What is the ruling on consuming an animal that dies from strangulation, blunt force, falling, goring, or predation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
The consumption of an animal that dies from strangulation (al-munkhanqah), blunt force (al-mawqudhah), falling (al-mutaraddiyah), goring (an-natihah), predation (akilat as-saba'), or from a disease leading to its death is forbidden (haram), unless the animal is ritually slaughtered while it still possesses life that allows for proper slaughter. This ruling is based on the verse stating, 'Except that which you ritually slaughter' (Quran 5:3). Evidence supports this by the report concerning the ewe belonging to Ka'b, which was injured, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, permitted its consumption after it was slaughtered with a stone. If the animal's life has reached a state where only the movement of a properly slaughtered animal remains, it is not permissible through slaughter. However, if the animal possesses stable life such that slaughter is possible, it becomes lawful due to the generality of the verse and the hadith.
Supporting text
If the animal reaches a state where it is known it will not survive, or if the injury involves the bursting of the intestines (qasab), it is not permissible by slaughter according to some opinions, including a ruling by Imam Ahmad in the case where the predator split its abdomen and the intestines emerged. This is because such an animal is considered in the ruling of carrion (maytah).