Is Taxidermy Permissible?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

According to Dar al-Ifta Jordan, taxidermy (mummification of animals) is permitted for study and research if there is no viable alternative, but only as needed. However, if it is done for adornment and boasting, it isn’t permissible because of the reasons stated below, and Allah knows best.

What is Taxidermy?

The mummification process, or taxidermy, involves removing an animal’s intestines and filling its body with chemicals to prevent decay and preserve its natural form.

Animals Lawful to Consume

There are two main categories of mummified animals. The first category includes animals whose consumption is permitted under Islamic law, such as camels, cows, sheep, and certain birds.

Typically, these animals are not subject to mummification as it is considered a wasteful expenditure, given that every part of these animals can be utilized. The second category comprises animals whose consumption is forbidden, such as dogs, lions, falcons, and similar creatures.

Animals Unlawful to Consume

Animals that were not slaughtered in accordance with Islamic ritual requirements or were prohibited for consumption, like dogs, and those that were slaughtered or died naturally, are considered impure and dead.

Dead Inedible Animals Are Considered Filth

Ibn An-Naqib states, “Impurities include urine and feces, animals whose meat is inedible whether slaughtered or found dead, excluding fish, as well as the hair of such animals. The meat of these animals is deemed impure.” [Misri, Umdat al-Salik, p. 71]

Buying and Selling Dead Animals is Unlawful

The buying and selling of dead animals is prohibited, as narrated by Jabir Ibn ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with him), who heard the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) during the Conquest of Mecca proclaim, “Allah and His Apostle have declared the trade of alcohol, dead animals, pigs, and idols as unlawful.” [Agreed upon]

Buying and Selling Filth is Unlawful

It is also stated, “Selling an impure item is impermissible, regardless of whether it could be purified chemically, such as the skin of a dead animal.” [Tuhfat al-Habib ‘ala-Sharh al-Khatib, 3/9]

Killing Animals for Sport

According to the Shafi’i School, the general principle is that killing animals is prohibited except for those that are harmful, as Islamic Law forbids the needless killing of animals, allowing it only for food. Consequently, exemplary punishment is also prohibited.

Bayhaqi dedicated a chapter in his book, “Al-Sunan al-Kubra,” titled “Prohibition of Killing Animals Except for Necessity,” where he includes the Hadith advising soldiers headed to Sham (Syria), “Do not slaughter sheep or camels except for food.” [Al-Sunan al-Kubra, 9/86]