on ‘‘halal’’ & eating other animals

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) spoke about various aspects of eating animals in his teachings. Here are some of his statements and principles regarding this topic:

1. Respect for Animals:

The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of treating animals with kindness and compassion. He discouraged causing unnecessary harm to them and encouraged believers to show mercy and gentleness towards all creatures.

2. Halal Slaughter:

The Prophet Muhammad prescribed specific guidelines for the slaughter of animals for consumption, known as halal slaughter. He emphasized that animals should be treated well, provided with proper food and water, and slaughtered in a humane manner, ensuring a quick and painless death. This method aims to minimize the suffering of animals during the process.

3. Avoidance of Excess:

The Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to eat in moderation and avoid excessive consumption. He discouraged indulgence in food and encouraged believers to be mindful of their dietary choices.

4. Permissible Animals:

The Prophet Muhammad outlined a list of animals that are permissible for consumption, known as halal food. These include certain types of meat, poultry, and fish. He prohibited the consumption of pork and the meat of animals that were not slaughtered according to the prescribed guidelines.

If The Prophet (pbuh) didn’t want us to kill animals, then why did he talk about Halal slaughter?

Many people question the relevance of veganism when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself acknowledged the permissibility of consuming meat. During the time of Prophet Muhammad (approximately 570-632 CE), the Arabian Peninsula was characterized by a predominantly arid and desert environment. The diet of the people during that time was heavily influenced by the natural resources available in this region. While plant-based foods did exist, the diet was not typically vegan in the modern sense.

Arabian diets during that era were composed of a variety of foods, including dates, figs, olives, grains like barley and wheat, legumes such as lentils and chickpeas, as well as vegetables like cucumbers, onions, and garlic. However, animal products such as milk, meat, and honey were also integral to the diet due to the pastoral lifestyle of the people, where they relied on livestock for sustenance.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions did consume plant-based foods and encouraged their consumption, but it's important to note that the concept of strict veganism, which avoids all animal products including dairy and honey, was not prevalent at that time. The society's relationship with animals and their products was deeply intertwined with their way of life, and animals were a source of nutrition, clothing, transportation, and other necessities.

In summary, while there were plant-based foods available during the time of Prophet Muhammad, the diet of the people was not solely vegan. It included a mixture of plant-based foods and animal products due to the environmental conditions and lifestyle of the region.

In the present era, the majority of people have the means to abstain from killing animals, rendering such actions unnecessary. The Quran provides a direct verse that highlights the significance of necessity in such matters:

"O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors." (Quran 5:87)

This verse emphasizes the importance of not forbidding what is permissible and not exceeding the limits set by Allah. While the consumption of meat is allowed, it is essential to recognize that unnecessary harm to animals contradicts the principles of compassion, mercy, and moderation advocated by the Prophet Muhammad. Thus, in an era where alternative food sources are abundant, choosing a vegan lifestyle aligns with the spirit of these teachings and embodies a conscious effort to minimize harm to animals and promote ethical choices.

It is crucial to understand that Islamic teachings evolve in response to changing circumstances, and the emphasis on mercy and compassion can guide Muslims in reevaluating their relationship with animals and adopting a vegan lifestyle when feasible. By doing so, Muslims can honor the principles of their faith while actively working towards a more compassionate and ethical existence.

Numerous stories serve as reminders that while consuming meat is permissible (Halal), The Prophet (pbuh) consistently demonstrated a preference for avoiding harm to animals whenever possible. He not only emphasized the significance of showing compassion towards animals but also highlighted that God rewards those who exhibit mercy and respect for their lives. Likewise, numerous hadiths reinforce the understanding that exhibiting mercy towards animals not only brings about divine rewards but also underscores that causing harm to them is not esteemed. Those who engage in such actions may face repercussions and consequences. These narratives serve as powerful reminders of the importance of treating animals with kindness and the potential consequences for those who disregard their welfare.

Fast-forwarding to today’s slaughterhouses and how they treat animals, due to our increasing population, it has become nearly impossible to follow the islamic rules of slaughter with such a huge demand on animal products, killing around 200 million land animals per day worldwide.

This issue did not just concern animal rights activists, but also some muslims. For example, in this video below, OnePath Network, the Australian Islamic-themed media network organization has brought their concerns in the Halal industry to the people’s attention.

HALal