What is the ruling on killing flies by electric shock?

It is permissible to use electric shock devices to kill insects, for several reasons:

1. The prohibition of torture by fire is specific to real fire, and electric shock differs from fire in its killing mechanism. It destroys cells and breaks down blood, and if charring occurs, it is due to the strength of the electric current and not burning by fire. 2. The apparent need for this method to eliminate harmful insects. Contemporary scholars' fatwas have permitted it, such as the fatwas of the Permanent Committee for Issuing Fatwas and Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, reasoning that the purpose is to ward off harm, not torture, and that often these insects cannot be eliminated except by this method or methods that are harmful to humans.