Is It Permissible to Use a Live Small Fish as Bait in Fishing?

Shumara Al-Sunnah, Jhelum

◈ Question:​

Some individuals, while fishing for sport, hook a small live fish and throw it into the water to attract larger fish. Is this action permissible according to Islamic teachings?

◈ Answer:​

This action is prohibited (ḥarām) in Islam.
Islamic teachings emphasize compassion and kindness towards all living beings, and causing pain to any creature is considered a crime.

◈ Evidence from Hadith​

Sayyidah ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"إِنَّ اللهَ يُحِبُّ الرّفْقَ فِي الأَمْرِ كُله"
"Allah loves gentleness in all matters."
[Sahih al-Bukhari: 6024, Sahih Muslim: 2593]

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◈ Severe Warning for Animal Mutilation​

Sayyiduna ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهما) narrated:
"لَعَنَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ مَّثْلَ بِالْحَيَوَانِ"
"The Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who mutilates animals."
[Sahih al-Bukhari: 5515]

◈ Prohibition Against Using Living Beings for Target Practice​

Sayyiduna ʿAbdullah ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنهما) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"لا تَتَّخِذُوا شَيْئًا فِيهِ الرُّوحُ غَرَضًا"
"Do not take anything that has a soul as a target."
[Sahih Muslim: 1956]

◈ Conclusion​

Using a live small fish as bait for fishing is against the principles of Islamic compassion and is considered an act of cruelty. Therefore, it is impermissible (ḥarām) in Islam.