It is necessary to provide fodder for one’s animal

Question

Question: Two men, Zayd and ʿAmr, who drive one-horse carriages, disputed over whether their earnings are halal or haram. The situation is this: Zayd is comparatively more religious than ʿAmr, is regular in fasting and prayer, is occupied with religious work and also takes part in good deeds. But as for his earning, the state of affairs is that in the evening he unharnesses the horse from the carriage and ties it up. Now the household may arrange something of grass and grain for the horse if they wish.

Answer

Concern for the animal’s food and drink is also binding (lazim). Since money is earned by means of it, not giving it grass, grain and water is oppression (zulm). That speechless creature may say nothing here, but in the sight of Allah Most High this conduct incurs reproach. If he himself stays at his litany, then arranging for it through the household is necessary.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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