Is it Disliked to Slaughter Qurbani Animals at Night?
The question, as received
I was told that the books of fiqh mention it is disliked to slaughter at night. Is there anything wrong with slaughtering Qurbani animals at night?
The answer
Slaughtering Qurbānī animals at night is only discouraged if the lack of light impacts the ability to slaughter in the best manner or leads to misidentifying the animals[1]. If there is lighting or other means to ensure the optimal method of slaughter, then there is no dislike in slaughtering at night[2].
Condition: Not disliked provided there is enough light to slaughter properly and identify animals.
Fiqh basis
Although this mas’alah is mentioned in the books of Fiqh, it is a ruling which is ma’lūl bil ‘illah(dependent on an underlying legal cause). When the underlying reason does not materialise, the ruling will change. Hence, if the underlying reason no longer manifests in any scenario, the dislike and discouragement of slaughtering at night will no longer apply.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Faraz Adam
References
1(1) إلا أنّ الذبحَ في الليالي مكروه؛ لاحتمالِ الغلطِ في المذبح، أو في الشاةِ في أنّها له أو لغيره في ظلمة الليل. ينظر: ((الهداية))(4: 73).
(2) قوله: وكره الذبح في لياليها؛ والمراد بها الليلتان المتوسطتان لا غير، إلا أنّ الذبحَ في الليالي مكروه؛ لاحتمالِ الغلطِ في المذبح، أو في الشاةِ في أنّها له أو لغيره في ظلمة الليل. كذا في ((الهداية))(4: 73). (عمدة الرعاية)
2Fatawa Darul Uloom Zakaria 6/446 Zamzam Publishers
Based on the Hanafi school and on the question as it was asked. Another mufti may reach a different conclusion. Read the disclaimer.