Is it permissible to organize competitions between animals to determine which is faster, stronger, or more beautiful? If the answer is no, then what is the ruling on destroying some of these animals prepared for such competitions, and does the one who destroys them guarantee their value at the price for which people trade them for the purpose of amusement?
Camel racing in its current form is not permissible, especially placing young children on the camels' backs due to the harm involved, which is forbidden as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm."
If a person destroys an animal that is permissible for racing, such as horses and camels prepared for racing, then he must guarantee its market value, even if it is high due to its specialization for racing. However, if he could not avoid destroying it, then there is no guarantee on him.
But if the destroyed animal is not permissible for racing, such as a rooster for cockfighting or sheep for beauty contests, then it is only guaranteed by its basic value as an ordinary animal, and its distinguishing characteristics, which are not religiously sanctioned, are not considered.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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