Is it permissible to sell dogs and birds?

Published as Selling Dogs And Birds

· 20 Muharram 1447 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

Is it permissible to sell dogs and birds?

Answer

There is no problem in running a business that sells birds or dogs. However, according to Imaam Shafi Rahimahullah a dog is Najis-ul-Ain (impure in totality), hence in the Shaafiee Mazh-hab just as it is impermissible to sell swine it is impermissible to sell dogs too.

However, according to Imaam Abu Hanifa Rahimahullah there isn’t any proof which indicates towards a dog being Najis-ul-Ain. One is therefore permitted to keep a dog for hunting purposes as mentioned in Surah Maa’idah, verse 4. Similarly, one is permitted to keep dogs for security reasons such as guarding one’s farm, property and animals. When deriving benefit from a dog is proven from the Quraan and Hadith then the Mas’ala of selling dogs that are of benefit is automatically proven.

References (Arabic / Urdu sources)

Fataawa Mahmoodiyya Pg.29 Vol.16

Approved by
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

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