Fatwa ID: 04052
Answered by: Maulana Imran Mughal
Respected Mufti Sahib. Can I feed the fish in my fish tank smaller live fish as that is what they would subsist on in their natural habitat?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
It is allowed to have pets as long as they are properly taken care of and not abused in any way. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said, “Fear Allah regarding these animals; ride them and eat them in an appropriate manner.”[1]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) passed by a donkey which was branded in its face. Observing this he said, “May the curse of Allah be on the one who branded it.”[2]
Considering this, whatever necessities and food the animal would normally eat should be provided, and if in this case, it was smaller fish than that is alright to feed the bigger fish.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Imran Mughal
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham