Is it permissible to rent sheep for treading mud or crops?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Leasing
Primary text
It is permissible to rent sheep for the purpose of treading mud or grain fields. This ruling is supported because the benefit derived is permissible, can be fully utilized from the asset while the asset remains intact, which is analogous to renting cattle for threshing crops.
Supporting text
Among the companions of Al-Shafi'i, there are two views regarding this matter, based on the reasoning that the benefit derived from the sheep in this manner is not the primary intended use for that animal, making it similar to using palm trees for purposes other than dates.