Can Muslims keep a pet bird in a cage?

Is there any evidence for keeping birds?

The Prophet ﷺ mixed so warmly with people that he would joke with Anas's little brother, saying: "O Abu 'Umair! What did the Nughair (a kind of bird) do?" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6129). Many scholars take this as a sign that a child's small pet bird was allowed. The report doesn't describe the bird's cage, so scholars draw only a general conclusion from it. Some of them prefer not to cage wild birds at all, or only in a large, healthy space, which is a good point to keep in mind.

The real issue is how you treat the animal

Islam gives animals rights. The Prophet ﷺ warned about a woman who was punished because of a cat she tied up and neither fed nor let go to find food (Sahih al-Bukhari 3318). The same principle applies to any animal you keep: if it is in your care, you must feed it, water it and give it a decent life.

On a journey, the Companions took the chicks of a bird, and the mother came, beating her wings in distress. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Who grieved this for its young ones? Return its young ones to it" (Sunan Abi Dawud 2675). Birds feel distress, and Islam takes it seriously.

How to keep a bird properly

• Buy a bird bred in captivity from a reputable seller. Don't take wild birds from nests or trap them.
• Use a big cage with room to spread its wings and move about, not a small decorative one.
• Let it out daily in a safe room, since most pet birds need exercise and company.
• Give fresh food and water every day, and clean the cage often.
• Think about company: birds like budgies and finches are social, and a lone bird often does better with a friend or plenty of your attention.
• Plan for holidays and illness, including a vet and a reliable carer.
• Keep it away from smoke, strong sprays and draughts.

When it is better not to keep one

If you are away all day, can't afford vet bills or don't have space, it is kinder not to get a bird. You can enjoy birds by putting a feeder in the garden or on a windowsill. Remember that Islam says even small acts of kindness to animals matter. For the wider picture, see What does the Quran say about animals?

Other pets raise similar questions. Fish tanks have their own rules about care. See Can I keep fish in an aquarium? For cats and purity questions, see Can I keep a cat inside my house?