Rabbits and Hares, common name for certain small mammals of the Leporidae family. Although the names "rabbit" and "hare" are sometimes used interchangeably, in zoological terms the species called rabbits are characterized by the helplessness of their offspring (which are born naked and blind) and by their gregarious habit of living in colonies in underground burrows. Species designated zoologically as hares are born with fur and open eyes. and the adults merely construct a simple nest and rarely live socially. Furthermore, a typical hare is larger than a rabbit, and has longer ears with characteristic black markings.
The rabbit becomes sexually mature at six months, the hare at one year or, in some cases, two years. Distributed throughout the world, hares and rabbits have many common characteristics. Both types breed prolifically and have a lifespan of up to about ten years. These animals, which weigh from about 1 to 5 kg (2 to 11 lb) and attain a length of about 30 to 60 em (12 to 24 in), feed usually at night. mainly on herbs, tree bark. And vegetables. Rabbits and hares are valued as food and for their fur. Concerning the permissibility of its consumption.
Anas bn Maalik (RA) narrates, "We provoked a rabbit at Marr Zahraan till it started jumping. My companions chased it till they got tired. But I alone ran after it and caught it and brought it to Abu Talha. He slaughtered it and sent both its legs to the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) who accepted them."(Bukhaari).
Muhammad bn Safwaan (RA) also narrated that, "he hunted and slaughtered two rabbits. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) came and commanded him to eat them." (Ahmad). Commenting on these ahaadeeth, Imaam Muhammad Ali Ash-Shawkaanee (RAH) said. "In these are evidences for the permissibility of eating rabbits." (Naylul Awtaar). However, some scholars hold that eating rabbits is discouraged (Makrooh).
This is based on the narration said to have been reported by Abdullah bn Amr bn Al Aas (RA) that, "It (rabbit) was brought to the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam). He did not eat it and did not prevent people from eating it." (Abu Dawood) After mentioning the weakness of the narration, AI Haafidh Ibn Hajar Al Asqalaani said, "Even if it were authentic, it is only suitable as evidence for its being discouraged not (as evidence) to the effect of its being forbidden." (Fath Baaree).
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited