Q 5: Is it permissible to sell a dead animal and take a price in return?

A: Flesh of dead animals is prohibited according to the statement of Allah (Exalted be He): Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maitah (the dead animals - cattle - beast not slaughtered) Because it is prohibited to be eaten, it may not be sold or bought. Moreover, profiting from its sale is considered ill-gotten gains. Furthermore, one may not eat it unless in the case of dire necessity. After listing things prohibited to be eaten, including the flesh of dead animals in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says: But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above mentioned meats), then surely, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. However, dead locusts and fish are an exception, i.e. they may be sold, for Allah permitted eating both dead and live locusts and fish. In this regard, Allah (Exalted be He) says: Lawful to you is (the pursuit of) water-game and its use for food - for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel (Part No. 13; Page No. 71) Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated regarding the sea: Its water is ritually pure and its dead are lawful. Furthermore, he (peace be upon him) is reported to have stated: We are allowed to eat two dead animals and two (kinds of) blood. As for the two dead animals, they are fish and locust. As for the two bloods, they are liver and spleen. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.