Is mentioning the name of Allah (Tasmiyah) required when releasing a trained hunting animal?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
The second condition requires the hunter to mention the name of Allah when releasing the predatory animal. If the Tasmiyah is omitted intentionally or by forgetfulness, the catch is not permissible, according to the primary view of the Hanbali school, as well as the opinions of al-Sha'bi and Dawud. This is based on the verses requiring the mention of Allah's name upon what is caught (Quran 5:4) and prohibiting consumption of what Allah's name was not mentioned over (Quran 6:121), supported by Hadith specifying the requirement of Tasmiyah upon sending the dog.
Supporting text
Alternative views state that if the Tasmiyah is forgotten, the catch is permissible, though not if omitted intentionally. This view is held by Abu Hanifah and Malik, based on the leniency granted for error and forgetfulness for the Ummah. Al-Shafi'i permits the catch even if the Tasmiyah is omitted intentionally or by forgetfulness, citing the Hadith that a Muslim slaughters in the name of Allah whether he mentions it or not, and another narration stating Allah's name is in every Muslim's heart. Imam Ahmad also has a narration supporting this leniency regarding forgetfulness for the hunting animal, though not for the arrow, as the animal acts by choice unlike the arrow.