Tuesday, 26 May 2026 (10 Dhuʻl-Hijjah 1447 AH)
Question: Is it permissible to benefit from donkeys in plowing the land, with the knowledge that we see them becoming tired and that extreme fatigue and exhaustion appear upon them in plowing?
The answer: It is not permissible to tire donkeys and other animals and to exhaust them except with what Allah has permitted, for His servants, regarding them; and what Allah, Exalted is He, has permitted of tiring in donkeys is riding and carrying upon their backs. He, Exalted is He, said: "And [He created] the horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and [as] adornment." [An-Nahl:8]
So if plowing exhausts the donkeys and tires them with a hard fatigue beyond what riding and carrying tires them with—an apparent increase—then plowing upon them is not permissible.
Source: Min Thimār al-ʿIlm wa al-Ḥikmah vol.3