Is it Necessary for a Butcher to Mention Both the Cost Of The Animal of Udhiyyah & The Service Fee?
The question, as received
Would it be mandatory for the butcher to state the cost of the animal of Qurbani and the service cost he is charging his client/customer individually or is he allowed to simply say, ‘This is how much your Qurbani is for’ without specifying for the customer the exact cost for each?
The answer
It is not necessary to specifically state the handling and agency fee by a butcher separate to the price of the animal. A butcher may offer his services in lieu of one total sum inclusive of the purchase price of the animal and the agency fee.
Fiqh basis
1) Jahālah (ambiguity) of the agency fee does not result in argumentation. Thus, the ambiguity is minimal and excusable.
2) The customary practice in UK is the quotation of a single price which is all-inclusive.
3) The consent of the orderer to the all-inclusive price is tacit approval of the individual price of the agency fee and animal purchase price.
4) It is not necessary to disclose the individual prices of items paid for in a package.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Faraz Adam
Based on the Hanafi school and on the question as it was asked. Another mufti may reach a different conclusion. Read the disclaimer.