Written by: Inayatullah Madani (Hafizahullah)
It is important to note that some rulings are subject to precautionary measures when there are two possible directions. This leads to the idea that in the case of Zakat, buffaloes are considered similar to cows, but for sacrifice, the precautionary approach is to avoid buffaloes.
Reference: Fatawa Hisariyya (5/456-457), Fatawa of Allama Abdul Jalil Samrudi, p. 152
Reference: Fatawa ad-Din al-Khalis by Abu Muhammad Aminullah Peshawari (6/394)
① The scholars of linguistics have agreed that buffaloes fall under the genus of cows.
② The major schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) acknowledge this classification.
③ Buffaloes share similar rulings with cows, including Zakat and other Shari‘ah-based regulations.
④ Analogies, such as the inclusion of different camel breeds under the term "camels," apply similarly to buffaloes and cows.
Counterpoints to Mulla Jiwan’s Argument:
① No pre-classical scholar or prominent interpreter of the Quran made this distinction.
② Scholars such as Imam Ibn Abi Hatim and Imam Suyuti have transmitted the opposite view, indicating that buffaloes are indeed part of the livestock categories mentioned in the Quran.
Conclusion: The tafsir of Mulla Jiwan cannot override the well-established scholarly consensus and classical understanding of the Quran and Hadith.
② The inclusion of buffaloes under the category of cattle is supported by linguistic evidence and the rulings of all major jurists.
③ The claim that buffaloes are a separate species contradicts the consensus of the Ummah.
Therefore, based on the consensus and overwhelming evidence, buffalo sacrifice is permissible in Islam, and treating them differently in Zakat and sacrifice is unwarranted.
Conclusion: The weight of evidence strongly supports the permissibility of buffalo sacrifice, as buffaloes are considered a type of cattle within Islamic jurisprudence.
Wallahu A‘lam (And Allah knows best).
A Brief Review of Some Arguments Against the Permissibility of Buffalo Sacrifice
Although much has already been said regarding the objections and doubts surrounding the issue of buffalo sacrifice, due to its significance, a few additional points are presented here:1) Quranic Evidence of the Categories of Animals for Sacrifice
The Quran mentions four types of livestock (Bahīmat al-An‘ām): sheep, camels, cows, and goats. Buffalo is not explicitly mentioned among these four categories. Since the command regarding sacrifice pertains to Bahīmat al-An‘ām, buffalo sacrifice is considered impermissible by some. However, for Zakat, buffaloes are treated under the same ruling as cows.It is important to note that some rulings are subject to precautionary measures when there are two possible directions. This leads to the idea that in the case of Zakat, buffaloes are considered similar to cows, but for sacrifice, the precautionary approach is to avoid buffaloes.
2) The Core Issue: Are Buffaloes a Type of Cattle or a Separate Species?
The permissibility of buffalo sacrifice and the obligation of Zakat on them hinge on whether buffaloes are classified as a type of cow or not. Both Zakat and sacrifice fall under acts of worship. If buffaloes are indeed a type of cattle, their ruling would align with that of cows for both issues. However, if buffaloes are not classified as cattle, then the rulings for Zakat and sacrifice should diverge. Treating buffaloes as cattle for Zakat but excluding them from sacrifice requires strong evidence.Reference: Fatawa Hisariyya (5/456-457), Fatawa of Allama Abdul Jalil Samrudi, p. 152
3) Scholarly Consensus on Buffaloes as a Type of Cattle
Linguists and Islamic jurists have agreed that buffaloes are a type of cattle, and thus, excluding them from the category of cows would require reliable evidence.Reference: Fatawa ad-Din al-Khalis by Abu Muhammad Aminullah Peshawari (6/394)
4) Issues with the Two-Directional Precaution Argument
Some argue that caution dictates not allowing buffalo sacrifice to ensure compliance with religious obligations. However, when considering that sacrifice (at most) holds the status of a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah), while Zakat is a Fard (obligatory), prioritizing precaution in Zakat is more crucial. Thus, treating buffaloes as exempt from sacrifice without solid evidence could be seen as unnecessary caution.5) The Misapplication of a Precedent from a Hadith Incident
The example of the Hadith incident involving Zama‘a’s slave woman is sometimes cited to support the argument for caution. However, this analogy is flawed as the nature of the issues differs. In that incident, the Prophet ﷺ ordered caution based on the resemblance of the child to the adulterer, while in the case of buffaloes, the evidence and scholarly consensus support their inclusion under cattle.6) Detailed Evidence from Linguistics and Jurisprudence
The following points further support buffaloes being classified as a type of cattle:① The scholars of linguistics have agreed that buffaloes fall under the genus of cows.
② The major schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) acknowledge this classification.
③ Buffaloes share similar rulings with cows, including Zakat and other Shari‘ah-based regulations.
④ Analogies, such as the inclusion of different camel breeds under the term "camels," apply similarly to buffaloes and cows.
7) The Misinterpretation of Tafsir Ahmadiah by Mulla Jiwan
Mulla Jiwan (d. 1130 AH) argued against including buffaloes under the category of cattle. However, this interpretation deviates from the classical consensus of scholars. Furthermore, his view relies on reasoning rather than transmitted evidence.Counterpoints to Mulla Jiwan’s Argument:
① No pre-classical scholar or prominent interpreter of the Quran made this distinction.
② Scholars such as Imam Ibn Abi Hatim and Imam Suyuti have transmitted the opposite view, indicating that buffaloes are indeed part of the livestock categories mentioned in the Quran.
Conclusion: The tafsir of Mulla Jiwan cannot override the well-established scholarly consensus and classical understanding of the Quran and Hadith.
8) Summary of Key Scholarly Opinions
① The obligation of Zakat on buffaloes is unanimously agreed upon.② The inclusion of buffaloes under the category of cattle is supported by linguistic evidence and the rulings of all major jurists.
③ The claim that buffaloes are a separate species contradicts the consensus of the Ummah.
Final Analysis and Verdict
The argument against buffalo sacrifice stems from a misapplication of precautionary principles and flawed analogies. The consensus of scholars, both past and present, recognizes buffaloes as a type of cow. Thus, excluding them from sacrifice is not supported by reliable evidence. The analogy to Zama‘a’s case in the Hadith does not apply, and reliance on the tafsir of Mulla Jiwan is problematic due to its divergence from mainstream Islamic thought.Therefore, based on the consensus and overwhelming evidence, buffalo sacrifice is permissible in Islam, and treating them differently in Zakat and sacrifice is unwarranted.
Conclusion: The weight of evidence strongly supports the permissibility of buffalo sacrifice, as buffaloes are considered a type of cattle within Islamic jurisprudence.
Wallahu A‘lam (And Allah knows best).