Abu Tha'laba reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prohibited (the eating) of the flesh of domestic asses.
The Book of Hunting, Slaughter, and what may be Eaten - Sahih Muslim
Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 1936
Textual Analysis
The narration from Abu Tha'laba al-Khushani (may Allah be pleased with him) clearly states the prohibition of consuming the flesh of domestic donkeys. The wording "ḥarrama" (prohibited) indicates a definitive legal ruling, establishing this prohibition as part of Islamic dietary law.
Juridical Ruling
Scholars of the four schools of jurisprudence agree upon the prohibition based on this and other authentic narrations. The prohibition specifically applies to domesticated donkeys, while wild donkeys (onagers) remain permissible according to other authentic texts.
Wisdom Behind the Prohibition
The wisdom includes: domestic donkeys were primarily used for transportation and labor, making their consumption wasteful of beneficial resources; potential health considerations unknown at the time; and distinguishing Muslim dietary practices from neighboring cultures.
Scope of Prohibition
This prohibition extends to all parts of the domestic donkey - including its fat, organs, and derivatives. The ruling applies regardless of whether the animal was properly slaughtered according to Islamic rites, as the prohibition is inherent to the animal's nature itself.