Commentary on the Prohibition of Donkey Meat

The prohibition of domestic donkey meat is established through multiple authentic narrations in Sahih al-Bukhari and other collections. Scholars explain this prohibition applies specifically to domesticated donkeys, not wild ones, based on the context of the Battle of Khaybar where this ruling was revealed.

Imam al-Nawawi states in Sharh Sahih Muslim that this prohibition is definitive (qat'i) and there is scholarly consensus (ijma') on its impermissibility. The wisdom behind this prohibition includes that donkeys were essential for transportation and their consumption would cause hardship, and that their meat may contain harmful properties.

Commentary on Beasts with Fangs

The prohibition of animals possessing fangs refers to predatory carnivores such as lions, tigers, wolves, leopards, and similar creatures. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that the characteristic of fangs indicates a predatory nature.

This prohibition extends to all carnivorous beasts regardless of whether they are domesticated or wild. The wisdom includes that such animals consume blood and carrion, making their flesh impure, and their predatory nature makes them harmful to human temperament when consumed.

Maliki scholars make an exception for hyena based on other authentic narrations, while the majority maintain the general prohibition. The underlying principle is that what is prohibited due to a specific cause remains prohibited as long as that cause exists.

Legal Rulings and Applications

These prohibitions fall under the category of haram (unlawful) according to the majority of scholars. Consumption of such meat invalidates neither prayer nor fasting, but requires repentance.

The prohibition includes all parts of the animal - meat, fat, organs - and applies whether the animal is properly slaughtered or found dead. Trading in such meat is also prohibited, as it facilitates what Allah has forbidden.

These rulings demonstrate the comprehensive nature of Islamic dietary laws, which consider both physical purity and spiritual well-being, protecting believers from harmful substances and maintaining moral character.