What is the ruling on the droppings of birds?

Chapter on Praying with Impurity and Other Matters

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 2 · Bab 8

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The droppings of birds are considered pure by Abu Ja'far, Al-Hakam, Hammad, and Abu Hanifa. This is supported by the fact that impurity is derived from the general command to avoid urine (Hadith: 'Avoid urine'), and because bird droppings are considered waste material (*rajee'*) similar to human waste, which implies impurity.

Supporting text

The opposing view, held by Al-Shafi'i and Abu Thawr, and similarly attributed to Al-Hasan, is that bird droppings are impure.