The use of electrical appliances which kill flies and insects

Reference: I’laam al-Mu’aasireen bi-Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Page 225

Question: What is the ruling regarding the electrical appliance which restaurants have which kill flies and insects?

Response: We are of the opinion that there is no harm in [the use of] this [appliance], and that [the use of] this [appliance] does not constitute tormenting with fire because as far as we know the insects die by electric shock, and proof of this is that if you were to hold a piece of paper to the appliance it would not burn, just as a human being – if he were to touch the electric cable he would die without burning up in flames.

He is a graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having graduated from the Institute of Arabic Language, and later the Faculty of Sharee'ah in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.