The Prohibition of Domesticated Donkey Meat

This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i 4338 in "The Book of Hunting and Slaughtering" establishes a clear prohibition regarding the consumption of domesticated donkey flesh. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ explicitly forbade this during the expedition of Khaibar, indicating the gravity of this ruling.

Scholarly Commentary

The scholars have explained that this prohibition applies specifically to domesticated donkeys (al-hamīr al-ahliyyah), as distinguished from wild donkeys which remain permissible. The comprehensive phrasing "cooked or raw" emphasizes that the prohibition is absolute, regardless of how the meat is prepared.

Imam an-Nawawi states in his commentary that the wisdom behind this prohibition includes that donkeys were primarily used for transportation and labor, and their consumption would diminish this beneficial utility. Furthermore, some scholars mention considerations of purity and the nature of their diet as contributing factors.

Legal Implications

This hadith establishes that domesticated donkey meat is considered haram (unlawful) for consumption. The ruling applies to all Muslims and is not subject to abrogation, as it was among the final rulings revealed during the Khaibar expedition in the 7th year after Hijrah.

Scholars from all four madhahib (schools of jurisprudence) agree upon this prohibition based on this and other authentic narrations. The meat is considered najis (impure) and cannot be rendered lawful through any method of slaughter or preparation.