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

Sahih Muslim - Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 1941 a

Hadith Text

Jabir b. 'Abdullah reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prohibited eating of the flesh of domestic asses on the Day of Khaibar, and permitted the cooking of the flesh of horses.

Commentary

This noble hadith establishes two important legal rulings concerning permissible and impermissible foods. The prohibition of domestic donkey meat is established as absolute, for these animals are considered unclean and improper for consumption. Their prohibition was revealed during the Battle of Khaibar, demonstrating how divine legislation addresses practical circumstances faced by the Muslim community.

Conversely, the permissibility of horse meat is clearly affirmed. Though some early scholars differed on this matter, the explicit permission in this authentic narration settles the issue. Horses are noble creatures, and their meat is pure and lawful for consumption. The specification of "cooking" indicates that all methods of preparation are included in this permission.

The wisdom behind these rulings reflects the comprehensive guidance of Islamic law - prohibiting what is harmful or impure while permitting what is wholesome and beneficial, thus preserving both religious purity and physical well-being.