Is an animal found inside another animal permissible to eat?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
If a fish is found inside another fish, or if locusts are found in the crop (hushla) of a bird, the ruling differs among scholars regarding the edibility of the outer animal. Regarding what is in the belly of a fish, it is permissible according to the position aligning with Al-Shafi'i. The permissibility is established by the Hadith stating that two types of dead animals and two types of blood have been made lawful (Halal) for the Ummah. Furthermore, since it is a pure living being in a pure location, the requirement for ritual slaughter (Dhabh) is waived, making it permissible, similar to floating carcasses (Tafi) in fish.
Supporting text
The view held by Ahmad in one position is that anything consumed once is not to be eaten. Furthermore, the ruling concerning contents found in a bird's crop, such as locusts, is that it is considered impure (like bird droppings, which Al-Shafi'i deems impure), thus making it impermissible.