Is it permissible to slaughter the enemy's livestock for consumption during warfare?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
If there is a compelling necessity that cannot be avoided, slaughtering for food is permissible without dispute, as necessity permits utilizing the property of a non-believer before that of a protected person. If necessity is absent, and the animal is only intended for food, such as poultry or game birds, its ruling is that of food. If the animal is required for warfare, such as horses, then slaughtering it for food is impermissible according to all opinions. Regarding animals like sheep and cattle, Al-Kharqi prohibits slaughtering them unless necessity dictates it. The consensus is that if the Imam permits the taking or division of such spoils, it becomes permissible.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi states that the apparent view of Ahmad permits slaughtering livestock like cattle and sheep even without dire necessity, as they function as sustenance like food, allowing consumption of the meat but requiring return of the skin to the public spoils (*maghnam*). The reasoning for prohibition by Al-Kharqi is a narration where the Prophet (PBUH) ordered boiling pots containing enemy sheep seized as spoils (*ghanimah*) to be overturned, stating that plundered goods (*nahb*) are not lawful.