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

Sahih Muslim - Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 1934 c

Hadith Text

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

Commentary

This prohibition establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic dietary law regarding carnivorous animals. The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in the nature of these creatures - they hunt with violence and consume blood, which makes their flesh impure and harmful to human consumption.

Fanged beasts of prey include lions, tigers, wolves, foxes, and similar animals that use their fangs to hunt and tear flesh. Birds with talons refer to predatory birds like eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls that use their sharp claws to capture prey.

The prohibition extends beyond mere physical harm to encompass spiritual purity, as these creatures embody characteristics of violence and cruelty that are contrary to Islamic values of mercy and compassion.

Juridical Ruling

This hadith forms the basis for the consensus among all four schools of Islamic jurisprudence that all carnivorous land animals and birds of prey are prohibited (haram) for consumption.

The ruling applies regardless of whether the animal is domesticated or wild, and whether it is slaughtered according to Islamic rites or not.

Exceptions and Related Rulings

Marine predators (like sharks) are subject to different rulings based on the general permission of sea game.

Herbivorous animals with fangs (like camels) are permitted as they do not use them for hunting.

Birds that have talons but are not predatory (like some domestic fowl) are permitted for consumption.