Ibn Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (way peace be upon him) forbade the eating of the flesh of domestic asses.
The Book of Hunting, Slaughter, and what may be Eaten
Sahih Muslim - Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 561 c
Textual Analysis
The noble hadith transmitted by the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) clearly states the prohibition of consuming the flesh of domestic donkeys. The wording "forbade" (nahā) carries the legal force of prohibition (tahrīm) in Islamic jurisprudence.
Juridical Ruling
This prohibition applies specifically to domesticated donkeys (al-humur al-ahliyyah), as distinguished from wild donkeys, which are permitted according to other authentic narrations. The consensus (ijmā') of the majority of scholars holds this prohibition to be established and binding.
Wisdom Behind the Prohibition
Scholars have mentioned several wisdoms: domestic donkeys were primarily used for transportation and labor, making their consumption wasteful of beneficial resources. Furthermore, some scholars mention considerations of cleanliness and the nature of their diet. Ultimately, the ruling stands as a divine injunction whose wisdom we accept while acknowledging Allah's perfect knowledge.
Scope and Application
The prohibition extends to all parts of the domestic donkey, not merely its flesh. This ruling was revealed during the Battle of Khaybar, and it remains perpetually binding upon the Muslim community until the Day of Judgment.