Is the consumption of rock hyrax (Wabr) permissible?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Hunting and Slaughter

Book 56 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The consumption of rock hyrax is permissible. This opinion is held by 'Ata', Tawus, Mujahid, 'Amr ibn Dinar, al-Shafi'i, Ibn al-Mundhir, and Abu Yusuf. The basis for permissibility is that the rock hyrax is redeemable (fida') during Ihram and in the Haram area, similar to the rabbit. It feeds on plants and herbs, meaning it should be permissible like the rabbit. Furthermore, the original status of things is permissibility, and general texts necessitate this; since no specific prohibition has been narrated against it, its permissibility is obligatory.

Supporting text

Prohibition is stated by the Qadi, which is the view of Abu Hanifa and his school, except for Abu Yusuf.