Fatwa ID: 03003
Answered by: Maulana Maruf Ahmed
Question
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah
Is it permitted to use poison to kill mice that are in the house? I understand that it is important not to cause unnecessary suffering to animals and I have tried to use many instant kill traps, but they have not worked. The mice have now been in our house for many months. As you may be aware, rodents such as mice carry many illnesses.
Therefore, my question is, would it be permitted for me to use poison to kill the mice considering the fact that they could pass on potentially fatal illnesses? In addition, I have also used the following device which is said to disturb the nervous system of rodents. Even though it has not really been effective, I just want to ask would use this to be permitted? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PestBye-Spider-Plug-In-Repellent-Insect-Deterrent-Whole-House-Advanced-Repeller/231450729975?hash=item35e389ddf7:g:pjwAAOSwu4BVw2eJ
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Generally, it is not permissible to inflict unnecessary harm upon animals. This is based on the Hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu anhu):
“The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) forbade the harming of animals.”[1]
However, if there is a need to kill them, such as to preserve oneself or one’s food, it is permissible.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“There are five animals in which there is no harm in killing: crows, hawks, mice/rats, scorpions and dogs.”[2]
Nevertheless, whilst killing such an animal, unnecessary harm should not be inflicted upon it.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“Indeed, Allah has prescribed excellence in all matters, so if you kill, kill well, and if you slaughter, slaughter well.”[3]
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Maruf Ahmed
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
[1]Sahih al-Bukhari: Hadith 5513, Sahih Muslim: Hadith 1549
[2]Sahih al-Bukhari: Hadith 1928
