Is eating carrion obligatory upon a person facing dire necessity (Mudtar)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
Eating carrion is obligatory upon the person in dire need. This is the position of Masruq and one of the two views among the companions of Al-Shafi'i. Ahmad ibn Hanbal favored this view, which Ibn Hamid also chose. The evidence provided is the Divine saying: "And do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction" (Quran 2:195), where failing to eat when capable is interpreted as throwing oneself into destruction. Furthermore, the verse "And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful" (Quran 4:29) applies. Since the person is capable of preserving their life through what Allah has permitted, it becomes obligatory, similar to possessing lawful food.
Supporting text
It is not obligatory. The evidence is the narration concerning Abdullah ibn Hudhafah Al-Sahmi, companion of the Messenger of Allah, who was imprisoned by the tyrant of Rome. He was given wine mixed with water and roasted pork for three days but refused to eat or drink until his head drooped from hunger and thirst, leading them to release him. He stated that Allah had permitted it for him due to necessity, but he would not allow the oppressor to rejoice over his abandoning Islam. Additionally, the permission to eat carrion is a concession (rukhsah), and concessions are not obligatory upon the individual, like other concessions. There is also the consideration of the person's intention to avoid impurity and adhere to firm resolve (azimah), as the soul might not be inclined to consume carrion, distinguishing it from inherently lawful food in these aspects.