What is the religious ruling regarding owning pigeons for legitimate purposes?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Testimonies
Primary text
If one keeps pigeons solely for the purpose of acquiring their young, or for carrying books, or for companionship provided that no harm extends to the neighbors, then their testimony remains valid.
Supporting text
When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saw a man chasing pigeons, he said, 'A devil following a she-devil.' Additionally, Ubadah ibn al-Samit narrated that a man complained of loneliness to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he advised him, 'Keep a pair of pigeons.'