How Do We Talk to a Muslim Who Believes Eating Animals Are Impermissible? – Shaykh Abdul Sami‘ al-Yakti

Answered by Shaykh Abdul Sami‘ al-Yakti

Question

How do we engage in dialogue with a Muslim who believes it is not permissible to eat animals or their products?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon the Master of the Messengers, his Family, and all his Companions.

In engaging with such a person, it is essential to start by clarifying the basis of rulings for us as Muslims; the legislator, the one who permits and prohibits, is Allah (Most High). As stated in His Book, particularly concerning foods:

“Ask, (O Prophet,) ‘Who has forbidden the adornments and lawful provisions Allah has brought forth for His servants?’” [Quran, 7:32]

Then, it is crucial to elucidate the wisdom behind the creation of these animals in general and the specifically edible livestock. Following that, present the detailed evidence and legal texts that indicate the permissibility of these foods, while mentioning any exceptions. And Allah knows best.

Details and Explanation

First, it is necessary to distinguish between two reasons for abstaining from eating anything derived from animals: whether it is a personal, emotional preference or a belief in a legal prohibition.

If it is a personal preference, then it is possible to advise and engage with the individual about the medical and nutritional benefits contained in these animal foods and their derivatives, which fall under the expertise of specialists.

However, if the individual believes that it is legally prohibited, as suggested by the question, then the following steps should be taken to convince and engage with them:

Clarifying the Source of Our Legal Rulings as Muslims

Our reference for legal rulings is what Allah has legislated for us in the Noble Quran and the Sunna, and what refers back to them, such as consensus (ijma‘) and analogical reasoning (qiyas), among other recognized sources of Islamic law according to the scholars of the Umma. No one, regardless of their authority or knowledge, has the right to prohibit what Allah has permitted or permit what Allah has prohibited. Allah (Most High) says:

“Ask, (O Prophet,) ‘Who has forbidden the adornments and lawful provisions Allah has brought forth for His servants?’ Say, ‘They are for the enjoyment of the believers in this worldly life, but they will be exclusively theirs on the Day of Judgment. This is how We make Our revelations clear for people of knowledge.’” [Quran, 7:32]

Explaining the Wisdom Behind the Creation of These Animals or Livestock

These animals are made subservient to humans, providing warmth, benefits, and food. Allah (Most High) says:

“And He created the cattle for you as a source of warmth, food, and (many other) benefits. They are also pleasing to you when you bring them home and when you take them out to graze. And they carry your loads to (distant) lands which you could not otherwise reach without great hardship. Surely your Lord is Ever Gracious, Most Merciful. (He also created) horses, mules, and donkeys for your transportation and adornment. And He creates what you do not know.” [Quran, 16:5-8]

Engaging in this manner will help convey the importance of following the guidance provided by Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), which includes consuming permissible animal products and recognizing their benefits and roles in our lives.

Presenting Evidence and Legal Texts that Indicate the Permissibility of Consuming These Meats and Animal Products

Make it clear to him in simple terms that Allah (Most High) has permitted these foods and created these animals for the benefit of humans. Allah (Most High) says:

“O believers! Honour your obligations. All grazing livestock has been made lawful to you—except what is hereby announced to you.” [Quran, 5:1]

He also says:

“We have made sacrificial camels (and cattle) among the symbols of Allah, in which there is (much) good for you. So pronounce the Name of Allah over them when they are lined up (for sacrifice). Once they have fallen (lifeless) on their sides, you may eat from their meat, and feed the needy—those who do not beg, and those who do. In this way We have subjected these (animals) to you so that you may be grateful.” [Quran, 22:36]

Regarding bees and honey, Allah (Most High) says:

“…and feed from (the flower of) any fruit (you please) and follow the ways your Lord has made easy for you.’ From their bellies comes forth liquid of varying colours, in which there is healing for people. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.” [Quran, 16:69]

Addressing Concerns About Potential Harm from Consuming Animal Products

If their prohibition is based on concerns about health or other harms, we can say that this is also addressed in the Sacred Law. Certain meats and foods are prohibited in specific circumstances, as Allah (Most High) says:

“Say, ‘(O Prophet,) “I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to eat except carrion, running blood, swine—which is impure—or a sinful offering in the name of any other than Allah. But if someone is compelled by necessity—neither driven by desire nor exceeding immediate need—then surely your Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” [Quran, 6:145]

He also says:

“Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, and swine; what is slaughtered in the name of any other than Allah; what is killed by strangling, beating, a fall, or by being gored to death; what is partly eaten by a predator unless you slaughter it; and what is sacrificed on altars. You are also forbidden to draw lots for decisions. This is all evil.” [Quran, 5:3]

This suffices as evidence, and Allah knows best.

Practical Approach

Know that permitting and prohibiting are matters of the Sacred Law. Thus, it is not permissible for us to permit what Allah has prohibited, nor to prohibit what Allah has permitted. It is definitively established in the Quran that these foods are permissible. If you find them palatable, eat from them, and if you dislike them, abstain without considering them prohibited. This is what we can convey to someone who prohibits these foods.

May Allah guide us all to what He loves and is pleased with.

Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Abdul Sami‘ al-Yakti

Shaykh Abdul Sami‘ al-Yaqti is a Syrian scholar born in Aleppo in 1977. He obtained his degree in Shari‘a from the Shari‘a Faculty of Damascus University, a Diploma in Educational Qualification from the Faculty of Education at Aleppo University, and a Diploma in Shari‘a and a Master’s in Shari‘a from the Faculty of Sharia, and Law at Omdurman University in Sudan. He is currently writing his doctoral thesis.

He studied under esteemed scholars such as Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri, Shaykh Mustafa al-Turkmani, and Shaykh Dr. Nur al-Din Itr, among others. Shaykh al-Yakti has worked in teaching and cultural guidance in orphanages and high schools in Aleppo. He served as an Imam, Khatib, and reciter at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and as a certified trainer for Khatibs in Abu Dhabi’s Khatib Qualification Program.

He is involved in developing and teaching a youth education program at Seekers Arabic for Islamic Sciences.

Among Shaykh al-Yaqti’s significant works are “Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni: Bayna Ilm al-Kalam Wa Usul al-Fiqh” and the program “The Messenger of Allah Among Us (Allah bless him and give him peace).”