Q 2: Is it permissible to kill birds that Allah made lawful for us to eat that are still in their nests? Is it permissible to take these young birds while the mother looks on?

A: It is not permissible to kill any creature that Allah made its meat lawful except by slaughtering or hunting for food or charity. However, killing them for sport and fun is forbidden, because it involves a waste of money and the torturing of (Part No. 22; Page No. 512) animals. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade this. Also it is unlawful to use animals and birds as targets to learn to shoot according to the authentically reported Hadith: The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade taking an animal as a target. As for taking small birds from their nests to slaughter them and eat their meat after they become useful for this purpose, there is no harm in it. But killing them for sport and fun is not permissible according to the reasons mentioned above. Also, it is not permissible to kill the birds' mother in front of them or take it alive while the young birds still need its care.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.