Can Muslims go hunting and fishing?
Yes. Hunting and fishing are allowed in Islam, and the Quran mentions both. Hunting is permitted when it's for food or another real benefit, the animal is killed properly with Allah's name mentioned, and you follow your local laws. Killing animals purely for fun or trophies is not allowed.
What the Quran says
Fishing is the simplest. Everything from the sea is halal for most scholars, and fish don't need to be slaughtered. The Hanafi school limits seafood to fish, while the other schools are broader. See Can I eat shrimp and other seafood?
Land hunting is also allowed. The Quran permits game caught by trained hunting animals, and says to "mention the name of Allah upon it" (Quran 5:4). So trained dogs and birds of prey can be used for hunting. See Can I keep my dog after becoming Muslim?
How to make game halal
- Say Bismillah: Say "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" when you shoot, release an arrow or send your dog.
- Use a weapon that cuts: The Prophet ﷺ said game killed by the sharp edge of a weapon may be eaten, but not game killed by a blunt blow (Sahih al-Bukhari 5475). Scholars apply this to bullets and arrows that pierce.
- Slaughter if it's still alive: If you reach the animal and it's still alive, slaughter it properly. See How is halal meat slaughtered?
- Be merciful: The Prophet ﷺ said Allah has enjoined goodness in everything, including killing, so kill well and spare the animal suffering (Sahih Muslim 1955). Practice your aim so you don't wound animals needlessly.
Hunting for sport only
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not make anything having life as a target" (Sahih Muslim 1957). Ibn Umar saw young men shooting at a tied-up hen and said the Prophet ﷺ cursed anyone who did that (Sahih al-Bukhari 5515). Based on this, scholars say hunting animals just for the thrill, for a trophy, or leaving the meat to waste is not allowed.
Hunting for food, or to control pests that damage crops, is fine. Catch-and-release fishing is debated: some scholars dislike it as playing with an animal, while others allow it, especially where the law requires releasing certain fish. Handle fish gently and quickly if you do.
Licences and local law
In the US, UK and Europe, hunting and fishing need the right licences, permits and seasons, and firearms laws are strict. Following them is part of keeping your agreements as a citizen. Never hunt on private land without permission, and respect protected species.
- Hunting and fishing are allowed in Islam.
- Say Allah's name and use a weapon that pierces.
- Killing animals only for fun or trophies is not allowed.
- Get the proper licences and follow local rules.
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It depends: food that absorbed pork fat or juice should be avoided, but dry contact is fine, and washed pans can be used again. Details.
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No, supermarket meat usually isn't halal unless labeled. Some scholars accept it as People of the Book food, many don't. How to buy halal.
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