The Islamic Ruling on the Buying and Selling of Taxidermy Animals

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)

Ruling:

The acquisition and trade of taxidermy animals (stuffed birds or animals) is prohibited in Islam due to the following reasons:

Reasons for Prohibition:

  1. Wastage of Wealth:
    • The process of acquiring such animals, whether permissible or impermissible during their lifetime, involves the unnecessary expenditure of wealth. Using resources for stuffing these animals falls under extravagance (israf) and the misuse of wealth, both of which are condemned in Islam.
    • Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) have prohibited wasting wealth and being extravagant.
  2. Prohibited Imagery of Living Beings:
    • Taxidermy often leads to the making of images of living beings, which is impermissible in Islam.
    • These stuffed animals are commonly displayed in homes or offices, which is haram, as it may lead to actions resembling idolatry or the veneration of images.
  3. Historical Precedent Leading to Shirk:
    • The people of Prophet Nuh (عليه السلام) fell into shirk (idolatry) because of statues and images made of righteous individuals, such as Wadd, Suwa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, and Nasr.
    • Satan beautified the idea of creating images and statues of these individuals, and over time, people began worshiping them. This incident has been documented in Sahih al-Bukhari and other classical Islamic texts.
  4. Encouraging Wrong Beliefs:
    • Keeping such stuffed animals might lead to wrongful beliefs or practices, as it resembles idol-making, which is strictly forbidden.

Obligation of Authorities:

The responsibility of Islamic regulators (muhtasib) includes:
  • Educating people about the prohibition of such activities.
  • Preventing the trade of taxidermy animals in markets to curb this harmful practice.

Conclusion:

The acquisition and trade of taxidermy animals are both impermissible in Islam. The process involves wasteful expenditure, violates Islamic prohibitions on imagery, and may lead to shirk or encourage sinful practices. It is essential for Muslims to avoid engaging in this practice in any form.

Reference:
  • Sheikh Ibn Baz: Majmoo’ al-Fataawa wa al-Maqalaat, Vol. 19, Page 41.
 
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