Is game hunted by a Muslim using a Magian's dog permissible to eat?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
The game hunted by a Muslim using a dog belonging to a Magian is lawful (halal) if the dog kills the prey. This opinion is held by Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib, Al-Hakam, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and the Ashab al-Ra'y (supporters of rational opinion). The evidence is that the dog functions as a tool used by the Muslim hunter, similar to a bow and arrow, making the resulting game lawful. Ibn al-Musayyib equated the dog to the hunter's blade. Furthermore, the relevant Quranic verse implies permission for hunting with anything taught for hunting, regardless of who taught it, which extends by analogy to cases where others taught the dog.
Supporting text
A contrary opinion exists, attributed to Ahmad, stating that the game is unlawful. This view is disliked (Makruh) by Jabir, Al-Hasan, Mujahid, Al-Nakha'i, and Al-Thawri. Their basis is the statement of Allah: {And what you have taught of birds of prey, as trained by you} (Quran 5:4), arguing that the dog in question was not taught by the Muslim hunter. Al-Hasan specifically disliked hunting with the dogs of Jews and Christians based on this verse.