Ruling on Wool, Hair, and Milk of Qurbani Animal

Detailed Rulings Regarding the Hair, Wool, and Milk of the Sacrificial Animal
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Page 594

❖ Question:​

What is the ruling regarding shaving or trimming the wool of a sacrificial animal that is purchased specifically for Qurbānī (Udhiyyah), especially if done after the sighting of Dhū al-Ḥijjah moon? Is it permissible or preferable? Does removing the wool involve any prohibition?

❖ Answer:​

الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد:

✿ Noble Ḥadīth Regarding Sacrifice:​

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ:
مَا عَمِلَ ابْنُ آدَمَ مِنْ عَمَلٍ يَوْمَ النَّحْرِ أَحَبَّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ إِهْرَاقِ الدَّمِ، وَإِنَّهُ لَيُؤْتَى يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِقُرُونِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَا وَأَظْلَافِهَا، وَإِنَّ الدَّمَ لَيَقَعُ مِنَ الله بِمَكَانٍ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَقَعَ بِالْأَرْضِ، فَطِيبُوا بِهَا نَفْسًا.
(Targhīb wa Tarhīb, Vol. 2, p. 153)


Translation:
Narrated by ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,


“On the Day of Sacrifice, there is no deed more beloved to Allah than the shedding of blood. Indeed, the sacrificial animal will appear on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves. And indeed, the blood reaches Allah before it falls to the ground. So be pleased with your sacrifice.”

❖ Ruling on Cutting the Hair or Wool of the Sacrificial Animal:​

✔ This ḥadīth indicates that one should not cut or shave the wool or hair of the sacrificial animal, just as its horns are not to be trimmed—because all of these will be presented before Allah on the Day of Judgment.

❖ Exceptions:​

◈ If the animal was purchased long before ʿĪd, and its wool has grown so much that it causes discomfort or harm, then trimming is permissible.
◈ However, trimming should be done early enough so that the wool regrows before the day of sacrifice—thus remaining in line with the ḥadīth.
◈ In this case, there is no contradiction to the hadith and the animal’s wellbeing is also protected.

❖ Use of the Removed Wool:​

✔ The removed wool should be given in charity (ṣadaqah).
✔ This is because using any part of the sacrificial animal before it is actually sacrificed is not free of doubt.

❖ Supporting Evidence:​

In Mishkāt, Bāb al-Hady, it is mentioned that:


If a sacrificial animal sent to Makkah for sacrifice becomes delayed on the way, it should be slaughtered and left for the people. The owner and his companions are not to take anything from it.

✔ This teaches us that what is devoted for Allah should not be used before its time.

❖ Riding the Sacrificial Animal (If Necessary):​

✔ In cases of necessity, it is permissible to ride the sacrificial animal.


"اركبها بالمعروف إذا ألجئت إليها حتى تجد ظهرا"
“Ride it with moderation if forced to do so, until you find another ride.”
Mishkāt, Bāb al-Hady

❖ Milk of the Sacrificial Animal:​

There is scholarly disagreement regarding the milk of a sacrificial animal.


Nayl al-Awṭār, Vol. 4 mentions:


وَاخْتَلَفُوا فِي اللَّبَنِ...
The scholars have differed regarding the milk of the sacrificial animal. According to the ʿItrah, Shāfiʿiyyah, and Ḥanafiyyah:

• If milk is taken from the animal, it should be given in charity.
• If someone drinks it, they must give the equivalent value in charity.

Imām Mālik رحمه الله says:

• It is not permissible to drink from its milk.
• But if one does drink it, no compensation is required.

Summary of Rulings:​

① Nothing should be used from the sacrificial animal before it is slaughtered.
② After slaughter, it is permissible to:

• Eat its meat
• Use its skin
• Make use of its wool and hide
  ③ However, selling these parts and consuming the proceeds is not allowed, as it is explicitly prohibited in ḥadīth.

ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
This is what I understand, and Allah knows best what is correct.