Is grazing animals in the Sacred Precinct permissible?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
Regarding the permissibility of grazing animals in the Sacred Precinct, there are two established views. The view permitting grazing, held by Atah and Al-Shafi'i, is based on the fact that sacrificial animals (hadiyya) were brought into the Haram in large numbers, yet it is not narrated that they caused blockages by overgrazing. Furthermore, there is a necessity for grazing, which makes it analogous to the permitted cutting of Idhkhir.
Supporting text
The opposing view, which is the opinion of Abu Hanifa, holds that grazing is impermissible because any act that involves the potential destruction of forbidden vegetation is prohibited, mirroring the ruling against hunting.