As global meat trade explodes, an unsettling question is spreading on shoppers’ minds — could the steak on your plate from a ‘trusted’ foreign brand actually be forbidden?
In today’s world, the meat trade has become one of the important economic sectors. Given the increasing demand in the global market, different countries engage in the export and import of meat and try to meet their food needs. But when it comes to meat imported from non-Islamic countries, a fundamental question arises: are these meats halal or not? This question is particularly important for Muslims and for people living in international communities. In this article, we will examine different aspects of this topic.
The meat trade has a very long history and dates back to ancient times. Back then, people relied on hunting and animal husbandry to meet their food needs. Over time, and with the emergence of cities, the meat trade evolved into its modern form and countries turned to exporting and importing meat. Today, with the use of modern technologies, countries process and preserve meat in a way that allows it to be exported to the farthest corners of the world.
Meat is divided into several categories: red meat (mutton, beef, and goat), white meat (chicken and turkey), and processed meat (sausage, cold cuts, etc.). Each of these types has unique characteristics and is used to meet different nutritional needs. Methods of sourcing meat also include animal husbandry, hunting, and poultry farming. Here we will examine the effect of different sourcing methods on the permissibility (halal status) of the meat.
“Halal” is defined as permissible and acceptable in Islam. Regarding meat, there are specific conditions that must be met for the meat to be considered halal. The first condition is correct slaughtering according to Islamic teachings. Here are a few principles related to halalness:
Islamic slaughtering: The meat must be slaughtered in the Islamic manner. This includes invoking the name of God, using a sharp instrument, and slaughtering while the animal is alive.
Type of animal: Some animals are generally halal and some are forbidden. For example, pork is forbidden.
Animal’s diet: Animals raised for meat production should be fed with halal food.
Absence of contamination: The meat should be stored and processed in a clean environment, away from forbidden substances.
Importing meat from non-Islamic countries brings its own specific challenges. One of these challenges is the lack of sufficient oversight over the slaughtering and production processes. In some cases, meats that are introduced as halal may in fact come from animals that were not slaughtered according to Islamic rules.
Islamic jurisprudence has multiple opinions regarding meat imported from non-Islamic countries. Some scholars believe that if meat is imported from a country where Islamic laws are not observed, it is forbidden. Others hold that if the meat has a halal certificate, it may be consumed.
The issue of imported meat from non-Islamic countries is complex and has many facets. Given the increase in global trade and the need to provide healthy and halal food, knowing and observing the principles of halalness is essential. Consumers should purchase and consume imported meats with full awareness and based on reliable information. This action helps preserve physical health and strengthens religious and ethical principles within society.
