What is the ruling on the wording used when buying livestock for qurban, and may the buyer take some of the meat?

Summary

In the Shafie school, qurban becomes obligatory through a vow (nazar) or designation (takyin), and the person and his dependants may not take any of the meat of such an obligatory qurban. To resolve the problem of Muslims who are unaware of this wording issue, the Johor Fatwa Committee adopts a reconciliation (taufik) with the Hanbali school, which applies to a voluntary qurban that becomes obligatory through takyin and does not cover a qurban by vow. In that case, a person in need may take a customary amount of the meat, while one not in need is prohibited from taking any of it, even a little. Those who firmly hold to the Shafie position are not wrong, but should respect the fatwa for the public good.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.