The Book of Hunting, Slaughter, and what may be Eaten

Sahih Muslim - Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 1934 a

Hadith Text

Ibn 'Abbas reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prohibited the eating of all fanged beasts of prey, and all the birds having talons.

Commentary

This prohibition stems from the wisdom of Islamic law which seeks to preserve human dignity and spiritual purity. Fanged predators possess violent natures and consume blood, which transfers harmful qualities to their flesh.

Birds of prey are similarly prohibited due to their talons and carnivorous nature. The law distinguishes between permissible and impermissible animals based on their natural characteristics and dietary habits.

This ruling reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic dietary laws, which consider both physical health and spiritual purity. The wisdom behind such prohibitions protects believers from consuming what is harmful to both body and soul.

Juridical Ruling

The consensus of scholars holds that all carnivorous land animals with fangs and all birds of prey with talons are categorically forbidden (haram) for consumption.

This prohibition applies regardless of whether the animal is domesticated or wild, as the ruling is based on the inherent nature of these creatures.