perhaps because it is thirsty, perhaps because it is seeking a male, or perhaps because it is ill. The point is that it may have reasons we do not know; thus, its needs are unclear to us, which is why it is called a bahīmah (beast).

What is the evidence that grazing livestock are lawful?

The answer is: We say that we do not need evidence, because this is the default ruling. Nevertheless—and all praise is due to Allah—there are many proofs. Allah Most High says:

“Lawful for you are the grazing livestock, except that which is recited to you.” [al-Ma'idah: 1]

And He, Glorified and Exalted is He, says:

“Eight pairs: of sheep, two, and of goats, two. Say, ‘Has He forbidden the two males or the two females, or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Inform me with knowledge, if you are truthful.’ And of camels, two, and of cattle, two. Say, ‘Has He forbidden the two males or the two females, or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Or were you witnesses when Allah instructed you concerning this? Who, then, is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah in order to mislead people without knowledge? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” [al-An'am: 143]

His statement, “and chickens”: chicken is lawful according to the default ruling, and hadiths have been reported stating that it was eaten in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) (1). Thus, the lawfulness of chicken is established both by textual evidence and by the default ruling.

His statement, “and wild donkeys”: the wild donkey is lawful. The evidence for this is the default ruling; then we say that we also have a specific proof: the hadith of