Is it permissible to kill vermin or creatures that do not cause harm by nature and are not eaten, such as vultures or worms, while in the state of Ihram?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
Killing creatures that are not harmful by nature, are not consumed, and include animals like vultures (rakham) and worms, incurs no prohibition or penalty (jaza') while one is in the state of Ihram. This position is held by Al-Shafi'i. The evidence for this is that the Almighty commanded the penalty only for hunting (sayd), and these creatures do not constitute hunting. Furthermore, it is argued that a hunted animal must be something that is wild, difficult to obtain, and possess no known equivalent or monetary value, as liability (daman) is based on one of these two conditions. The action of 'Umar, who removed ticks (qurrad) from his camel by throwing them, is cited as a precedent supporting the permissibility of removal without penalty.
Supporting text
Malik holds that killing such creatures is forbidden while in Ihram, and if one kills them, a ransom (fidya) must be paid. This prohibition extends to all beasts of prey that do not attack people. Additionally, if one steps on flies, ants, or small insects, or kills a wasp, one must give charity (sadaqa) in the form of food.