Question
Is it permissible to keep a lion as a pet like they do in the UAE?
Answer
Shariah has permitted one to keep such animals from which one derives some sort of benefit. For example, keeping a bird to comfort oneself or keeping a dog for guarding purposes will be permitted. However, if a dangerous animal (such as a lion) or a reptile that may be harmful and void of benefit (such as a snake or scorpion), towards which people generally have a level of disinclination, then adopting such animals or reptiles will not be free of abhorrence.
Re:- Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya Pg. 139 Vol.8
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.