1149 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Every predator that possesses canine teeth—its meat is forbidden.” Narrated by Muslim (1). Muslim also transmitted it through Ibn ʿAbbās with the wording “He forbade,” adding: “and every bird that has talons.” (2).

Vocabulary of the ḥadith
– al-nâb: the canine tooth, the one that comes directly after the incisors.
– as-sibâʿ: plural of sabuʿ; a carnivorous beast such as the lion, tiger, wolf, and the like—any animal endowed with a predatory instinct that attacks people or livestock. The feminine form is sabuʿah.
– mikhlab: a claw or talon of any land-based or flying predator; plural makhâlib/makhâlīb.

Lessons drawn from the ḥadith
1 – The default ruling regarding all foods is permissibility, as Allah says: “He is the One who created for you everything that is on the earth” (al-Baqarah 29); “He has clearly explained to you what He has forbidden you” (al-Anʿām 119); and “O mankind, eat of what is in the earth, lawful and wholesome” (al-Baqarah 168). The most abundant lawful and wholesome foods are grains and fruits.

2 – With respect to meat, Allah the Exalted says: “Say, ‘I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to one who wishes to eat it, except carrion, blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine—for that is impure—or a sinful offering dedicated to other than Allah’” (al-Anʿām 145).