What is the ruling on acquiring a hunting dog without actively using it for hunting?
Chapter on Selling the Musarrah (Animal with milk retained in udder)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
Acquiring a hunting dog without currently using it for hunting permits two possibilities. The first allows it, based on the general exception made for hunting dogs by the Prophet, peace be upon him. The second prohibits it, arguing that acquiring it without need resembles acquiring other prohibited dogs. The definition of a hunting dog is one used for actual hunting.
Supporting text
There is a similar ambiguity regarding a person who keeps a dog for guarding future crops or livestock, or for future hunting needs, even though they currently possess neither crops nor livestock. One view permits this based on the established future intention, similar to the case of the harvester intending to sow again.