What is the ruling on consuming birds of prey?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
The majority of scholars hold that birds possessing fangs (or talons used for attacking/preying) are forbidden for consumption. This opinion is held by Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and the companions of Al-Ra'y (Ahl al-Ra'y). The evidence for this prohibition is the Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas stating that the Messenger of Allah forbade every beast with a fang and every bird with a talon. Furthermore, a Hadith from Khalid ibn al-Walid states that the Prophet prohibited every beast with a fang and every bird with a talon. These Hadiths specify the general permissive rulings found in the Quran.
Supporting text
Malik, Al-Layth, and Al-Awza'i, and Yahya ibn Sa'id hold that no bird is forbidden. Imam Malik stated he had not seen any scholar who disliked eating birds of prey. Their evidence relies on the general permissiveness of the Quranic verses and the statement of Abu Al-Darda' and Ibn Abbas that what Allah remained silent about, He pardoned.