Islam and Veganism ARE Compatible

Do not unjustly eat fish the water has given up,
And do not desire as food the flesh of slaughtered animals,
Or the white milk of mothers who intended its pure draught
for their young, not noble ladies.
And do not grieve the unsuspecting birds by taking eggs;
for injustice is the worst of crimes.
​
Abu al Ala’ al-Ma’arri, Syrian Poet, 973 AD

​Salaam, sisters and brothers,

There has been much debate about being a Muslim and a vegan. Someone who doesn't understand much about Islam will say veganism is incompatible with Islam's teachings. Similarly, there are Muslims who don't really understand what veganism is about and immediately reject the idea because it's "un-Islamic." After all, Allah has allowed us to eat the meat of some animals. We cannot question that.

I want to be a Muslim—but I also want to be vegan!

​I have been vegan for over ten years and reverted to Islam two years ago. When I first decided I wanted to embrace Islam as my religion, immediately one of the things I researched was precisely being a vegan while also being a Muslim. I didn't want to give up my vegan values and lifestyle, but I didn't want to displease Allah either. Moreover, I don't know a single Vegan Muslim personally. Those around me are quite surprised even by the concept of vegetarianism. I was judged too and advised that I'd need to change myself if I wanted to be a true, real Muslim. 

Deep in my heart, I didn't believe it, so I started doing my homework. I looked for Facebook groups, googled websites, and read blog entries and articles on the matter. Much to my pleasant surprise, I have found out more and more that Islam and veganism are not incompatible. On the contrary. There are far more Muslim vegans out there than we may be aware of. In fact, if you are reading this blog, chances are that you either are a Muslim vegan or are thinking about becoming one. 

The halaal sticker

However, I also feel there is a lot of misinformation and ignorance among those around me. Most people are still not aware of what's going on in slaughterhouses and even the so-called halaal ones hide cruel truths behind closed doors and a halaal sticker on the packages.

​If you understand what halaal really means--this article provides a good explanation for those who might not know so well—you will see that it's not just about ritual slaughtering. The animal must not suffer at any stage of his or her life. Now, if you look at the trucks you drive past on the highway carrying cows, sheep, chickens, and other farmed animals, what do you think about the conditions they are traveling under? Do they have enough space? Can they sit or lie down? Do you believe they are given enough food and water for a trip that sometimes lasts incredibly long hours? Do they have shelter from the sun or rain? Will they all make it alive to their destination? If you answered "No" to even just one of these questions, I'd like to ask you the ultimate one: do you believe that if these animals are heading to halaal slaughterhouses, their meat is indeed halaal, even if they are killed ritually? I know I don't. This should be enough to make us Muslims ponder about our food choices. Not to mention that on this website, you can find lots of links to video-footage of cruelty to animals in so-called halaal slaughterhouses. 

Unfortunately, these days it's all about quick and easy profit. Plus, these industries know what you want to read. They know you care and will do anything to fool you into giving them your money. The so-called halaal sticker I mentioned above. Look at something that happened in South Africa--where I am writing from--a few years ago: pig, kangaroo, and water buffalo meat were mislabeled as halaal. Another example is here where pork sausages were mislabeled as halaal, sparking outrage. While these may have been honest mistakes or accidents, they're a good eye-opener. We need to do our homework very well to avoid consuming things that do not align with our Islamic values. The same applies to so-called "free-range" or "pasture-raised" labels and stickers. Oh, and by the way, no vegetable, legume, grain, or fruit is ever considered haram.

It's not a contradiction

​Another question arises now: it is indeed true that Allah told us it's permissible to eat meat from certain animals. It's true and the goal of this article is not to question this. But if you think about the word permissible, it is just that. It's permissible. You will not go to hell if you eat meat. BUT you will not go to hell either if you don't. Permissible is not the same as compulsory. And think about it: Allah knows what's in your heart. He knows you want to do the right thing. I really don't think He would punish you with hell for your compassion for animals, even for those He allowed us to eat. Think of this hadith:

Mu'awiya ibn Qurra reported that his father said, "A man said, 'Messenger of Allah, I was going to slaughter a sheep and then I felt sorry for it (or 'sorry for the sheep I was going to slaughter').' He said twice, 'Since you showed mercy to the sheep, Allah will show mercy to you.'"
​
Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 373

​After all, we are supposed to take care of all creation. And all creation belongs to Allah, not to us. We certainly do not have the right to abuse Allah's creation. The hadith above shows us that we could never be punished for showing compassion.

So where can I get my nutrition from?

Back in the days of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, people relied heavily on animals for protein and other important nutrients. But such isn't the case nowadays when there is so much to choose from wherever you go. When I first went vegan in 2014, I could hardly find something else to drink but soya milk. But these days I am spoiled for choice with almond milk, oat milk, macadamia milk, coconut milk—you name it. Supermarkets are stocking entire aisles and shelves of vegan products. Not only does this provide a variety of choices, but it also helps prices drop. Next time you go grocery shopping spend some time in the plant-based/vegan section of your supermarket. You will be surprised.

​As meat and fish alternatives you can do well with tofu or seitan (wheat gluten). These days you can buy tofu blocks that are seasoned with spices and herbs, or you can buy plain tofu and season it at home to your taste. There are many mock meats made of seitan and soy with a very similar taste to meat which are good to help people transition away from animal products. My personal favourites are mushrooms (there are even mushroom steaks out there), legumes (all sorts of beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas are amazing sources of protein), and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, macadamias, cashews, and peanuts. These make the perfect protein shake or smoothie after a nice gym session. You could also consider sprinkling seeds in your soups and salads: chia, flax, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds are good, healthy options.

If you need ideas for recipes, One Arab Vegan is your go-to place.

What about Eid Al-Adha?

​All seems to be fine until Eid Al-Adha--the Festival of Sacrifice--comes into the equation. If you are born as a Muslim, you probably grew up seeing your relatives and friends slaughter animals whose meat--called Qurbani--is then distributed to the poor, your family, and your friends. This practice is deeply ingrained in the Muslim culture as a reminder of how Ibrahim nearly killed his son Ishmael for the sake of Allah. But instead, a ram was killed. The most trustworthy Muslim websites keep asking you to donate for Qurbani as a way to gain Allah's mercy. It feels like it's compulsory. In fact, the Qur'an states that there are animals to be sacrificed:

And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful.

​Surah Al-Haj 22:36

​But read what's immediately after:

Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.

​Surah Al-Haj 22:37

​Again remember: back in the days, meat was the only way most people had to get the nutrients they needed. Moreover, animals had value. Since charity and feeding the needy is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, those wealthy enough to have cattle were required to sacrifice their best animals to feed the needy. And, to me here is the real sacrifice: they could make a LOT of money out of their best animals, but instead were told to give their best animals' meat for free, to the poor. So, on Eid Al-Adha, why not sacrifice your nafs (ego) or something you really enjoy doing, for the sake of Allah? These days, there are lots of options to feed those in need. No animals have to die when there is already so much available. Personally, besides donating food or money for charity, I donate blood. I tell myself that if there has to be blood involved, may it be to help save lives, not to take them. 

In short: animals need our compassion and compassion is Islamic, so veganism does not contradict the teachings of Islam even a bit. But we have taken so much for granted that we forget animals are not here for us to abuse at our will. Not to mention that our lust for meat and other animal products is destroying the planet--the beautiful planet Allah gave us to live on. If you want to read more about how a vegan lifestyle helps fight climate change, we recommend this website: Green Islam. 

Guest Author

Rayyan