charity, or an act of devotion (nusuk). She asked: 'Which act of devotion is better?' He replied: 'If you wish, a she-camel, and if you wish, a cow.' She asked: 'Which of them is better?' He replied: 'Sacrifice a she-camel.' Recorded by al-Athram (11). This is because whatever has more meat is more beneficial for the poor; it is for this reason that a sacrificial camel (badana) suffices in place of seven sheep, and a single sheep is superior to one-seventh of a camel, because its meat is tastier, and a ewe is superior to a goat for that same reason.

Section: The male and female [among the sacrificial offerings] (12) are equal. Among those who permitted the males of the camels are Ibn al-Musayyab, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, Malik, 'Ata', and al-Shafi'i. It is reported from Ibn 'Umar that he said: 'I have never seen anyone doing that, and that I sacrifice a female is more beloved to me.' The first view is superior, because Allah, the Exalted, said: 'And the camels—We have made them for you among the symbols of Allah' (13). He did not specify male or female. It has been established that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) offered a camel (jamal) belonging to Abu Jahl, which had a ring (bura) of silver in its nose (14). Recorded by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah (15). Furthermore, it is permissible [to offer males] from all other types of cattle, which is why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: '...it is as if he has offered a horned ram.' The same applies to camels. Also, the intent is the meat, and the meat of the male is more abundant, while the meat of the female is more tender; thus, they are equal. Ahmad said: 'A castrated animal is more beloved to us than a ewe,' because its meat is more abundant and tastier.

698 - Issue; He said: '(And whoever is obligated to offer a camel (badana), and he slaughters seven sheep, it shall suffice him.)'

The apparent meaning of this is that seven sheep suffice in place of a camel, even if one is capable of offering the camel, whether