت أو بخاتي ، والبقرة الأهلية ومنها الحواميس

The first condition: and this is agreed upon in all schools of thought: that the sacrificial animal must be from the category of domestic animals, meaning a camel whether Arabian or Bukhari, and domestic cows, and this includes buffaloes as well.

(11) Fatwa of Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Munajjid:

س : حكم التضحية بمقطوعة الذيل أو الإلية ، وما الحكم : إذا لم يجد أضحية سليمة ؟

ج : قال الشيخ ابن عثيمين : فالضأن إذا قطعت إليته لا يجزئ ، والمعز إذا قطع ذنبه يجزئ ”انتهى ، الشرح الممتع“ [435/7 ]

The fatwa of the Permanent Committee regarding the impermissibility of sacrificing an animal with a cut tail has already been mentioned.
Secondly: It is obligatory upon you to strive to find a sacrifice that does not have a cut tail, and it is not permissible for you to sacrifice an animal with a cut tail as long as it is possible to obtain a healthy animal free from all defects.
If you are unable to obtain a healthy animal, then it is permissible here to move to another type of livestock that is valid for sacrifice. So leave these defective sheep and sacrifice goats, if you find them free from defects, or sacrifice cows and similar buffaloes, or camels. Seven of you can share in one cow or one she-camel.

Question: What is the ruling on sacrificing an animal with a cut tail or tendon, and what is the ruling if a healthy animal is not available?
Answer: Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
If the tail of a ram is cut, its sacrifice is not valid, but if the tail of a sheep or goat is cut, its sacrifice is valid. “Al-Sharh Al-Mumti'”

Also, in question number (37039), the fatwa of the Permanent Committee has been issued stating that sacrificing an animal with a cut tendon is not valid.
Secondly: It is obligatory for you to seek a sacrifice whose tail is not cut. Therefore, as long as it is possible to obtain an animal free from all defects, sacrificing a defective animal is not sufficient for sacrifice.
And if you cannot find a healthy goat, then you should sacrifice other types of animals valid for sacrifice. So leave the defective sheep and sacrifice healthy goats, or sacrifice cows, and this ruling includes buffaloes, or sacrifice camels. Seven people can share in one cow or one camel for sacrifice. And Allah knows best.

(1) Fatwa of Rais al-Munazireen Allama Sanaullah Amritsari, may Allah have mercy on him:
Question: What is the evidence from the Quran and Hadith regarding the permissibility of buffalo? And can it also be sacrificed or not? If sacrifice is permissible, what is the reasoning? Did the Prophet, the Master of the Universe, peace be upon him, himself permit it or is it the practice of the Companions? (Mahmood Ali Khareedar Ahl-e-Hadith)
Answer: Where the list of forbidden things is given, these words are recorded:

﴿قُل لَّا أَجِدُ فِي مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُ إِلَّا أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا﴾

(You say, whatever rulings have come to me by revelation, I do not find anything forbidden for anyone who wishes to eat it except that it is carrion or flowing blood.) Anything other than these, whose prohibition is not established, is permissible. Buffalo is not among these, moreover, the Arabs consider “buffalo” to be included in “baqar” (cow).
Explanation: Buffalo did not exist in Hijaz, so its sacrifice is neither proven from the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him, nor from the practice of the Companions. However, if it is considered of the species “baqar” as per the analogy of the Hanafis (as in Al-Hidayah) or if the general category of cattle is considered, then the ruling of permissibility for sacrifice is sufficient on this basis. (Summary) And Allah knows best.

(2) Fatwa of Sheikh-ul-Kul Mian Syed Nazir Hussain Muhaddith Dehlvi:
Question: Please explain in detail the rulings of sacrifice (Qurbani).
Answer: In the detailed answer to this question, while discussing the age of the sacrificial animal, Hazrat Mian Sahib, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
The age of a goat should be one year completed and the second year started; for a cow and buffalo, two years completed and the third year started; for a camel, five years completed and the sixth started; and a sheep less than one year is also permissible, provided it is well-fattened and fresh, appearing to be about a year old. Then further explaining “Musinnah,” he says: “Musinnah” refers to the “Thani” among each animal, and “Thani” means for a goat one year completed and the second started; for a cow or buffalo, two years completed and the third started; and for a camel, five years completed and the sixth started.

(3) Fatwa of Sheikh-ul-Hadith Ubaidullah Rahmani Mubarakpuri, may Allah have mercy on him:
A: Sheikh-ul-Hadith Ubaidullah Mubarakpuri, may Allah have mercy on him, while encouraging caution by recommending to suffice with the sacrifice of camel, cow, and goat, explicitly states the permissibility of sacrificing buffalo and that those who do so should not be blamed. He writes:

والأحوط عندي أن يقتصر الرجل فى الأضحية على ما ثبت بالسنة الصحيحة عملا وقولا وتقريرا ، ولا يلتفت إلى ما لم ينقل عن النبى صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ولا الصحابة والتابعين رضي الله عنهم ، ومن اطمأن قلبه بما ذكره القائلون باستنان التضحية بالجاموس ذهب مذهبهم ولا لوم عليه فى ذلك ، هذا ما عندي والله أعلم

In my view, the more cautious approach is that a person should suffice with those animals for sacrifice which are established as correct Sunnah both verbally, practically, and narratively. One should not pay attention to those things which are not established from the Holy Prophet ﷺ nor from the Companions and the Followers, may Allah be pleased with them. However, whoever’s heart is satisfied with the arguments mentioned by those who consider the sacrifice of buffalo permissible, he may adopt their position, and there is no blame on him in this regard. This is my opinion, and Allah knows best.

Fatwa of Sheikh al-Hadith, may Allah have mercy on him, clearly permitting:

Question: On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, a cow or buffalo had the upper part of both its horns cut off, that is, the part above the jaw was cut, leaving the thicker part intact. From a distance, it appeared that both horns of this buffalo were cut. If two or three fingers were placed on the tips of the cut area, the width of the tips was that much. On the day of Eid al-Adha, the preacher delivered a sermon and said that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, forbade the sacrifice of an animal whose horns are broken, therefore this cow or buffalo is not eligible for sacrifice. Those who bought the cow or buffalo said that the horns are cut, not broken. The original owner of the cow or buffalo, from whom it was purchased, told the buyers to return the animal and take their money back and buy another sacrificial animal.

(1) A learned scholar, who is qualified, said that the horns were cut out of necessity and this sacrifice is permissible.

(2) Those herders who cut a little bit of the ear as a mark of identification so that the animal can be recognized as belonging to their herd, this is also permissible. Therefore, they sacrificed the cow or buffalo. I request clarification whether the cow or buffalo was permissible for sacrifice or not? Are those who sacrificed it liable to any punishment?

(3) If a little bit of the ear is pierced or cut for identification, is that animal permissible for sacrifice or not?

Answer: According to Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ahmad, Imam Shafi’i, and Imam Malik, the sacrifice of this cow or buffalo was permissible, and therefore its sacrifice was valid because more than half of its horns were present. According to them, if more than half of the horn is cut or broken, then the sacrifice is not valid, but in this case less than half was cut and more than half was present. Also, according to Imam Malik, it is impermissible only if blood flows from the broken horn; otherwise, the sacrifice of an animal with broken horns is absolutely permissible according to him.

Therefore, in this case, if the inner horn of this buffalo was completely intact and only some part of the outer shell was cut, then the sacrifice is permissible.

Written by Ubaidullah al-Mubarakpuri al-Rahmani, teacher at Dar al-Hadith al-Rahmaniyyah, Delhi.

(4) Fatwa of Muhqiq al-Asr Maulana Abdul Qadir Hisari Sahiwal:
Question: Is the sacrifice of buffalo or water buffalo, which is a common animal, established by Shariah? Please explain it in the light of the Book and Sunnah; your research on the issues reassures me.
Answer: الحمد لله رب العالمين ، أما بعد: فأقول و بالله التوفيق It is clear that the buffalo or water buffalo, which is a common animal and is found in Punjab and other non-Arab countries, was not found in the Arabian land, especially Hijaz, during the time of the Prophet and the Companions. There is no specific mention of it in the Book and Sunnah. It is a product of non-Arab countries; therefore, its name is the Arabized form “Jamūs” (buffalo). In Hayat al-Hayawan, vol. 1, p. 232, Allama Damiri states: الجاموس واحد الجواميس ، فارسي معرب “That is, Jamūs is the singular of Jawamis (plural form).” This word is Arabized from Persian, like sheep, lamb, goat species; similarly, Jamūs Baqar means buffalo, which is of the cattle species. Accordingly, in the preface of Hayat al-Hayawan, it is written: حكمه وخواصه كالبقر meaning the ruling on buffalo is like that of the cow, i.e., it is of the same species. In the famous jurisprudence book Hidayah, vol. 2, p. 229, it is written: ويدخل فى البقر الجاموس لأنه من جنسه “Regarding sacrifice, the buffalo has the ruling of the cow,” because it is of the same species. Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah, while explaining the rulings of Zakat in Kitab al-Zakat, narrated with a chain: ابو بكر قال حدثنا معاذ بن معاذ ، عن أشعث ، عن الحسن ، أنه كان يقول: الجواميس بمنزلة البقر “It is narrated from Imam Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, that the buffalo is in the category of the cow,” meaning just as Zakat is due on thirty cows, similarly it is due on thirty buffaloes. Imam Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, acquired knowledge of the Quran and Hadith from many Companions, and he considered the buffalo to be of the cattle species and applied the same ruling on it. Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, in his book Al-Muwatta (with Sharh al-Musaffa), p. 213, while explaining the ruling of Zakat on animals, wrote: قال مالك فى العراب والبخت والبقر والجواميس نحو الخ “Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said that just as the details of Zakat on sheep and goats have been explained, similarly Zakat should be taken from Arabian camels, Bakhti camels, cows, and buffaloes.” Imam Malik is from the Tabi‘in and Tabi‘ al-Tabi‘in, who considered Jamūs to be counted with cows. Thus, in the era of the Tabi‘in and Tabi‘ al-Tabi‘in, Jamūs was counted among the cattle species. In Kunuz al-Haqa’iq, a narration is recorded as: الجاموس تجزي عن سبعة فى الأضحية meaning buffalo is counted among the seven for sacrifice. The chain of this Hadith is unknown. Kunuz al-Haqa’iq cites Firdaws Daylami, and it is known that Firdaws’s narrations are generally weak. In the introduction of Kanz al-‘Ummal, citing Hafiz Suyuti, among the four books whose narrations are generally considered weak, this is also included. والديلمي فى مسند الفردوس فهو ضعيف فيستغني بالعزو إليها أو إلى بعضها عن بيان ضعفه (Vol. 1, p. 3) However, the methodology of the senior Muhaddithin is to count Jamūs with cows. Accordingly, in Mira’at al-Mafatih, vol. 2, p. 303, it is stated: لما رأى الفقهاء مالكا والحسن وعمر بن عبد العزيز وأبا يوسف و ابن مهدي ونحوهم أنهم جعلوا الجاموس فى الزكاة كالبقر فهم من ذلك أن الجاموس ضرب من البقر ، فعبر عن ذلك بأنه نوع منه meaning the jurists and Muhaddithin like Imam Malik, Imam Hasan al-Basri, Imam Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, Qadi Abu Yusuf, Imam Ibn Mahdi, and others consider Jamūs to be a type of cow; therefore, they explain the Zakat of buffalo according to the cow. It is also written: أعلم أنه لا يجزئ فى الأضحية غیر بهيمة الأنعام لقوله تعالى: ﴿ليذكروا اسم الله على ما رزقهم من بهيمة الأنعام﴾ “That is, the camels, cows, and sheep, and sheep are of two kinds: goats and rams.” It means it should be known that no animal can suffice for sacrifice except the cattle (Bahimat al-An‘am), because Allah Almighty’s command in the Quran is: Remember the name of Allah over the sacrificial animals which Allah has given to them, and they are camels, cows, and sheep. Sheep are of two kinds: goats and sheep. Without these animals, no animal’s sacrifice is transmitted from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the Companions. Then it is written: فمذهب الحنفية وغيرهم جواز التضحية به “That is, in the Hanafi and other madhhabs, the sacrifice of buffalo is permissible.” Then it is written: قالوا: لأن الجاموس نوع من البقر ، ويؤيد ذلك أن الجاموس فى الزكاة كالبقرة ، فيكون فى الأضحية أيضا مثلها “That is, the Hanafi jurists and others write that buffalo is a type of cow, and their support is that buffalo is like the cow regarding Zakat, so it is the same in sacrifice.” I say that there is consensus that buffalo is halal; its proof is the verse of Surah Al-Ma’idah: ﴿أُحِلَّتْ لَكُم بَهِيمَةُ الأَنْعَامِ﴾ “Four-footed livestock have been made lawful for you.” In Tafsir Khazin and others, all four-footed animals that are livestock, not like horses which have hooves, nor predatory beasts, are counted among Bahimat al-An‘am, including deer, nilgai, wild donkey, and onager, etc., so buffalo is also included in Bahimat al-An‘am; therefore, it is halal, and the sacrifice of Bahimat al-An‘am is established by the text of the Quran. Accordingly, in Surah Al-Hajj, this verse is: ﴿وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًا لِّيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ﴾ “We have appointed for every nation a rite of sacrifice so that they mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of cattle which they have grazed.” In Muwḍiḥ al-Qur’an, it is written about Bahimat al-An‘am: “An‘am are those animals which people keep for food, such as cows, goats, sheep, wild deer, and nilgai, etc., which are of the same genus.” Therefore, buffalo is also included in Bahimat al-An‘am. Accordingly, in Fatawa Thanaiyah, vol. 1, p. 540, the question and answer are recorded as follows:
Question: What is the evidence from Quran and Hadith for the permissibility of buffalo, and can it be sacrificed or not? If sacrifice is permissible, what is the reasoning? Did the Prophet, the Master of the Universe, peace be upon him, himself permit it, or is it the practice of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them?
Answer: Where the list of forbidden things is given, these words are recorded: ﴿قُل لَّا أَجِدُ فِي مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُ إِلَّا أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا﴾

Anything other than these whose prohibition is not established is halal; buffalo is not among them (it is halal). Moreover, the Arabs consider buffalo as included in cow (Baqar). (Explanation: In Hijaz, buffalo did not exist, so its sacrifice is neither proven from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, nor from the practice of the Companions. However, if it is considered of the species of Baqar, as the Hanafi analogy holds (as in Al-Hidayah), or if the generality of Bahimat al-An‘am is considered, then the ruling of permissibility for sacrifice is sufficient cause.)
I (Abdul Qadir Hisari) say that counting buffalo among Bahimat al-An‘am is not an analogy; the Quranic text of Bahimat al-An‘am is general, which includes many individuals such as cow, goat, etc. So buffalo is also a member of Bahimat al-An‘am. The sacrifice of Bahimat al-An‘am is explicitly stated, so the sacrifice of buffalo is also established by the Quranic text. As for the matter that it is not from the Sunnah of the Prophet or the Companions, it does not prevent permissibility. See: Railways, ships, bicycles, motor cars, etc., did not exist in the Prophetic era; their riding is neither from the Sunnah of the Messenger, peace be upon him, nor from the Sunnah of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them; however, all these come under the generality (meaning the verse: ﴿وَالْخَيْلَ وَالْبِغَالَ وَالْحَمِيرَ لِتَرْكَبُوهَا وَزِينَةً وَيَخْلُقُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ﴾ “He will produce for you the steeds which you do not know” – recorded by Ali Muhammad Saidi). And Islamic scholars will ride on railways, motorcycles, etc., or on camels, horses, donkeys, etc. Also, the call to prayer (Adhan) in the Prophetic era was recited on a high place, and in the era of the Salaf it was recited on a high minaret, and at that time there was no loudspeaker, but now loudspeakers are installed inside mosques and the Adhan is called inside the mosque. The first is the Sunnah method, and the second is permissible as a custom. The summary of the discussion is that the sacrifice of goat and cow is Sunnah; however, the sacrifice of buffalo is also permissible and lawful, and those who write it as impermissible are not correct in their methodology.
Abdul Qadir ‘Arif al-Muhsari

Note: It should be noted that Allama Hisari, may Allah have mercy on him, was initially convinced of the impermissibility of sacrificing a buffalo, and in this regard, he had issued a fatwa declaring it impermissible.

Alhamdulillah, later, upon the clarity of the evidence, he turned towards the truth and issued a fatwa permitting it. In his work titled “Two Conflicting Fatwas on the Sacrifice of Buffalo (Cattle) and Their Investigation,” he presented examples of many scholars who returned to the truth after the clarity of the evidence and declared his own return, clarifying that the first fatwa (impermissibility) is abrogated and annulled, and the second fatwa (permissibility) is to be accepted and acted upon. Accordingly, he states:
It is clear that there are two answers to this contradiction. One is fundamental, the other investigative. The fundamental answer is that in Sahih Bukhari (Vol. 1, p. 96), Imam Humaydi, the teacher of Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, and a student of Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, said that when there is a contradiction between two hadiths, the rule is: انما يوخذ بالآخر “that the second ruling will be taken.” The first ruling will be abrogated. Therefore, according to this rule, the second fatwa of the younger Hisari mentioned in Akhbar al-I’timad is acceptable. The first fatwa of impermissibility is abrogated. Indeed, the Sunnah is for animals such as sheep, goats, cows, and camels, but the sacrifice of buffalo and similar animals is permissible. Just as riding a camel, horse, donkey, or mule is Sunnah, riding a bicycle, motorcycle, train, or airplane is permissible. Similarly, calling the Adhan from a high place or minaret is Sunnah, while calling Adhan inside mosques via loudspeakers is permissible. Likewise, eating with fingers and licking them is Sunnah, and eating with spoons is permissible. Thus, there is a contrast between Sunnah and permissibility in many actions and things.
The second detailed answer is that the sacrifice of buffalo is not Sunnah because there is no explicit mention of it in any Shariah text, but it is permissible and correct. Scholars have derived this from general evidence. (After mentioning the fatwa of Allama Sanaullah Amr Tasri, may Allah have mercy on him, he writes:)
I say that in identifying things, the idiom of the Arabs is authoritative because the Divine Shariah was revealed in their language. The scholars of Punjab and non-Arabs are not authorities because they are not native speakers.
Hayat al-Hayawan, the famous book of Allama Damiri, is highly reliable and trustworthy in the description and identification of animals. In its Vol. 1, p. 132, it is written that under the letter Jeem (ج), there is a description of Jamus (buffalo). حكمه وخواصه كالبقر That is, its characteristics and its Shariah ruling are like those of the cow. This shows that the Arabs consider the buffalo as a type of cow; therefore, if there are thirty buffaloes, zakat is obligatory on them like cows.
And on p. 160 of Hayat al-Hayawan, it is written: قال الرافعي: قياس تكميل النصاب بإدخال الجاموس فى البقر فى الزكوة دخولها منها that Imam Rafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, said that for fulfilling the nisab of zakat for cows, buffaloes are included with cows. The analogy demands this because buffalo is included in the species of cows. That is, if someone has twenty cows and ten buffaloes, zakat becomes obligatory on them.
In Muwatta Imam Malik with Sharh Zarqani (116/2), it is written: وقال مالك و كذلك البقر والجواميس يجمع فى الصدقة وقال: إنما هي بقر that Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said that just as the nisab of goats is fulfilled by including sheep, similarly, buffaloes are included with cows to fulfill the nisab of cows because all of them are cows.
Allama Zarqani writes in his commentary: Jawamis is the plural of Jamus, a type of cattle, meaning: “The word Jawamis mentioned in Imam Malik’s statement is the plural of Jamus, which means buffalo, and it is a type of cow.”
I say that just as sheep and lambs are types of goats, similarly, buffalo is a type of cow. Just as the rulings of goats and sheep are the same in zakat and sacrifice, similarly, the rulings of buffalo and cow are the same. Although sheep and lambs appear different in form, nature, and characteristics, the Shariah has equated lambs with goats in rulings, and denying this is obstinacy.
Fatawa Sitariya, a famous fatwa collection of the central scholars of Ghuraba Ahl-e-Hadith, in Vol. 3, p. 2, in a question and answer, states: Is the sacrifice of buffalo permissible?
Answer: It is permissible because buffalo and cow share the same ruling.

states: نقل جماعة من العلماء الإجماع على التضحية لا تصح إلا ببهيمة الأنعام: الإبل بجميع أنواعها ، والبقر ومثله الجاموس
“A group of scholars have transmitted consensus that the sacrifice of any animal without four legs is not valid, such as camels and all their types, cows, and buffaloes similar to them.”
Also,

, while mentioning zakat on grazing animals, states: وفي البقر والجاموس ماله سنتان “That is, the ‘thani’ (two-year-old) among cows and buffaloes is the one that is two years old.”
Also, Imam Malik’s statement is transmitted: الثنى من البقر والجاموس ما دخل السنة الرابعة “That is, the ‘thani’ of cows and buffaloes is the one that has entered its fourth year.”
This clarification shows that during the Prophetic era and the era of the Companions, buffalo was rare in the Arabian Peninsula, especially in Hijaz, so it was not mentioned. When it appeared during the time of the Tabi‘in and Taba‘ Tabi‘in, its mention and ruling were also explained by the Imams of the religion and Islamic jurists.
Thus, in the book Al-Zakat by Ibn Abi Shaybah, on page 64, this heading is established: فى الجواميس تعدفى الصدقة “That is, buffalo is also counted in zakat.”
Then, in its evidence, Imam Hasan Basri, a Tabi‘i, is quoted: انه كان يقول: الجواميس بمنزلة البقر “That is, Imam Basri used to say that the ruling of buffalo is the same as that of cows.” Zakat is obligatory on them as well.
I say that when buffalo is considered as cow, then sacrifice is also like cow sacrifice, allowing the participation of seven persons. The Hanafi fiqh book Hidayah is a famous and academic book taught in Hanafi madrasas and even in Ahl-e-Hadith madrasas and is part of the curriculum. Fatawa Nuziriyah is full of issues from Hidayah. In its Vol. 2, p. 449, it is written: ويدخل فى البقر الجاموس لأنه من جنسه (Book of Sacrifice) “That is, buffalo is included in cows regarding sacrifice because it is of the same species.”
And on p. 190, it is written: والجواميس والبقر سواء لأن اسم البقر يتناولهما إذ هو نوع منه “Buffalo and cow have equal Shariah rulings, and both are included under the name ‘cow’ because buffalo is a type of cow.”
Then it is written: إلا أن أوهام الناس لا تسبق إليه فى ديارنا لقلته “However, the general public does not incline towards buffalo because it is scarce in our Arab countries.”
Regarding Imam Malik’s ruling in Muwatta where zakat is obligatory on buffalo, it is written in (Masawi Hasiyah Muwatta): وهو قول الفقهاء “That is also the opinion of the jurists.” Buffalo is a type of cow, and zakat is obligatory on it.
It should not be hidden that Muwatta Imam Malik is the very first book of hadith in which buffalo is counted as a species of cow. Imam Malik, the Imam of Imams, was a Tabi‘i whose biographies in the books of Rijal mention many virtues. He was the teacher of great Imams like Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, and Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him. He considered buffalo as a species of cow. When he was born, Hazrat Farooq-e-Azam, may Allah be pleased with him, personally applied sweetness to him, and Hazrat Umm al-Mu’minin Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, breastfed him. (Ikmal) The statement of such a great Tabi‘i is also proof in this matter. He counted buffalo as a type of cow, and other Arab scholars support him.
Therefore, the opinion of the scholars of Punjab holds no weight against theirs.

Expression of surprise regarding Hafiz Abdullah Muhaddith Rupdi and Allama Ubaidullah Muhaddith Mubarakpuri, may Allah have mercy on them:
It is written: I was surprised at two scholars and muhaddiths of Punjab who were very confused about the buffalo compared to the jurists. One was Maulana Hafiz Abdullah (may Allah have mercy on him) of Rupdi and the other was Hazrat Maulana Ubaidullah Muhaddith Mubarakpuri. Both elders included the buffalo along with cows in the matter of Zakat but separated the buffalo from the cow in the matter of Qurbani.
I, the humble writer, may prefer my knowledge and research over these two great scholars’ knowledge and research, but I cannot prefer it over the earlier jurists because they were superior in knowledge, practice, and jurisprudence, and they were Arabs, whereas these two researchers are non-Arabs.
Maulana Ubaidullah Muhaddith Mubarakpuri, after explaining the Hanafi school of thought with evidence in the commentary of Mishkat, Mar’ah al-Mafatih, then started criticism and refutation. He says: والأمر ليس عندي واضح “The Hanafi school and its reasoning are not clear.”
Then he comments as follows: The Hanafis admit that in common people’s understanding, the buffalo is a different species from the cow because apparently, there is a great difference in their appearance and form.
I say this accusation against the Hanafis is wrong. It has already been mentioned above with reference to Hidayah that the buffalo and cow are of the same species and are equal in ruling. As for Maulana’s statement that there is a difference in the appearance and form of the cow and buffalo, this doubt can also arise for the Ahl al-Hadith that if they stand the goat, billy goat, sheep, lamb, and kid together and judge, there is a vast difference in their appearance and form, and there is also a difference in Shariah ruling, as Qadi Iyad says: الإجماع على أنه يجزي الجذعة من الضأن وأنه لا يجزى جزع من المعز “There is consensus among scholars that the lamb suffices for Qurbani, but the goat does not suffice.”
When there is a difference in their appearance, form, and Shariah ruling, then why are they considered equal and of the same species in Zakat and Qurbani? ما هو جوابكم عن هذا الكلام فهو جواب عن الحنفية
Then, to prove that the cow and buffalo are different species, he gives the evidence that if someone swears by saying, “By Allah, by Allah, by Allah, I will not eat cow meat,” and then eats buffalo meat, he will not be considered a violator of the oath.

(5) Fatwa of Muhaddith Dauran Hafiz Gondalvi:
Question: Please issue a fatwa whether buffaloes can be sacrificed like cows and bulls or not? People are doubtful that the sacrifice of buffalo is not permissible, and we say that the sacrifice of buffalo is permissible.
Answer: Buffalo is also included in “Baqr” (cattle), its sacrifice is permissible.

(6) Fatwa of Muhaddith Kabir Allama Abdul Jalil Samarodi:

Where are the Maulanas who likened the sacrifice of a buffalo to the “sacrifice of a pig”? And where is the unknown artificial name called “Akbar Abbasi” who challenged with a fifty-rupee reward? Now ثمانية أزواج requests ﴿هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ ، فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا وَلَن تَفْعَلُوا ، وَ لَوْ كَانَ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ ظَهِيْرًا ، تُوْبُوْۤا اِلَى اللّٰهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوْحًا﴾
In the newspaper Ahl-e-Hadith, issue dated October 1 and 2, 1952, in the first scholarly discussion, I came across an article by Maulana Abu Alaa Nazar Ahmad Sahab Suhwani, in which he writes: Yes, if this (buffalo) is considered of the bovine species as per the Hanafi analogy, then this reason is sufficient for the permissibility of sacrifice. Let me say that the Hanafi opinion stands alone; the Muwatta of Imam Malik, which a large group has accepted as the most authentic book, printed in Mujtaba’i, page 111, states انما هي بقر that buffalo and cow are all actually of the same species, recorded in 355/1 as: قال ابن مهدي وقال سفيان ومالك: إن الجواميس من البقر Ibn Mahdi, Sufyan, and Imam Malik say that buffalo is from the cow, and it is also in 355/1 of the Muwatta: قال ابن وهب وقال الليث ومالك: سنة الجواميس فى السعاية وسنة البقر سواء
And in Ibn Abi Shaybah 220/3 it is: الجواميس تعد فى الصدقة ، و عن الحسن أنه كان يقول: الجواميس بمنزلة البقر Allama Abu Ubaid Qasim bin Salam writes in his book Al-Amwal on page 476: فإذا خالطت البقر جواميس فسنتها واحدة ، وفي ذلك آثار: عن ابن شهاب أن عمر بن عبد العزيز ، كتب أن تؤخذ صدقة الجواميس كما تؤخذ صدقة البقر وكذلك يروى عن أشعث عن الحسن ، وعن مالك بن أنس قال: الجواميس والبقر سواء The rightly guided Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, Imam Layth, Imam Malik, Imam Sufyan, Ibn Mahdi, and other Imams also consider buffalo to be from the cow. “Jamūs” is an Arabicized form of “Gao-Mesh” (cow-sheep), indicating that its name itself shows it is a type of cow. Highlighting only the Hanafi view in this matter is unfair or caused by narrow-mindedness.
Buffalo belongs to the category of animals with “khar” tails, just as cows belong to those with “takhalluf” tails. There is no doubt that buffalo did not exist in Hijaz, but it certainly existed in Egypt, and the people of Hijaz became aware of its presence from the first century to a later period. Is there any text from the Shariah or the Prophet’s tradition that prohibits its permissibility? Some may say that since the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not specifically permit eating its meat or drinking its milk, consuming its meat and milk is unlawful. Also, during the time of the Companions, the existence of its milk and meat as food and drink was not known, so one should abstain from eating and drinking these two things. However, this view is wrong and against social interaction.
It is astonishing that while eating buffalo meat and drinking its milk is considered permissible, its sacrifice is declared invalid! If it is not of the bovine species but different, then a conclusive proof for its permissibility should be presented, or else its being of the bovine species should be accepted. Just as it is permissible to sacrifice from the “eight kinds of livestock,” buffalo should also be included. Defining it as an animal or cattle or attributing permissibility to the Hanafi school is a weak argument. Declaring buffalo as bovine for eating but separate for sacrifice is an unfounded preference. The correct view is that buffalo is of the cow species not only according to Hanafi but unanimously in both matters. And Allah knows best. Maulana Abu Abdul Kabir Abdul Jalil Al-Samroodi

(7) Fatwa from Fatawa Sitariya:
In the collection of fatwas by the central scholars of Ghurabaa Ahl-e-Hadith, “Fatawa Sitariya” it is stated:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu
Is the sacrifice of a buffalo permissible?

الجواب بعون الوهاب بشرط صحة السؤال

Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu
It is permissible, because the ruling for buffalo and cow is the same.

الحمد لله ، والصلاة و السلام على رسول الله ، أما بعد !

(8) Fatwa of Allama Nawab Muhammad Siddiq Hasan Khan:
Allama Nawab Muhammad Siddiq Hasan Khan Qanooji Bhopali Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, in his fatwas under the topic “Age of the sacrificial animal,” citing the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ narrated from Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him: لا تذبحوا إلا مسنة ، إلا أن يعسر عليكم ، فتذبحواجذعة من الضأن

“Do not slaughter an animal with only two teeth except in hardship; then slaughter a one-year-old sheep.”
After presenting this, he explains the term “Musannah” as follows:
Musannah: Among every animal, it refers to the “Thani,” and Thani in a goat is the one that is in its second year after completing one year; in a cow or buffalo, it is the one in its third year after completing two years; and in a camel, it is the one in its sixth year after completing five years.

From this, it is understood that the Allama, may Allah have mercy on him, also approved the permissibility of sacrificing a buffalo; otherwise, he would not have mentioned the buffalo along with the cow.

(9) Fatwa of Muhammad Rafiq Asri:
Ustadh al-Ulama Sheikh Muhammad Rafiq Asri (Sheikh al-Hadith Dar al-Hadith Muhammad Yah District Multan), in his preface on the book “Bhains Ki Qurbani Ka Tehqeeqi Jaiza” authored by Hafiz Naeem ul Haq Multani (former teacher at Jamia Muhammad Yah Ahl-e-Hadith Bahawalpur), writes:
“This issue of whether a buffalo can be slaughtered for sacrifice or not was not considered a disputed matter among the pious predecessors. For a few years, this issue has become a topic of debate among the Ahl-e-Hadith public. However, there is no need to create intensity over such an issue… In subsidiary matters, the method of the Salafis is to look beyond personalities for the sake of truth, to examine the arguments themselves, and to derive the correct conclusion.”

(10) Fatwa of Fazilat al-Sheikh Aminullah Peshawari:
Allama Sheikh Amanullah Peshawari writes in his famous “Fatawa al-Din al-Khalis”:

إفحام الجاسوس فى أدلة حل الجاموس

Question: Is the sacrifice of a buffalo permissible? And what is the evidence for its permissibility?
Answer: الحمد لله رب العالمين ، والصلاة والسلام على رسوله محمد واله وصحبه اجمعين ، أما بعد:
There are three points here:
(1) Where did this question arise from?
(2) The evidence for the permissibility of the buffalo
(3) The sacrifice of the buffalo
(Then, while discussing the evidence for the permissibility of sacrificing the buffalo, he states)
The evidences for the permissibility of sacrificing the buffalo are abundant:
(1) The Book and the Sunnah, which Allah Almighty revealed in clear Arabic language. Thus, whatever word indicates something, its ruling applies under that word. It is not correct to say that it is not explicit. For example, the word “ghunm” meaning goat, whatever animal is included under it, its ruling applies to the goat. Similarly, the word “baqar” meaning cow appears in the Qur’an. Now, in the Arabic language, whoever is called baqar, its ruling will be that of the cow in all matters; its permissibility, sacrifice, eating its meat, drinking its milk, and the obligation of zakat, etc.
Just as the word baqar is used for black, white, and yellow cows and all types of cows, similarly the word “jamus” meaning buffalo is also used. Therefore, in all matters, its ruling will be the same as that of cows. Whoever claims that buffalo or black cows do not come under the word baqar should present evidence. (Then, citing various linguistic authorities, he establishes that buffalo is a type of cow.)
(2) There is consensus among Muslims that zakat is obligatory on buffalo just like cows, and it is permissible to eat buffalo and sacrifice it just like cows. (Then he quotes consensus from many scholars on buffalo being of the cow species and also presents the opinions of scholars from the four Sunni schools.)
(3) In this regard, he presents narrations from Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), Akramah bin Khalid, Ibn Sirin, and others.
(4) He also refutes those who say that some linguists have classified buffalo as a type of cow. Similarly, he refutes those who have restricted “behemata al-an’am” (cattle) to camels, cows, goats, and rams only.

(11) Fatwa of Grand Mufti of Pakistan Allama Muhammad Ubaidullah Afeef:
Question: What is the ruling on sacrificing a buffalo?
Answer: From the apparent meaning of the Holy Quran, it seems that the sacrifice should be of a camel, goat, sheep, or cow, as it is stated:

﴿لِّيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ﴾

And apparently, the buffalo seems to be a different kind of animal from the cow. However, in the lexicon, the buffalo is considered a type of cow, as it is mentioned in Munjid:
الجاموس جمعه جواميس صنف من كبار البقر ، يكون داجنا منذ أصناف وحشيته (p. 100)
That the domesticated buffalo is a type of large cow. For this reason, according to Shawaafi’ and the Hanafi school, sacrificing a buffalo is permissible.

Imam Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
وجميع أنواع البقر من الجواميس والعراب والدربانية (Sharh al-Muhadhdhab 308/8)
That all types of cows are permissible for sacrifice, whether the cow is Arabian or Persian, meaning buffalo.
And its permissibility is also present in Hidayah Hanafi. In any case, since the buffalo is a halal beast of burden and is not included in the general category of “min bahimat al-an’am” (cattle), but according to linguists, it is a large type of cow, therefore its sacrifice is considered permissible. However, it is neither the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, nor the Sunnah of the Companions.

(12) Renowned researcher Allama Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf’s Fatwa:
Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf writes:
The mentioned (eight) animals do not include the buffalo, because buffaloes do not exist in Arabia, especially in Hijaz (Mecca and Medina). Therefore, there is no explicit mention of buffaloes in the Quran and Hadith. Buffaloes are found in non-Arab regions; however, some lexicographers have classified it as a type of cow.
As stated in (Hayat al-Hayawan, 1/182; Lisan al-Arab 43/6; Al-Maghrib fi Tartib al-Mu’arrab and Al-Misbah al-Munir 1/134), etc. Similarly, the Muhaddithin have placed the buffalo under the same Zakat ruling as the cow, meaning the Zakat calculation for cows applies to buffaloes as well.
The Hanafis (probably) have applied the same analogy in the ruling of sacrifice, equating the buffalo to the cow. Thus, in the famous Hanafi fiqh book Hidayah, it is stated:

ويدخل فى البقر الجاموس لأنه من جنسه

In sacrifice, the buffalo holds the ruling of the cow because it is of the same genus.
The Ahl al-Hadith scholars have differing opinions on this matter. Sheikh al-Islam Maulana Sanaullah Amritsari (may Allah have mercy on him) supported the permissibility of buffalo sacrifice.

Maulana Abdul Qadir Arif Hasari (may Allah have mercy on him), a learned scholar of the Ahl al-Hadith group, also issued a fatwa several years ago (published in Al-I’tisam, 8 November 1974) providing evidence for the permissibility of buffalo sacrifice.
However, on the other hand, some Ahl al-Hadith scholars do not accept the permissibility of buffalo sacrifice based on Ijtihad. For example, Maulana Hafiz Abdullah Sahib Muhaddith Rupadhi (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote in response to the question: Is the sacrifice of a buffalo (bull) permissible or not? He writes:
“The Quran, Juz 8, Ruku 4, mentions four types of Bahimat al-An’am: sheep, goat, camel, and cow. Buffalo is not among these four. The ruling regarding sacrifice is that it must be from Bahimat al-An’am. Therefore, buffalo sacrifice is not permissible. However, in the matter of Zakat, the ruling for buffalo is the same as for cows. It should be noted that some issues require precaution and have two aspects, and one must act with caution… The same applies to the buffalo; both aspects must be considered. It is precautionary to pay Zakat, and it is precautionary not to perform sacrifice. Therefore, buffalo sacrifice is not permissible. Some have written that الجاموس نوع من البقر meaning buffalo is a type of cow. This may be correct only in the context of Zakat; otherwise, it is clear that buffalo is a different species.”

From this detailed explanation, it is clear that there are differences of opinion among Ahl al-Hadith scholars. Therefore, it is not correct to be strict on this issue. If a person, out of precaution, does not accept the permissibility of buffalo sacrifice, he has the right to hold and act upon this opinion. But if someone sacrifices a buffalo according to the opinion of other scholars, he is not blameworthy either. The possibility of permissibility exists because many lexicographers have classified it as belonging to the genus of cows. Maulana Ubaidullah Rahmani (may Allah have mercy on him), author of Mar’at al-Mafatih, also wrote the same. (Mar’at 2/354, first edition)

(13) Fatwa of the renowned scholar Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai, may Allah have mercy on him:
The well-known contemporary scholar Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai, may Allah have mercy on him, states:
The sacrifice of camel, cow, sheep, and goat is established from the Book and Sunnah, and it is absolutely correct that the buffalo is a type of cow; there is consensus of the Imams on this.
Imam Ibn al-Mundhir says: وأجمعوا على أن حكم الجواميس حكم البقر and there is consensus that the ruling on buffaloes is the same as that on cows.

Ibn Qudamah writes: لا خلاف فى هذا نعلمه To our knowledge, there is no disagreement on this issue.

Regarding zakat, there is consensus on this issue that the buffalo is among the species of cows, and this is evidence that the buffalo is indeed a type of cow. However, since there is no explicit evidence from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, or the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, regarding the sacrifice of buffalo, it is better to avoid sacrificing buffalo and only sacrifice cow, camel, sheep, and goat, and this is the precaution. And Allah knows best.

(14) Fatwa of Hafiz Abu Yahya Noor Puri, Deputy Editor of “Al-Sunnah” Jhelum:
After presenting arguments, sayings, and references in his useful brief writing on the sacrifice of the buffalo, Hafiz Noor Puri Sahib states:
In conclusion: The buffalo is a breed of cow, and its sacrifice is completely permissible. There is no doubt or suspicion in this matter. And Allah knows best what is right, and His knowledge is most perfect and wise.

(15) Fatwa of Hafiz Naeem-ul-Haq Abdul Haq Multani:
Please see the most detailed book written on this subject, “A Research Review of the Sacrifice of the Buffalo” by Hafiz Naeem-ul-Haq Multani

Note: Hafiz Naeem-ul-Haq Multani Sahib has quoted several more fatwas from scholars supporting the permissibility of the sacrifice of the buffalo in his very detailed book “A Research Review of the Sacrifice of the Buffalo,” which he received through letters. Here, these fatwas are briefly mentioned:

(16) Fatwa of Maulana Abu Umar Abdul Aziz Noristani:
After mentioning various arguments, statements, reasons regarding the issue, and the consensus and other opinions on the similarity of the ruling of cow and buffalo, he writes a summary:
“Based on the above-mentioned points and arguments, in my humble opinion, the stance of those scholars who consider it permissible is correct and valid.” And Allah knows best. Written by: Abu Umar Abdul Aziz Noristani

(17) Fatwa of Mufti Maulana Abdul Qahar and Deputy Mufti Maulana Muhammad Idris Salafi of Jamaat Ghurabaa Ahl-e-Hadith Karachi Pakistan:

الجواب بعون الوهاب:

In the given situation, it is clear that legally the buffalo is among the cattle animals, and its sacrifice is correct because it is of the same species as the cow. Since the sacrifice of a cow is permissible, therefore the sacrifice of a buffalo is permissible and correct. If this argument is not accepted, then the permissibility of the milk and meat of the buffalo, which is of the same species as the cow, will also become doubtful.”
The correct answer is by Abdul Qabar, may Allah forgive him.

(18) Hafiz Ahmadullah Faisal Abadi Kaftawi:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah!
After that, it is stated that my research over many years shows that sacrificing a buffalo is permissible. Therefore, I agree with you on sacrificing a buffalo, and I also agree that in Surah Al-Hajj, Allah Almighty said:

﴿لِّيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ﴾

This word is general and includes every domesticated animal. It is not correct to exclude any animal from the text of the Quran. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not sacrificing a “jamus” (buffalo) may have various reasons, for example, the scarcity of buffaloes in Hijaz or some other reason. Therefore, the Prophet’s action is not a valid proof of prohibition. Some scholars say that “jamus” is not of the cattle species because there is a big difference in their appearance; this is not correct. Because a ram and a bull also differ in appearance, as the ram has a horn and the bull does not, which is a clear difference. According to the consensus of linguists, this is called “Dhan.” And Allah knows best.