What is the ruling on removing a usurped thread used to stitch the wound of an edible animal owned by the usurper?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Usurpation
Primary text
If the thread is used on the usurper's own edible animal, Al-Qadi holds that removal is not obligatory because the animal can be slaughtered for its meat, which is permissible. Any resultant depreciation to the usurper is not a barrier to the obligation of returning the usurped item, similar to depreciation in a building that occurred while utilizing a usurped stone.
Supporting text
Al-Khattab suggests two views on this matter. One view aligns with the permissibility of slaughtering, and the second view suggests removal is not obligatory due to the inherent sanctity of the animal. A distinction may be drawn: if the animal is typically prepared for consumption, such as livestock or common fowl, it must be slaughtered if returning the usurped item depends upon it. If the animal is not typically eaten, such as horses or birds prized for song, slaughter is not required as it constitutes destruction, similar to non-edible animals.