❀ The Ruling on Sacrificing a Buffalo in Light of Qur’an and Sunnah ❀
Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il – Qurbānī aur ʿAqīqah ke Masā’il, Vol. 1, p. 434
❖ Question:
Is the sacrifice of a buffalo (bhains) permissible or not? Please clarify with evidence from Qur’an and Sunnah for both views.
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
✔ Those who consider buffalo sacrifice permissible
Their main reasoning is:
- The Qur’an uses the word “baqar” (cow), and they argue that this may also include buffalo.
- Alternatively, they make an analogy (qiyās) by comparing buffalo to cows.
✔ Clear and established ruling on cow sacrifice
- The sacrifice of cows is established from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ through:
◈ His sayings (qawl)
◈ His actions (ʿamal)
◈ His approvals (taqrīr) - Therefore, the sacrifice of cows should be given preference, since it is explicitly proven in Sunnah from every angle.
✔ Concerning buffalo sacrifice
- The permissibility of buffalo sacrifice rests only on qiyās (analogy) or the extension of the word “baqar.”
- Compared to the explicit evidence for cow sacrifice, this is a weaker basis.
✅ Conclusion:
① Cow sacrifice is clearly and certainly proven in Qur’an and Sunnah — by the statements, actions, and approvals of the Prophet ﷺ.
② Buffalo sacrifice, however, is based only on analogy or linguistic extension.
③ Thus, the best and most cautious practice is to sacrifice cows, since their legitimacy is established from all aspects.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
(This is what I hold, and Allah knows best the reality.)
