What is the ruling on using subsidized bread—fit for human consumption—in livestock and poultry feed, especially when some people cannot even find enough of it to feed themselves and their children? Is this permissible? I see many citizens obtaining this bread through questionable means, only for it to be used as food for their livestock and poultry.

Allah Almighty created human beings and conferred honor upon them, “Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam” (Quran, 17: 70). He subjected the universe to them so that they may fulfill the purpose for which they were created and distinguished from the rest of creation, namely worship and development of the earth, “And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth—all from Him” (Quran, 45:13). Among the creations subordinated to humankind are livestock and poultry; Allah says, “And the cattle—He created them…” (Quran, 16:5).

These creatures are placed in service to human beings. Accordingly, when there arises a conflict of needs between the servant (animals) and the one served (humans), precedence is given to the latter, who have been honored and entrusted with responsibility. It is astonishing to see some people buy up food intended for human consumption and use it to feed their livestock and poultry, fully aware of the dire need of their fellow citizens for this food. They neither honor the rights of their fellow human beings nor respect the divine laws that permit the use of animals as food for humanity.  By depriving the poor of food and diverting it to livestock, they effectively sacrifice human welfare for the sake of animals, when, in truth, the real motive is their own greed and financial gain.

Have they not reflected upon the example of the Ashʿaris among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), when their food ran low? Abu Musa al-Ashʿari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When the Ashʿaris were short of provisions during military campaigns, or when their food in Medina became scarce, they would collect whatever they had in one cloth, then divide it equally among themselves. They are of me, and I am of them” (recorded by Muslim and Bukhari).

Based on the above, it is prohibited for such individuals to take subsidized bread in the manner described in the question, thereby depriving those in need.

And Allah Almighty knows best.