The consensus among the majority of Sunni jurists, with the exception of the Maliki school, is that owls are not halal in Islam.
Reasoning Behind the Prohibition
The primary reason for this ruling stems from the classification of owls as birds of prey. Islamic jurisprudence generally prohibits the consumption of animals with fangs or claws (talons) used for hunting. A Hadith suggests that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbade the eating of birds of prey. Owls, possessing sharp talons used to capture and kill their prey, fall under this category.
Differences in Opinion
It's important to note that the Maliki school of thought may differ in its ruling on whether or not specific types of owls are considered halal. This difference reflects the nuances in interpreting religious texts and applying them to specific animal species.
Summary
In summary, the prevailing opinion within Sunni Islam is that owls are haram (forbidden) to eat due to their classification as birds of prey with talons used for hunting.
