Halal vs Haram

[Mujib]

No, one cannot just eat anything and consider it halal simply by "eating in the name of Allah." The meat must be zabiha meat.

For answers to questions on meat search under "meat" in the Answers section at SunniPath.com.

[Mujib]

Is it sufficient to pronounce the name of Allah Most High to make the meat lawful to consume?

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari

Question:

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I know that there have been so many questions (and answers) regarding halal meat and that the standard answer is that meat from animals that aren't slaughtered observing Islamic rituals are haram. However I would like to know what a Muslim who is living in a country where halal meat isn't available at all should do.
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Answer:

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Consuming unlawful (haram) meat becomes permissible only when one�s life is threatened in that one fears death. As such, consuming Haram meat will remain unlawful even in countries where Halal meat is not easily available.

Allah Most High says:

He (Allah) has only forbidden upon you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, then he is guiltless. For Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.� (Surah al-Baqarah, 173)

Therefore, it will not be sufficient to merely pronounce the name of Allah on the meat and then consume it; rather, all the necessary conditions for a valid slaughter must be fulfilled, even in countries such as Brazil.

If one is unable to obtain Halal meat, then one will have to do with fish, vegetables and other types of Halal food.

And Allah knows best

Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK

[Iqra]

Is it true that I can just pretty much eat everything excluding pork if I just eat it in the name of Allah.

Mujib answered your question shukar =D

[شمله ور خراساني]

Making the forbidden and the illegal legal is the work of the Jews. That's why Allah cursed them in the qur'an.

[*Mahzala*]

^Is that only 1 sect who says this? or all Muslims?

The Qur'an tells us that the consumption of meat that is not slaughtered in Allah's name is forbidden to us and should be avoided (Surah Al Anaam). It is understandable that living in the West has limited Halal outlets and thus the Qur'an ayah about food from Ahle Kitaab is Halal comes into play, where people interpret it based on their own interests. If I may be so bold to say, that is utter ignorance and there are guidelines set out by the Shari'ah in cases as such.

It is very rare that we come across farms owned by Muslims in western countries who can slaughter meat according to the Law of Allah, I agree. However, a lack of this service should be no reason that we consume foods that are not lawful to us. The basic condition when considering a purchase from non-Muslims is that he is able to (or has) slaughter it through the means taught to us in Shari’ah and he should have a sound understanding of the process. This basically means that while slaughtering, he mentions Allah’s name at the time of slitting the throat. Meat that has been killed for purposes that are not limited to consumption, strangulation or even electrifying the animal is considered haraam.

So, no, you cannot walk into McDonalds and expect that the meat that you eat is made lawful by simply saying Bismillah. This makes very little sense and is in fact very flawed logic is applied to consuming or engaging in other halal and haraam acts. If by saying Bismillah are making the unlawful permissible, then does this suggest that if someone intends to steal or commit adultery, by beginning in Allah’s name, it is made lawful? Undoubtedly and quite obviously not.

On a serious note, Islam is a science, a way of life, that if abided by, determines our fate in this world and the next, and so we should be weary of who we learn it from. Instead of teaching and prioritising our own opinions, the authentic interpretations of Quran and Hadeeth should be explored first. Concluding the meaning of a Quranic verse or Hadeeth to suit our own interests is wrong, and often the case when we are the slaves of our desires. Ask the learned in your Masaajid and communities, refer to the Quran, to the authentics of the Sunnah before turning to, or seeking knowledge from people of such nature. The answers are all there.

Allah guide us all.

[*Mahzala*]

We've had this discussion many times, and many a time I have expressed my views and the 'limits' you ask for. I am begining to think where to start and what would be convincing for this topic to go forward. You ask me, I am more than happy to answer it, and in fact am honoured you approach me with it. However, like I said, I wonder what to draw the limits with. Qur'an, Ahadeeth or simple logic? Or if I should simply gather some of my previous posts and amend them slightly to suit your question? I say this because many a time on this site I am noticing that Islamic concepts are interest driven and implemented. I will once and for all address the topic, and you may use it as a reference (based on Quran and Sunnah alone), but I request that it is not butchered as has happened in the past.

Sama da?

[*Mahzala*]

Sure Sabrina, with pleasure. I will continue it in this thread InshaAllah and we can continue to pose other Halal and Haraam questions here. =)

[Levanaye Zalmaye]

I think a seperate thread to cover how we ladies should dress is a nice idea.

Yes and I should start that thread and dictate my terms there!

[*Mahzala*]

I was thinking of a separate thread, but there are so many on the same topic ... Khair, I'll see to it. Allah reward you for your willingness to learn =)

[Mujib]

Rulings of proper dress are not for women only; they apply to men as well.

The following is a detailed answer from Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam (insha'Allah someone can post it as a separate thread if there is need):

The Fiqh of Covering One's Nakedness (Awra): A Detailed Explanation.