Ramadan 2009

[Melly 2 0]

This is in response to miss Amal's post about what meat is halal to eat. It goes into a little more detail, and I wouldn't have thought to post it except that I just read it yesterday and was reminded of it after reading Amal's post.

This was taken from Islam QA .com

Conditions of eating meat slaughtered by the Jews and Christians

I know that it is essential to say the name of Allaah when slaughtering animals that are to be eaten, and that it is not permissible to eat from that over which the name of Allaah has not been mentioned, but sometimes a Muslim has to travel to a non-Muslim country and stay there for several years, for work or study. Should he refrain from eating meat completely for this length of time or in this case is he regarded as compelled by necessity to eat meat or is it sufficient to say the name of Allaah at the time of eating?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

Saying the name of Allaah is a condition of meat being halaal, and it is not excused by forgetting or not knowing, according to the most correct scholarly opinion. See the answer to question no. 85669 (Saying Bismillaah in order to meat to be halaal)?

Secondly:

Meat slaughtered by one of the people of the Book (a Jew or a Christian) is permissible subject to two conditions:

1 – That the meat be slaughtered as a Muslim does it, but cutting the throat and oesophagus and letting the blood flow. If the animal is killed by strangling or electric shock or drowning in water, its meat is not permissible. Similarly, if a Muslim does that, the meat is not permissible.

2 – No name other than that of Allaah should be mentioned over it, such as the name of the Messiah etc, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Eat not (O believers) of that (meat) on which Allaah’s Name has not been pronounced (at the time of the slaughtering of the animal)”

[al-An’aam 6:121]

And He says concerning haraam things (interpretation of the meaning):

“He has forbidden you only the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering)”

[al-Baqarah 2:173]

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

What is meant here is that over which a name other than that of Allaah is mentioned at the time of slaughter, such as saying “in the name of the Messiah” or “in the name of Muhammad” or “in the name of Jibreel” or “in the name of al-Laat” and so on. End quote from Tafseer Soorat al-Baqarah.

The prohibition also applies to that which is offered as a sacrifice to the Messiah or to al-Zahrah, even if they did not mention a name other than that of Allaah over it. It is also haraam.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: As for that which is slaughtered by the people of the Book for their festivals and as an act of worship to draw closer to someone other than Allaah, as the Muslims offer their sacrifices to draw closer to Allaah thereby, such as what they slaughter for the Messiah and al-Zahrah, there are two reports narrated from Ahmad concerning that, the most well known of which in his texts is that it is not permissible to eat it, even if the name of someone other than Allaah has not been mentioned over it. The prohibition on doing that was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah and ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar. End quote from Iqtida’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (1/251).

Thirdly:

If a Muslim or a kitaabi (Jew or Christian) slaughters an animal for meat, and it is not known whether he mentioned the name of Allaah over it or not, it is permissible to eat from it, and the one who eats it should say the name of Allaah, because of the report that was narrated by al-Bukhaari (2057) from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), that some people said: O Messenger of Allaah, some people bring meat to us, and we do not know whether they mentioned the name of Allaah over it or not. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Mention the name of Allaah over it and eat.”

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: It is not essential to ask about that which was slaughtered by a Muslim or a kitaabi, and how it was slaughtered, and whether the name of Allaah was mentioned over it or not. Rather that should not be done, because that is being obstinate in religious matters. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ate meat slaughtered by the Jews and did not ask questions. In Saheeh al-Bukhaari and elsewhere it is narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that some people said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): Some people bring meat to us, and we do not know whether they mentioned the name of Allaah over it or not. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Mention the name of Allaah over it and eat.” She said: They were new in Islam, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told them to eat without asking, even though those who brought the meat to them may not have been aware of the rulings of Islam because they were new in Islam. End quote from Risaalah fi Ahkaam al-Udhiyah wa’l-Dhakaah by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Fourthly:

Based on the above, whoever travels to a non-Muslim country where most of those who slaughter meat are Christians or Jews, it is permissible for him to eat their meat, unless he knows that they stun the animals or mention over them the name of someone other than Allaah, as stated above.

But if the slaughterman is an idol-worshipper or communist, it is not permissible to eat meat slaughtered by him.

If the meat is haraam, it is not permissible to eat from it on the grounds of necessity, so long as a person can find food to keep him alive, such as fish, vegetables and so on.

Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Barraak (may Allaah preserve him) said: “The meats available in kaafir countries are of various types. As for fish, it is halaal in all cases, because its being halaal does not depend on the way in which it is slaughtered or on the name of Allaah being mentioned over it.

With regard to other types of meat, if the companies or individuals who produce meat are people of the Book, Jews or Christians, and it is not known from them that they kill the animal by electric shock, strangling or striking it on the head, as is well known in the west, then this meat is halaal. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Made lawful to you this day are At‑Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (lawful) foods, which Allaah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits)]. The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to them”

[al-Maa’idah 5:5]

But if they kill the animal by one of the methods mentioned, then the meat is haraam, because in that case it is meat that has been strangled or killed by a blow. If those who produce the meat are not Jews or Christians, then the meat that they offer is haraam. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Eat not (O believers) of that (meat) on which Allaah’s Name has not been pronounced (at the time of the slaughtering of the animal), for sure it is Fisq (a sin and disobedience of Allaah)”

[al-An’aam 6:121]

The Muslim should strive to avoid that which is clearly haraam and be cautious of doubtful matters so as to preserve his religious commitment and to keep his body safe from being nourished with haraam things. End quote.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

[Kenza 1]

I don't necessarily agree with the above because you never know what religion the person is who is killing the animal and you have no idea how they kill it. But I just read up on Kosher meat and the process seems the same as Muslims-they slaughter it specifically to allow instant death. The only thing that is left out is saying bismillah and Allahuakbar, which can be done by the Muslim when they buy it and eat it. Kosher meat can be found easier and closer compared to halal meat-at least where I am (5 min. compared to 40) and Kosher meat is designated with these symbols

Kosher symbols

[Melly 2 0]

I don't necessarily agree with the above because you never know what religion the person is who is killing the animal and you have no idea how they kill it. But I just read up on Kosher meat and the process seems the same as Muslims-they slaughter it specifically to allow instant death. The only thing that is left out is saying bismillah and Allahuakbar, which can be done by the Muslim when they buy it and eat it. Kosher meat can be found easier and closer compared to halal meat-at least where I am (5 min. compared to 40) and Kosher meat is designated with these symbols

Kosher symbols

That was my point about posting the quote. You might not agree with it but that doesn't make it false. It just means you choose something other than what is stated.

I know there are plenty of people here who buy meat from any grocery store and just say bismillah before they eat it, and it's not my place to tell them they are wrong or judge them. I just want to make sure people have all of the information before making a choice, so that the choices they make can be deliberate and thought out and taken with care.

And for anyone who says that they don't have a halal butcher close by, you can always make a trip once every two or three weeks and stock up on meat - freeze it if you have to, so that you can have halal meat instead of what is sold in a regular grocery.

How hard is that on you in terms of pleasing Allah and doing what He commanded?

I agree this religion shouldn't be a burden, but it does require that we sometimes do things that take a little extra time and care. Isn't it worth it to please Allah?

Imagine on judgment day when you're standing before Allah and he asks you about the meat you ate, which wasn't halal, and what excuse can you give? "Sorry I didn't feel like driving 45 minutes for You"?

Sorry if this sounds a bit picky, but so be it.

I care about my sisters and brothers in Islam, and I want the best for them in this life and the next.

[Kenza 1]

I don't necessarily agree with the above because you never know what religion the person is who is killing the animal and you have no idea how they kill it. But I just read up on Kosher meat and the process seems the same as Muslims-they slaughter it specifically to allow instant death. The only thing that is left out is saying bismillah and Allahuakbar, which can be done by the Muslim when they buy it and eat it. Kosher meat can be found easier and closer compared to halal meat-at least where I am (5 min. compared to 40) and Kosher meat is designated with these symbols

Kosher symbols

That was my point about posting the quote. You might not agree with it but that doesn't make it false. It just means you choose something other than what is stated.

I know there are plenty of people here who buy meat from any grocery store and just say bismillah before they eat it, and it's not my place to tell them they are wrong or judge them. I just want to make sure people have all of the information before making a choice, so that the choices they make can be deliberate and thought out and taken with care.

And for anyone who says that they don't have a halal butcher close by, you can always make a trip once every two or three weeks and stock up on meat - freeze it if you have to, so that you can have halal meat instead of what is sold in a regular grocery.

How hard is that on you in terms of pleasing Allah and doing what He commanded?

I agree this religion shouldn't be a burden, but it does require that we sometimes do things that take a little extra time and care. Isn't it worth it to please Allah?

Imagine on judgment day when you're standing before Allah and he asks you about the meat you ate, which wasn't halal, and what excuse can you give? "Sorry I didn't feel like driving 45 minutes for You"?

Sorry if this sounds a bit picky, but so be it.

I care about my sisters and brothers in Islam, and I want the best for them in this life and the next.

Totally agree with you! And yes that is what we do, stock up! It's just the closest to halal that I can think of if someone can't find halal at all.

[Siham 0]

my husband goes by himself kill the animal and get the meat home !

[doodlebugg 10]

You know when I think of judgement day I don't automatically think of being judged on what I ate, especially if my intentions were good. I think of other more important things (imho anyways). I think, did I kill anyone? did I worship any other God but Allah? did I not fast during Ramadan? did I spend money on frivolous things instead of saving up for Hajj? did I not pray five times per day?

That kind of stuff is always first and foremost on my mind and when I think of what I did wrong, I ask myself what my intentions were and if they were good then I cut myself some slack. I do this because I can become my own worst enemy at times. If I spent my precious time thinking of the little minute details then I will become obsessed and I will eventually fail to be able to see the forest from the trees.

Some can't afford to buy halal or spend the gas to drive forty five minutes. In that case, in my own opinion, if it were me...why not eat vegetarian for a while? I know I'm only human but I can't fathom Allah sending someone into the fire because they chose to buy their kid a pair of shoes, etc. instead of buying halal meat.

Anyways this thread is for Ramadan 2009 and I hope everyone is doing well physically, mentally and spiritually.

[DanniandMary 1]

I hope everybody is having a great Ramadan! This is my very first and doing it alone here without my husband or any muslimah friends in my city. Made it through 2 days! I have to admit, I can do without food but water is very hard! I am soooooooooo tired too. Still learning.....

Saha Fatourek

[Kenza 1]

I hope everybody is having a great Ramadan! This is my very first and doing it alone here without my husband or any muslimah friends in my city. Made it through 2 days! I have to admit, I can do without food but water is very hard! I am soooooooooo tired too. Still learning.....

Saha Fatourek

by putting an ice pack on my face and mouth or taking a cold shower or swimming helps me relieve the thirst

[Staashi 371]

You know when I think of judgement day I don't automatically think of being judged on what I ate, especially if my intentions were good. I think of other more important things (imho anyways). I think, did I kill anyone? did I worship any other God but Allah? did I not fast during Ramadan? did I spend money on frivolous things instead of saving up for Hajj? did I not pray five times per day?

That kind of stuff is always first and foremost on my mind and when I think of what I did wrong, I ask myself what my intentions were and if they were good then I cut myself some slack. I do this because I can become my own worst enemy at times. If I spent my precious time thinking of the little minute details then I will become obsessed and I will eventually fail to be able to see the forest from the trees.

Some can't afford to buy halal or spend the gas to drive forty five minutes. In that case, in my own opinion, if it were me...why not eat vegetarian for a while? I know I'm only human but I can't fathom Allah sending someone into the fire because they chose to buy their kid a pair of shoes, etc. instead of buying halal meat.

Anyways this thread is for Ramadan 2009 and I hope everyone is doing well physically, mentally and spiritually.

[sandinista! 1,816]

until obama stops sanctioning the murder of muslims in af-pak and elsewhere, i've no use whatsoever for his ramadan kareem. i have no idea why muslims keep on posting this all over. it's quite demeaning in light of the circumstances.

[DanniandMary 1]

I hope everybody is having a great Ramadan! This is my very first and doing it alone here without my husband or any muslimah friends in my city. Made it through 2 days! I have to admit, I can do without food but water is very hard! I am soooooooooo tired too. Still learning.....

Saha Fatourek

by putting an ice pack on my face and mouth or taking a cold shower or swimming helps me relieve the thirst

Thanks Kenza! I will definately try that!

[MrsAmera 41]

Has anyone ever heard that it's not ok to swim when fasting?? My husband swears he's never heard of anyone swimming during Ramadan and that somehow it's prohibited. I think that's so not true. Anyone heard of this? I hate to say it but I'm a little upset because summer is coming to an end and this so called belief that he has, means no more swimming for the kids before the pools close! He doesn't want me to go swimming but comes up with this too?

[HLM 1]

Honestly, I never heard of such thing either! I'll ask my husband later insha Allah.

Subhan Allah the weather is BEAUTIFUL here the temperature dropped like 20 degrees and everyone is doing well fasting this week I hope it becomes easier for alll the muslims around the world.

Even though I'm not fasting, alhamdulillah I still got to feel ramadan by reading quran and praying taraweeh. We've been going to the masjid for iftar and we will keep doing so until the end of the month. The food is good and you get to be at the masjid for prayer

[brnidokiegurl 0]

You know when I think of judgement day I don't automatically think of being judged on what I ate, especially if my intentions were good. I think of other more important things (imho anyways). I think, did I kill anyone? did I worship any other God but Allah? did I not fast during Ramadan? did I spend money on frivolous things instead of saving up for Hajj? did I not pray five times per day?

That kind of stuff is always first and foremost on my mind and when I think of what I did wrong, I ask myself what my intentions were and if they were good then I cut myself some slack. I do this because I can become my own worst enemy at times. If I spent my precious time thinking of the little minute details then I will become obsessed and I will eventually fail to be able to see the forest from the trees.

Some can't afford to buy halal or spend the gas to drive forty five minutes. In that case, in my own opinion, if it were me...why not eat vegetarian for a while? I know I'm only human but I can't fathom Allah sending someone into the fire because they chose to buy their kid a pair of shoes, etc. instead of buying halal meat.

Anyways this thread is for Ramadan 2009 and I hope everyone is doing well physically, mentally and spiritually.

i hope everyone is well also but i have to agree, im not Muslim and i do somewhat try to understand but i hope im never judged by what i ate, or when, as i dont try to gorge and would share with anyone,, i see no reason to do things against the body that God gave me to nourish and take care of and lay around all day with a headache, watching the clock for the minute i can eat everything in site. The poor eat when they can and appreciate it not watching the clock. Sorry for the attitude but i just spend the worst weekend since he has been here with him doing the clock thing and no cigarettes and doing totally nothing but laying around. Sorry this isnt morocco, mom dont have all the foods ready for when you wake late and decide to get up, life will go on. I did find the meat so its not like im not trying to help.....again sorry for the attitude i just have alot on my plate to deal with lately, my mom has also been put on hospice for those that knew she was in a nursing home.

[Melly 2 0]

You know when I think of judgement day I don't automatically think of being judged on what I ate, especially if my intentions were good. I think of other more important things (imho anyways). I think, did I kill anyone? did I worship any other God but Allah? did I not fast during Ramadan? did I spend money on frivolous things instead of saving up for Hajj? did I not pray five times per day?

That kind of stuff is always first and foremost on my mind and when I think of what I did wrong, I ask myself what my intentions were and if they were good then I cut myself some slack. I do this because I can become my own worst enemy at times. If I spent my precious time thinking of the little minute details then I will become obsessed and I will eventually fail to be able to see the forest from the trees.

Some can't afford to buy halal or spend the gas to drive forty five minutes. In that case, in my own opinion, if it were me...why not eat vegetarian for a while? I know I'm only human but I can't fathom Allah sending someone into the fire because they chose to buy their kid a pair of shoes, etc. instead of buying halal meat.

Anyways this thread is for Ramadan 2009 and I hope everyone is doing well physically, mentally and spiritually.

i hope everyone is well also but i have to agree, im not Muslim and i do somewhat try to understand but i hope im never judged by what i ate, or when, as i dont try to gorge and would share with anyone,, i see no reason to do things against the body that God gave me to nourish and take care of and lay around all day with a headache, watching the clock for the minute i can eat everything in site. The poor eat when they can and appreciate it not watching the clock. Sorry for the attitude but i just spend the worst weekend since he has been here with him doing the clock thing and no cigarettes and doing totally nothing but laying around. Sorry this isnt morocco, mom dont have all the foods ready for when you wake late and decide to get up, life will go on. I did find the meat so its not like im not trying to help.....again sorry for the attitude i just have alot on my plate to deal with lately, my mom has also been put on hospice for those that knew she was in a nursing home.

Sorry you are having so much trouble right now. May Allah give ease and comfort to both you and your mother, ameen.

Doodle - the beauty of choice. May Allah be easy on ALL of us on judgment day.

Ramadan kareem to you and your husband.