Question: 

Is it permissible to rent a shop to sell different pets and pet food? 

If ok, kindly advise on food items to sell. 

Answer: 

Shariah has permitted the sale of various animals such as dogs, cheetahs, predatory animals, elephants, cats, etc. as some sort of benefit can be derived from such animals. However, the jurists have differed in regards to the sale of monkeys. Some have permitted it on the basis that the skin may be utilized, hence one is able to derive benefit from it, whilst others have objected and rejected the sale of monkeys as it is primarily used for entertainment which is prohibited. However, the sale of swine is not permitted as it is Najis-ul-Ain. It is therefore not permissible to derive any sort of benefit from it nor is it permissible to sell it. In conclusion, the selling of any animal from which some sort of benefit may be derived will be permitted.

ويجوز بيع الكلب والفهد والسباع )المختصر القدوري ص 367 )

ويجوز بيع الفهد والسباع لانها حيوان يجوز الانتفاع بها شرعا فيكون مالا متقوما وهو محل البيع وكذا يصح بيع الفيل لانه ينتفع به حملا وركوبا وفي بيع القرد روايتان - عن ا بي حنيفة في رواية يجوز لانه يمكن الانتفاع بجلده وفي رواية لا يجوز لانه للتلهي وهو محظور والصحيح هو الاول وبيع الهرة جائز لانها تنتفع بها في دفع - – – موذيات البيت وبجلدها - - - - - -الا الخنزير فانه نجس العين ولا يجوز الانتفاع به فكذا لا يجوز بيعه )العيني والفتح( )المختصر القدوري ص ------ 367 حاشية 2 )

If selling various animals have been permitted in Shariah as understood from the above text of the jurists, then there is no harm in renting a premises for keeping such animals, from which these animals and their provisions will be sold. However, it is not permissible to sell Haraam animals or Haraam pet feed, thus one will be required to stock Halaal products only.

Notwithstanding the above ruling, the premises should be of such a nature that the animals have sufficient space to freely move around (even though they may be caged), with ample food, air and water supply. The animals should not be inconvenienced in any way whatsoever.

And Allah Ta’aala knows best!

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B 

Date: 21 Dhul Hijjah 1441 

English Date: 12 August 2020