Is it justifiable to consume living beings?
In verses (2:173, 5:3, 5:4, 6:118, 6:119, 6:121, 6:145, 11:69, 16:5, 16:14, 16:115, 22:28, 22:36, 23:21, 35:12, 36:72, 40:79, 51:27), it is permitted for humans to consume living beings. Some perceive this permission as opposing compassion. However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes evident that this is a beneficial allowance for humanity.
Those who argue that living beings should not be killed for food cite “harming life” as the primary reason. If “harming life” is indeed their rationale, then they are obligated to clarify several points comprehensively.
- Use of Animals in Labor:
Those who argue against killing living beings often use animals for agricultural tasks or to bear burdens. Is this not a form of exploitation? - Consumption of Milk:
Consuming milk by separating calves from their mothers can be considered exploitation. Is this not akin to harming a living being? - Life in Plants:
Modern science has shown that plants also have life. Is consuming plants, fruits, and vegetables not taking a life? - Microorganisms in Water:
Drinking water contains countless microorganisms. Consuming it involves killing them. Is this not exploitation? - Killing for Protection:
Humans kill mosquitoes, snakes, scorpions, and other creatures for their safety. Is this not taking lives?
These examples suggest that if taking life is the reason to avoid non-vegetarian food, it applies to many other actions as well.
If the reason to avoid consuming non-vegetarian food is solely to prevent taking life, then why avoid naturally deceased animals and fish?
In regions like the poles, where fish or animals are the primary food sources, how would people survive if they avoided meat entirely?
Those who avoid meat sometimes consume fish oil for its health benefits. This reflects selective reasoning.
Therefore, it becomes clear from this that the argument of ‘taking life’ is a false reason
The human digestive system is structured to process both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. This is an important consideration when analyzing the natural dietary capabilities of humans.
When reflecting on this, it becomes evident that the human conscience accepts the practice of killing and consuming other living beings for its own benefit. This acceptance is not arbitrary but arises from a deeper understanding of survival and utility.
However, some people avoid non-vegetarian foods by citing the reason of “taking lives,” which is often based on superficial reasoning, hypocrisy, or blind faith inherited from ancestral beliefs. Such reasons lack deeper reflection or practical consideration of human dietary requirements and natural tendencies.
Islam permits the consumption of animals only under specific conditions. Animals should not be subjected to unnecessary pain.
Non-Muslims who consume animals often kill them by drowning, strangling, striking them with clubs, piercing them with spears, or using similar methods. Islam condemns these methods of killing animals. Instead, Islam prescribes that animals must be slaughtered by making a swift cut with a sharp knife at the throat.
This method ensures that the connection to the brain is severed immediately, preventing the animal from feeling pain. The body exhibits convulsions to expel blood, but studies have shown this is not due to pain. Recent research supports this conclusion.
An extensive study was conducted at Hanover University by Professor Schultz and his assistant Dr. Hazim. Below are the details and results of the experiment:
- Animals intended for food were selected for the study.
- Surgical procedures were performed to attach electrodes to the animals’ brains to monitor neural activity.
- Once the animals recovered completely, they were left to heal for several weeks.
- Half the animals were slaughtered using the Islamic halal method.
- The remaining half were killed using Western methods.
- EEG (measuring brain activity) and ECG (measuring heart activity) readings were recorded for all animals.
Findings from the Study
Islamic Halal Method:
For the first three seconds after slaughter, EEG readings showed no changes, indicating the animals experienced no pain.
In the next three seconds, the animals entered a deep sleep or unconscious state due to significant blood loss.
After six seconds, EEG recorded zero brain activity, confirming the absence of pain or suffering.
The heart continued to pump, aiding the complete drainage of blood, resulting in hygienic meat suitable for consumption.
Western Methods:
It was revealed through this study that animals slaughtered using Western methods experience significant pain and suffering.
Animals immediately showed signs of distress and pain after being struck or stunned.
EEG recordings indicated severe pain and suffering.
The heart stopped earlier than in the halal method, leaving coagulated blood in the meat, making it less hygienic and unhealthy.
This study concluded that the Islamic halal method is superior, both scientifically and ethically, as it minimizes suffering and ensures hygienic meat.
Islam mandates that slaughter must be performed with Allah’s name (Bismillah). This practice has profound spiritual and ethical significance:
It acknowledges Allah as the creator and ultimate owner of all life. Saying Bismillah affirms that the act is carried out with divine permission and not out of cruelty or personal will. Without invoking Allah’s name, the act of slaughter becomes a violation of the sanctity of life, as humans have no inherent right to take life without divine authorization.
This principle prevents Muslims from consuming animals not slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines, including prohibited animals like dogs, pigs, or carrion.
A Muslim who recites Bismillah and regularly slaughters animals develops a deep sense of responsibility and ethical awareness. They recognize that killing humans or any unjustifiable harm is prohibited by Allah.
This practice also ensures honesty in the meat industry. For example, Muslims would never sell dog meat as goat or crow as chicken, as is sometimes seen in unscrupulous markets.
Generally, no human has the ability to create any living being. Even if the entire world unites, they cannot create even a simple ant. In such a case, humans do not have the right to take the life of a creature created by Allah.
However, if the Allah who created these living beings grants permission to slaughter and consume them, then there should be no hesitation. But to use this permission, one must seek it every time they slaughter a creature.
This permission is represented by the recitation of Bismillah, which means “In the name of Allah, I slaughter.”
The meaning behind this is: “O Allah, I am not slaughtering this being out of cruelty or malice. I am doing so because You, the Creator of this life, have permitted me. Without Your permission, I would not harm this creature because I am not its true owner; You are.”
This recitation acts as a declaration and authorization for the slaughter. If Bismillah is not uttered, it implies that permission has not been sought from the true Owner of the life, and slaughtering or consuming the creature becomes a wrongful act.
For instance, if one steals a goat belonging to another person and eats its meat, it is considered a crime because the goat belongs to someone else. Similarly, Allah is the true owner of all living beings, and His permission must be sought before taking their life.
A person accustomed to slaughtering animals daily with the acknowledgment of Bismillah does not misuse their power to threaten or harm others. This is because the daily recitation reinforces the understanding that Allah does not permit harming humans or unnecessary violence.
There are animals that humans prefer to consume and those they avoid. Some may prefer certain animals, while others do not. Selling the meat of an undesirable animal under a false name is considered a significant fraud.
For example: Selling crow meat as chicken. Selling dog meat as goat meat. Such deception occurs in the name of profit, but a Muslim who slaughters with Bismillah would never engage in such practices. Moreover, forbidden animals like dogs, pigs, and crows would not be slaughtered in the first place.
The constant reminder through Bismillah that the act of slaughter is permissible only by Allah’s will ensures that the individual remains compassionate and ethical.
These reasons, among others, illustrate why Islam mandates the recitation of Bismillah before slaughtering. It ensures ethical behavior, respect for life, and accountability to the Creator.
For queries on why fish can be consumed without slaughtering or why dead fish are permissible, refer to note 505.