The Ruling on Cauterizing Humans with Fire and Branding Animals

Question:
What is the ruling on treatment by cauterization with fire, for humans, and likewise for animals? And likewise placing marks on animals by cauterizing them with fire, so that if they get mixed with others, they can be recognized? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Cauterization with fire is permissible if a person needs it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: , narrated by al-Bukhari in the Sahih, and in another narration: . So cauterization is among the means of healing, just as drinking honey is, and just as cupping is. But if another treatment is available other than cauterization, that is better, because it involves a kind of torment. So if another treatment is available, it is better, and it takes precedence. If one needs cauterization, there is no harm in it, because he cauterized some of his Companions, and some of the Companions were cauterized. Khubayb ibn al-Urat was cauterized many times out of necessity, so there is no harm in cauterization when there is a need for it.
And likewise branding, branding animals by cauterizing them, in the ear, or in the thigh, there is no harm. But in the face, no, it is not permissible in the face. Branding by cauterization in the face is not permissible. No striking the face, and no branding the face. But if the branding is in its ear, or in its thigh, or in its shoulder, there is no harm in that, for camels, or cattle, or sheep. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good, and may He do you good.