a curved palm-frond stalk, with a rope fastened to each end. The rope is twisted, and a small stick is placed in its middle; the palm stalk is then set over this stick, so that anything which moves the stick causes the stalk to snap shut upon it.

Thus, if a trap catches game, it will die without being wounded. Whatever it kills is therefore not lawful, because it dies by strangulation. In summary, two conditions are required of a hunting implement:

First: it must meet the conditions required of a slaughtering instrument—that it be sharp, and neither a tooth nor a claw.

Second: it must wound. If it strikes the game with its broad side, the game is not lawful, because it has been beaten to death, as stated in the hadith of ‘Adi ibn Hatim, may Allah be pleased with him.

His statement, “The second type is the hunting animal”: that is, the second type of hunting implement is the hunting creature. It is an active participle derived from a verb meaning “to earn.” Allah, exalted is He, says:

“He is the One Who takes your souls by night and knows what you do by day.” [al-An‘am 6:60]

That is, what you have earned. And Allah, exalted is He, says:

“They ask you what has been made lawful for them. Say, ‘Lawful for you are all good things, and what you have trained of hunting animals.’” [al-Ma’idah 5:4]

“Hunting animals” means creatures that acquire prey. Thus, a hunting creature is one that obtains prey, and it is of two types:

The first is a hunting creature that runs—that is, it obtains prey by running swiftly. This type hunts with its fangs.

The second is a hunting creature that flies—that is, it obtains prey by flying. This type hunts with its talons.

The first is like a dog, and the second is like a falcon, a hawk, and the like.