Is Chicken Sold in Muslim Countries Halal?
A friend claims that the chicken meat sold in Dubai is not halal. Is this true?
Answer:
An animal permissible for consumption by a Muslim becomes halal when it is slaughtered while reciting “Bismillah Allahu Akbar”. This process makes the animal lawful to eat.
Islam prohibits consuming animals that are not slaughtered following these specific guidelines.
Chickens slaughtered in other countries are often packed and exported to places like Dubai. These packets usually state that the chickens are halal. Dubai authorities only permit such products into the country after proper verification and approval.
Dubai certifies that these meats are halal. Based on this certification, it is not wrong to consume these chickens.
If someone claims these chickens are not slaughtered according to Islamic methods, the burden of proof is on them. Such claims should not be made without evidence. If proven with evidence, one can then conclude that Dubai’s certification is incorrect, and in that case, these chickens should not be consumed. Until such proof is provided, it is not permissible to declare these chickens haram based on mere speculation.
It is impossible for us to personally verify whether a slaughtered animal is halal or haram. Decisions must rely on the testimony of a Muslim. Since Dubai’s rulers are Muslims, their certification should be accepted in this matter.
What if it turns out the slaughter was done improperly?
This is an unnecessary doubt. If the slaughtering was done improperly and we were unaware, we are not accountable. Those who committed and concealed the mistake are responsible for it.
If you suspect the slaughter may not have been done correctly, you would not be able to consume meat from anywhere except what you slaughter yourself.
If such doubts arise regarding food served by a Muslim host, it would mean you cannot participate in meals hosted by anyone. You would also not be able to consume food provided by neighbors. Therefore, such suspicions are unwarranted.
Key Points and Verdict:
- Halal Certification: Chicken exported to Dubai is considered halal based on the certification and approval by Dubai’s Islamic authorities.
- Burden of Proof: Claims against the halal status of the meat must be substantiated with concrete evidence.
- Accountability: If an error in slaughtering occurred unknowingly, the consumer is not responsible; the fault lies with those who executed and hid the mistake.
- Doubts and Trust: Excessive suspicion leads to unnecessary restrictions, even in social interactions like sharing meals with neighbors or attending a host’s invitation.
- Final Verdict: Without evidence to the contrary, the halal certification by Dubai authorities should be trusted, and consuming such meat is permissible.