Back to search
The question

Are wolves, foxes, lions, and similar animals considered to be in the same category as dogs, which are forbidden to keep and raise in homes, in the same way as the lion that devoured Utbah ibn Abi Lahab after the Prophet's supplication (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Share this answer

Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

It is permissible to acquire and raise animals if there is a need for it, and their rights must be fulfilled. As for raising foxes, there is no objection to it if there is a legitimate need for it; otherwise, it is better not to waste time and money on it. As for lions, if it can be confirmed that they will not attack or cause harm, and they can be taught to hunt or guard, and that they hunt for their owner and not for themselves, then it appears permissible to own them. However, if lions prey and attack, they must be killed, like a "mad dog" (al-kalb al-aqur), which includes any predatory beast that threatens people, such as tigers, leopards, and wolves. Some jurists find it difficult to verify that a lion hunts for its owner and not for itself, as it usually does not eat its prey quickly.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy