Is it required to release game captured outside the Haram of Medina if brought inside the boundary?
Chapter on What the Muhrim Must Avoid and What is Permissible for Him
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
If a person hunts game outside the boundary of Medina and brings it inside, they are not required to release it. This ruling was explicitly stated by Ahmad. The evidence for this is the Prophet's (PBUH) saying to Abu Umayr, "What happened to the little bird (an-nughayr)?" This implies that possessing a small bird within Medina was permissible, as the Prophet (PBUH) did not object to it. The sanctity of Mecca is considered greater than that of Medina, demonstrated by the requirement that one must be in the state of Ihram to enter Mecca.