Keeping birds as pets

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Nasihah (Advice): Kind treatment of animals

Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Ja’far Radiyallahu anhu reported that Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam entered a garden among the Ansar. When a camel saw Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, it started weeping and making sounds as its tears flowed. Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam came to it and patted it on the head, so it became silent. Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam asked, ‘Who is the master of this camel?’ A young man from the Ansar came and said, “This is mine, O Messenger of Allah.” Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: ‘Do you not fear Allah regarding this animal that Allah has put in your possession? Verily, she has complained to me that you keep her hungry and tired.’” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

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Question and Answer:

Is it permitted to keep birds as pets and is it allowed to keep them in cages?

(Question published as received)

It is permissible to keep birds as pets in cages as long as they are well cared for and properly fed. It is established in the Ahadith that some of the Sahabah Radhiyallahu Anhum would keep birds in cages as well. [Al-Adabul Mufrad #383]

It is also documented that a young Sahaabi, Abu Umayr Radhiyallahu Anhu, had a bird as a pet which was named Al-Nughayr and Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam would enquire from him about its well-being. [Bukhari #5778]

It would be prohibited to keep birds or any other animal as pets if they are not properly cared for.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Moosa Salie

Mufti Taahir Hansa

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)

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