The Book of Hunting, Slaughter, and what may be Eaten - Sahih Muslim 1956a

This narration from Anas ibn Malik, transmitted through his grandson, contains a profound legal prohibition from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The incident describes companions using a live hen as target practice, which prompted Anas to declare this action forbidden based on the Prophet's teachings.

Legal Ruling (Hukm) and Prohibition

The hadith establishes the impermissibility of using live animals as targets for weapons practice or entertainment. This prohibition falls under the broader Islamic principle of treating animals with mercy and avoiding unnecessary harm.

Scholars classify this under "tas'yīr" - the practice of tying animals to use as targets. This is considered a form of cruelty that violates the Prophetic command to show compassion to all living creatures.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam Nawawi explains that this prohibition applies regardless of whether the animal is intended for consumption afterward. The act itself constitutes "ta'dhīb" (torture) which is strictly forbidden in Islam.

Classical jurists from all schools of thought unanimously agree on this prohibition. The Maliki scholar Ibn 'Abd al-Barr states: "This hadith contains evidence for the prohibition of causing harm to animals without legitimate benefit."

Underlying Wisdom

The prohibition serves multiple purposes: it cultivates mercy in human hearts, prevents wasteful consumption of animals, and maintains the dignity of Allah's creation. Even in hunting for food, Islamic law requires the quickest, most merciful method of slaughter.

This teaching reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic ethics, where even animals have rights that must be respected. The Prophet's concern extended to all creatures, emphasizing that mercy toward animals leads to divine mercy toward humans.