What is the ruling on consuming carrion-eating birds?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Hunting and Slaughter

Book 56 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Birds that consume carrion (al-jif) are forbidden. This includes vultures (nusur), al-rakham, Ghurab al-Bayn (the largest type of crow), and al-abqa'. The justification for this prohibition stems from the status of these birds as 'fasiqun' (wicked/disobedient ones), as mentioned by the Prophet in the list of five noxious creatures ('fawasik') that are to be killed even within the Sacred Precinct (Haram). Since the killing of a permissible game animal is not allowed in the Haram except through slaughter, the fact that these creatures are permitted to be killed summarily in the Haram indicates they are not considered part of the pure provision ('tayyibat').

Supporting text

Imam Ahmad, when questioned about the magpie ('aqqaq), stated that if it does not eat carrion, there is no issue. However, some of our companions asserted that the magpie does eat carrion, thus rendering it prohibited based on this characteristic.