What is the required compensation for the eggs of hunted game?
Chapter on Ransom (Fidyah) and Penalty for Hunting
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
The compensation for the eggs of any hunted game must be their monetary value (qimah). This view is held by Ibn Abbas, Umar, Ibn Mas'ud, Al-Nakh'i, Al-Zuhri, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and the Ahl al-Ra'y (Companions of Opinion). The evidence provided is the report that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated that the compensation for ostrich eggs is their value. Furthermore, since the ostrich is a species measured by equivalents (mithl), other species should likewise be compensated by value. As eggs do not have equivalents, their value must be paid, similar to small birds.