"On the Day of Khaibar, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited eating domesticated donkeys, the meat of mules, every predator that possesses canine teeth, and every bird that possesses talons."
The Prohibition of Certain Animals
This narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 1478) establishes clear dietary restrictions in Islamic law. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) prohibited four categories of animals during the expedition to Khaibar, which occurred in the seventh year after Hijrah.
Domesticated Donkeys
Scholars explain that domesticated donkeys were prohibited due to their utility for transportation and labor. Their consumption would cause hardship to communities that rely on them for essential work. Additionally, some scholars mention considerations of purity and the nature of these animals.
Meat of Mules
Mules, being hybrid offspring of donkeys and horses, inherit the prohibition of their donkey parent. Classical commentators note that mules share the characteristics that made donkeys prohibited, and their hybrid nature further reinforces the wisdom behind this prohibition.
Predators with Canine Teeth
This category includes animals like lions, wolves, and dogs. Scholars explain that predators are prohibited because they consume blood and carrion, making them inherently impure. Their violent nature contradicts the Islamic principle of consuming only what is pure and wholesome.
Birds with Talons
Birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, and owls are prohibited because they use their talons to seize prey and consume flesh. Like land predators, they are considered impure due to their diet and hunting methods. Permissible birds are those that do not prey violently.
Legal Wisdom
Imam at-Tirmidhi and other scholars note that these prohibitions reflect divine wisdom in preserving human health, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting consumption of pure, wholesome foods. The rulings protect both physical health and spiritual purity.