Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Azaadville

Selling A Lost Parrot

· 17 Shaʻban 1444 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

About three years ago we found a parrot. Being a captive bred bird and its wings were clipped we kept the bird and took care of it. We made an effort in the area to find the owner, but was unsuccessful and to date no one has come forward to claim the bird. We have given up looking for the owner.

Can we sell the bird to recoup the money spent in looking after the bird. Money was spent on buying a cage, other equipment, food and vet fees? If not, please advise what we should do?

Answer

Since a concerted effort was made in trying to locate the owners, yet no one has come forward after 3 years, it will now be permissible for one to sell the bird and recoup the money spent in looking after and taking care of the bird.

However, if one does not need the money, then it will be better to give it to a poor deserving person.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

بدائع الصنائع ج٦ ص ٢٠٣ رشيدية

الفتاوى اهندية ج٢ ص ٢٩٠ ماجدية

مجمع الاهر ج٢ ص٢٩ ٥ دار الكتب العلمية

Approved by
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
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Source: Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Azaadville — https://www.iftadua.co.za/selling-a-lost-parrot/20772/
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/azaadville-20772

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