The Sale of Carrion in Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract

In Islamic jurisprudence, transactions and commercial exchanges are among the most important means of fulfilling material needs and organizing economic relationships within society. Islam emphasizes lawful earnings and regards legitimate trade as a means of promoting cooperation and social welfare. However, Islamic law prohibits the sale and purchase of certain forbidden objects and unlawful commodities in order to preserve public interests and prevent corruption. This prohibition is based on religious texts and established juristic principles aimed at safeguarding religion, intellect, life, and public morality. The study of the sale of carrion (maytah) demonstrates that the legitimacy of transactions in Islam depends upon the lawfulness of the subject matter, the existence of a permissible benefit, and the avoidance of harm and corruption. Therefore, understanding the limits and regulations governing such transactions plays a significant role in explaining the Islamic economic system and guiding Muslims toward lawful business practices while avoiding invalid and prohibited transactions.