Is it permissible to benefit from spoils of war (Ghanimah) by riding spoils of war animals or wearing spoils of war garments?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
It is not permissible to benefit from spoils of war by riding an animal or wearing a garment taken as spoils. This is established by the tradition of Ruwaif' ibn Thabit, who said he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say on the day of Khaybar: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not ride an animal from the spoils of the Muslims until, when it becomes worn out, he returns it to the spoils. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not wear a garment from the spoils of the Muslims until, when it becomes worn out, he returns it to the spoils.' This narration is reported by Abu Dawud and Al-Athram. Furthermore, the spoils are jointly owned by the fighters and those entitled to the fifth share (Khums), thus it is not permissible for one individual to claim exclusive benefit from it, similar to other jointly owned property.
Supporting text
If necessity arises for fighting using the enemy's weapons, it is permissible, according to Ahmad. This exception applies if using those weapons is more effective against them or if one fears for their own life. The case of Abu Jahl's sword, which was used by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud after taking it from Abu Jahl in Badr, is cited as evidence supporting the use of captured arms.