Fears About Burying Dead Animalsl
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Question
I remember learning that it is a sunna to bury animals that have died. What if one has fears that one will contract a disease by handling the dead animal/its remains? There are many cases in which I find dead raccoons, squirrels, and birds on the road - and I would like to know what is expected of me as a Muslim in such situations.
Answer
You are correct: it is, indeed, recommended to bury dead animals so that people are not harmed by them. However, if you fear that burying them will bring harm to you, then there is no harm in leaving them unburied. Rather, if you have reason to believe that the likelihood of your being harmed is greater than the likelihood of your not being harmed, then it is unlawful for you to touch it [h: because it is unlawful for one to harm oneself].
And Allah knows best.
السؤال: قد تعلمت أنه يسنُّ دفن الحيوانات الميتة التي نجدها في الطريق, ولكني أجد عصافير وسنجاب كثيرة وأخاف أن يعديني من مرض لو دفنتها، فماذا يجب عليّ؟ الجواب: نعم يندب دفنُ الحيوان الميت؛ لئلا يتأذى الناس به، لكن إن خِفْتَ على نفسك الضررَ من ذلك فلا بأس في تركه، بل إن غلب على الظن ضررُك منه إن أمسكته حرم عليك إمساكه، والله أعلم.
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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