Is there an age requirement for vow (adak), aqiqah, or thanksgiving sacrifices?
The qualities required for the sacrificial animal and the other rulings related to slaughter are the same for all types of sacrifices. Therefore, the belief that there are no age requirements for animals to be slaughtered as vow (adak), aqiqah, or thanksgiving sacrifices is incorrect.
Is it permissible to stun a sacrificial animal with electricity or anesthesia before slaughtering?
The standard method of slaughtering the sacrifice is the classical one. However, in order to minimize the animal's suffering, it is permissible to stun the animal with an electric shock, anesthesia, or a similar method before slaughter. If the animal dies due to the shock before it is slaughtered, it is not considered a valid sacrifice, and its meat is not permissible to eat. For the sacrifice to be valid and its meat to be lawful, the animal must still be alive at the time of slaughter.
Is it permissible for the owner of the sacrifice to sell the meat, skin, and intestines of the animal?
The meat of the sacrifice can be partly or fully consumed by the owner and their household, or given as a gift or charity to others, whether they are rich or poor. However, it is not permissible for the owner to sell any part of the sacrifice, including the meat, offal, skin, wool, or milk. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'Whoever sells the skin of their sacrifice has not performed the sacrifice.' Therefore, if the skin or meat is sold, the money obtained should be given as charity.
Is it permissible for organizations conducting proxy sacrifice programs to sell the meat?
Selling the meat of the sacrifice for other purposes goes against the principles of the sacrificial act. It is not correct for individuals or organizations to plan to sell the meat even before the sacrifice is performed. Therefore, organizations that perform the sacrifice on behalf of others must ensure that the slaughter is carried out and that the meat is distributed to those in need before considering any sale. However, if, despite efforts to distribute the meat to the needy, it cannot be delivered due to various reasons and there is a risk of the meat going to waste, then it can be sold, and the proceeds used to provide for the needy in accordance with the intentions of the donors.
