Is compensation obligatory if a pilgrim kills game that attacked him and defense required the killing?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If game assaults a pilgrim and the only means of defense is killing it, the pilgrim is permitted to kill it without incurring any liability or compensation. This is because the act constitutes killing an aggressive creature to avert harm, analogous to the handling of an attacking human being. The act is considered akin to destroying a naturally harmful animal, such as a rabid dog, and applies whether the threat is death, physical injury, or damage to property or other livestock.
Supporting text
Abu Bakr and Abu Hanifa argued that compensation is due because the killing was performed to satisfy the pilgrim's own need, similar to killing for food.