Question:-
What is the ruling regarding ‘catch and release’ during fishing?
Answer:-
Shariah has permitted fishing for consumption. However, it is not permissible to fish as a sport where the fish is caught and released. It is recorded on the net that after being caught and released by an angler, fish may die for a variety of reasons. The most common causes of death are physiological stresses caused by the struggle during capture and injuries caused by the hook or the angler. Some fish may die even though they appear unharmed and despite efforts at revival. We are taught in the Hadith Sharif to always display kindness to animals. When slaughtering the animal, we should ensure that the knife is sharp, and the animal is slaughtered as quick as possible so that minimal inconvenience is caused to the animal. The Hadith states that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam prohibited that a living creature is taken as target. [Ahmad] Hence, harming the fish unnecessarily or causing it to die is against the teachings of the Hadith hence impermissible.
Secondly, catching and releasing fish is a futile activity with no benefit whatsoever. We haven’t been created to squander and waste our time in the world rather we have been created for the Ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala and to prepare for the hereafter.
Thirdly, money is wasted by travelling to and from the fishing area. Similarly, funds are wasted on fishing equipment and accessories when one purchases fishing equipment with the sole intention of fishing as a sport. The Quraan Sharif states, “Verily the extravagant ones are the brothers of Shaytaan.” [Surah Bani Isra’eel Verse 27]
In conclusion, based on these reasons catching and releasing fish will not be permitted.
وقد قَالَ رَسُول الله [صلى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسلم] : ” إِن الله كتب الْإِحْسَان على كل شَيْء، فَإِذا قتلتم فَأحْسنُوا القتلة، وَإِذا ذبحتم فَأحْسنُوا الذبْحَة، وليحد أحدكُم شفرته، وليرح ذَبِيحَته “. فَلَمَّا أَمر النَّبِي [صلى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسلم] أَن يحسنوا القتلة، وَأَن (يريحوا مَا أحل) لَهُم ذبحه من الْأَنْعَام، فَمَا أهل قَتله من بني آدم فَهُوَ أَحْرَى أَن يفعل بِهِ ذَلِك. وَقد نهى رَسُول الله [صلى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسلم] أَن يقتل شَيْء من الدَّوَابّ صبرا وَلعن من اتخذ شَيْئا فِيهِ الرّوح غَرضا. فَلَا يَنْبَغِي لأحد أَن يصبر أحدا لنَهْيه عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام عَن ذَلِك (اللباب ص710 ج2)
ثابت عن سعيد بن جُبير عن ابن عباس قال: نَهى رسول الله-صلي الله عليه وسلم- أن يُتَّخَذ شيءٌ فيه الروح غَرَضاً. (مسند احمد)
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date:- 27 Jumadal Ukhra 1445 /10 January 2024
