Hadith Reference:
Abu Tha‘labah al-Khushani (رضي الله عنه) narrated:*"I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah! We live in a land inhabited by the People of the Book. Can we eat from their utensils? We also reside in a land of hunting, where I hunt with my bow, with my trained dog, and with a dog that is not trained.'
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
'As for what you mentioned about residing in the land of the People of the Book, do not eat from their utensils unless you do not find any other alternative. If you have no choice, then wash them and eat from them.
As for what you mentioned about hunting:
- If you hunt using your bow, then mention the name of Allah and eat.
- If you hunt using your trained dog, then mention the name of Allah and eat.
- If you hunt using a dog that is not trained, then if you find it alive and you are able to slaughter it, then eat it.'”*
(Sahih Bukhari: 5478, 5488, 5496; Sahih Muslim: 1930 – Both include the phrase "فاغسلوها" (wash them))
Key Points and Lessons:
① The Utensils of the People of the Book Can Be Used in Cases of Necessity
- It is not permissible to use their utensils unless there is no other option.
- If there is no alternative, their utensils must be thoroughly washed before use.
- This ruling applies because their utensils may have been used for haram food (e.g., pork, alcohol, etc.).
② The Rules of Hunting in Islam
- Hunting with a bow: If the name of Allah is mentioned while shooting, the hunted animal is halal.
- Hunting with a trained dog: If released with Bismillah, the catch is permissible.
- Hunting with an untrained dog: If the animal is still alive and properly slaughtered, it is permissible to eat. Otherwise, it is not halal.
③ Hunting in Islam is Permissible Only When Needed
- Hunting is allowed only for necessity (e.g., food).
- Killing animals unnecessarily or for target practice is prohibited and will be accounted for.
Conclusion
Islam allows using the utensils of the People of the Book only in cases of necessity, provided they are washed properly. Similarly, hunting is permitted for food but must follow Islamic guidelines. Unnecessary killing of animals is forbidden.
Reference: This content is derived from the book "Diya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi-Ahadith al-Ahkam" by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.