Laura El Alam
New converts in the United States and other Muslim-minority countries often have questions about which kinds of meat are halal (permissible) to eat. Abstaining from pork is obvious, but what about the beef sold in supermarkets, or the chicken served at fast food restaurants? Are those allowed?
It can be especially confusing because the “veteran” Muslims around us sometimes follow different guidelines. Most adhere to the Islamic opinion that only meat certified halal or zabiha is permissible to eat. Shaykh Yusuf Weltch, a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality and a member of the Seekers Guidance faculty is one scholar who ascribes to this mindset. He writes, “In short, it is not permissible to eat any meat that was not slaughtered according to the Sacred Law of Islam; a person living in a Muslim minority country does not change that ruling as there still remains many options of permissible food, such as seafood and non-meat options.”1
On the other hand, there are some scholars who argue that meats like lamb, chicken, and beef slaughtered in a Christian-majority nation are indeed halal, as long as we say “bismillah” before we eat them. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Ash-Shinqiti, Professor of Political Ethics and Religions History at Qatar University explains: “ . . . I believe animals slaughtered in the United States are halal to consume as long as you say the name of Allah before eating the meat.”2
It is important to remember that both of these scholar’s viewpoints are valid Islamic opinions. In cases where there are different scholarly interpretations of certain rules, each of us must decide for ourselves which argument seems more convincing. Having made our decision, we should not criticize Muslims who follow a different, valid school of thought.
If we decide that it is best to eat only meat that is zabiha, we will need to find stores that sell these products and seek out restaurants that are halal certified. More and more mainstream stores are selling halal products, and in some locations (mostly urban areas with a large Muslim population), a quick internet search can usually help us locate the nearest Muslim-friendly restaurants.
But what about visiting someone’s home? Can we eat the beef, chicken, or lamb they serve us? Do we need to investigate whether it’s zabiha, even if the hosts are Muslims? And what if the hosts are non-Muslims?
Islamic adab, or manners, should play a major role in how we handle these situations. It is best never to embarrass people or put them on the spot. If our hosts are practicing Muslims, we are discouraged to ask about the source of their meat. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When any one of you enters upon his Muslim brother and he offers him food, let him eat from his food and not ask about it. And if he offers him something to drink, let him drink what he offers and not ask about it.” (Narrated by Ahmad, 8933)
What about non-Muslim friends and family? Should we ask where they purchased their meat, or request that they buy zabiha for us? Or should we avoid eating with them altogether?
Maintaining family ties is important, and sharing meals is one way interfaith relatives and friends can bond and enjoy each other’s company. It is a good idea, however, to come up with some strategies so we can handle mealtime quandaries diplomatically. For instance,it might be too demanding to insist that non-Muslim buy and prepare halal meat for us. Furthermore, if we are new to Islam, and our family is still adjusting to our Islamic regulations, it can seem overwhelming or unpleasant to discuss Islamic slaughtering methods when there are so many other topics to consider.
For those who are brand new to Islam, the issue of zabiha meat is not the most urgent matter to consider. It is more important to learn the basics of the faith and to gain an understanding of what is clearly halal or haram. Gradually, converts can add to their knowledge and tackle the question of meat. For those who decide to eat only zabiha, here are some suggestions to make life a bit smoother:
1. If you are invited to dine with non-Muslims, communicate with your hosts beforehand. Let them know that for religious reasons, you do not eat pork products or alcohol. Requesting zabiha meat might put too much of a burden on them, so consider asking for a vegetarian or seafood meal.
2. Offer to bring a main dish to share. That way you can buy your own meat and prepare it in a way you know is halal.
3. Eat whatever they serve that is not meat: rice, salad, soup, vegetables, etc.
4. If the food preparation seems too difficult or stressful for your hosts, or you doubt that they will be able to adhere to your preferences, propose an alternative. Maybe you could host the gathering and prepare the food? Or perhaps you could all meet at a halal restaurant, or chat over coffee instead of an elaborate meal?
5. Always say “bismillah” before eating anything, and have the sincere intention of consuming only what is permissible. That way, if you accidentally ingest something haram, you will not be disobeying Allah.
New converts have a great deal to learn and implement. While the food you eat is definitely important, you do not have to be an expert –or “perfect” – from the very beginning. Eliminating pork and alcohol are easy first steps to take. Then, you can start looking at your local supermarkets’ meat sections to see if they have any halal products. You can also ask the local Muslim community if they have recommendations of where to shop. When you are ready, consider the different opinions about whether meat in Christian-majority countries is halal, and/or ask the imam of your local masjid. In the meantime, if you are worried about this issue, you can always get protein from fish, nuts, seeds, beans, and dairy products until you are absolutely clear on the question of meat.
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