a mule in order to eat it, it is unlawful for him; thus, it is not permissible for him to take compensation for something unlawful. But if he buys it not to eat it, rather to ride it, then riding it and benefiting from it are lawful, so this does not conflict with the hadith.
His statement: “and silkworms.” Silk is among the finest kinds of silk. It has worms, and—by Allah’s permission—this silk emerges from these worms. The worm itself spins this silk around itself until it envelops it, whereupon it dies and dries up. This silk is then taken, in vast and enormous quantities.
Thus, silkworms may be sold, even though they are insects, because they are beneficial.
His statement: “and their eggs.” Likewise, the eggs of these worms, before they reach the stage at which silk is produced from them, may be sold, because benefit will eventually be derived from them.
His statement: “and elephants, and predatory animals that are suitable for hunting.” Elephants are well known. They may be sold because burdens can be carried upon them, and thus they are beneficial. The same applies to predatory animals suitable for hunting, such as tigers, leopards, and lions, if they are suitable for it; likewise falcons and others. Every predatory animal, whether a bird or a land animal, that is suitable for hunting may be sold, because it is sold for a lawful benefit, and is therefore permissible to sell, like a donkey.
His statement: “except the dog.” It may not be sold, because the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, forbade its sale, even though a dog may be used for hunting. Did not the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, permit keeping it for three purposes: agriculture, livestock, and hunting (1)? Yet it may not