Clean and Unclean Animals
Definition
In Islamic jurisprudence, animals are classified into various categories to determine their permissibility for consumption. These classifications include ḥalāl (lawful), ḥarām (unlawful), mubāḥ (indifferent), and makrūh (abominable or discouraged yet lawful).
Etymology
- Halal (حلال): Lawful or permissible.
- Haram (حرام): Unlawful or forbidden.
- Mubah (مباح): Permissible but not necessarily commendable.
- Makruh (مكروه): Discouraged but not sinful.
Arabic Translation:
- Ḥalāl (حلال)
- Ḥarām (حرام)
- Mubāḥ (مباح)
- Makrūh (مكروه)
Turkish Translation:
- Helal (helâl)
- Haram (haram)
- Mubah (mubah)
- Mekruh (mekruh)
Clean and Unclean Animals
Predatory Animals
All quadrupeds that hunt and seize their prey with their teeth and all birds that capture prey with their talons are considered unlawful (ḥarām). This includes animals like:
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Hyenas and Foxes: Unlawful, though there is a difference of opinion.
- Abū Ḥanīfah: Both are unlawful.
- Ash-Shāfiʿī: Both are lawful.
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Elephants and Weasels: These are classified as animals of prey and thus unlawful.
Birds that Consume Carrion
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Pelicans and Kites: Considered abominable (makrūh) because they consume dead bodies.
-
Crows: Differentiated based on diet.
- Grain-eating crows are indifferent (mubāḥ).
- Carrion crows and ravens are unlawful.
- Magpie: Abū Ḥanīfah considers it indifferent (mubāḥ), while Imām Yūsuf considers it abominable (makrūh).
Other Animals
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Crocodiles, Otters, and Insects: Considered abominable (makrūh).
-
Donkey and Mule: Unlawful according to Islamic law.
-
Horse-flesh:
- Unlawful, according to Abū Ḥanīfah and Mālik.
- Indifferent, according to ash-Shāfiʿī.
-
Hare: Meat is considered indifferent.
Marine Animals
- General Rule: Only fish are lawful to consume.
- Mālik’s Position: Allows other water-dwelling animals.
- Fishes that die on their own are unlawful.
Lawful Slaughter (Ẓabāḥ)
To be lawful, animals must be slain according to specific Islamic rites known as ẓabāḥ. This involves pronouncing the name of Allah (God) and swiftly performing the slaughter.
Suggestions for Further Studies
- “Hidāyah” vol. iv. p. 74 for a detailed legal perspective.
- “The Reliance of the Traveller” by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri for a comprehensive guide to Islamic jurisprudence.
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Joseph Schacht for an essential overview of Sharīʿah and Fiqh.
Takeaways
- The consumption of animals in Islam is guided by categories of lawfulness.
- There exists scholarly discourse and variations in opinions among different Islamic jurists.
- The concept of ḥalāl and ḥarām plays a significant role in daily Muslim observance, particularly in dietary practices.
Conclusion
Understanding the classifications of clean and unclean animals is crucial for adhering to Islamic dietary laws. These rules not only guide the permissibility of food but also reflect broader theological and ethical considerations within Islam. Islamic jurisprudential discourse continues to explore these nuances, shaping Muslim practices and beliefs globally.
By elaborating on these categories and examples, this entry aims to provide a coherent understanding useful for both laypersons and scholars interested in Islamic dietary laws.
