What is the ruling on the severed part of a game animal hit by a projectile?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
If an animal is struck by a projectile and is severed into two pieces, or if the head is severed, the entirety is lawful (halal), regardless of whether the pieces are equal or unequal. This view is held by Al-Shafi'i, 'Ikrimah, Al-Nakha'i, and Qatadah. The reasoning is that the severed part is an appendage whose loss does not preclude the remaining life, thus it is permissible, analogous to when the parts are equal.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifah stipulates that if the pieces are equal, or if the piece containing the head is less than the other, it is lawful. If the other piece is less, it is not lawful, though the head and what remains with it are lawful, based on the narration, "Whatever is severed from a living animal is carrion (dead meat)."