Frequently Asked Questions About Animals in Islam

What about halal meat?

While the consumption of halal meat is carried out following specific guidelines for slaughter, animals can still suffer in many ways. In many parts of the world (even in Muslim-majority countries), animals are increasingly born and raised in crowded, industrial facilities, deprived of many of their God-given behaviors and needs. They are often unable to forage for food, socialize with others, or even move their bodies more than a few inches. Female animals are frequently treated as nothing more than breeding machines, unable to nurture their young, who are often separated from them shortly after birth. Animals are often crowded together in stressful and poor conditions on the way to slaughter. Additionally, in many live-animal markets, it can be argued that one has no way of knowing whether an animal was truly born, raised, and kept in a halal-manner. For example, the filthy, grueling manner in which millions of sheep are exported from Australia to markets in the Middle East could hardly be considered halal. Ultimately, while their flesh may be considered halal, it is crucial to recognize that they may have been denied the ability to live as Allah (SWT) intended or even to satisfy their most basic needs. Click to learn more about halal meat and slaughterhouses.

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Does the quran permit muslims to eat meat?

There is no verse in the Quran that compels Muslims to eat animals. The decision of whether or not to eat animals is left to individual discretion, however we argue that choosing to eat animals out of desire and not true necessity is not the best way to respect and serve Allah's (SWT) creation. ​

Is it Islamic to not eat meat?

Eating "meat" made from plants instead of animals is Islamic. Islam provides guidelines for dietary choices, specifically food that is "halal" and "tayyib" and plant-based foods are often inherently both.

Doesn't Islam give humans superiority or dominion over animals

The Quran reminds us that we do not own anything on the Earth, which includes animals. Allah (SWT) appointed humans as His viceregents on Earth to serve His creation, not exploit simply to satisfy our worldly desires. Many humans often choose to use their God-given responsibility as His viceregents to exploit, harm, and kill animals simply out of convenience and pleasure, rather than embrace the alternatives that Allah (SWT) has also blessed us with. One of the easiest ways to  is to make choices that avoid causing unnecessary harm to animals or the planet such as plant-based meals and clothing materials, cosmetics and products that aren't tested on animals in painful experiments, and animal-free entertainment options. ​

What about muslims who have to eat animals in order to survive?

It is true that some Muslims may have no choice but to consume meat and otherwise use animals for survival. However, just because some people must eat animals, does not mean that people in better circumstances with access to affordable and nutritious alternatives have to eat animals. A balanced diet of plant-based foods can provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals (yes, that includes protein) required for a healthy life.

Shouldn't we prioritize human rights and welfare over animals?

We can advocate for the rights and welfare of both humans and animals simultaneously. It doesn't have to be an either-or situation. For many of us, making compassionate choices that spare animals from unnecessary suffering takes no extra time or effort.  Even if you spend all of your time prioritizing human causes, you still need food and clothes. Choosing to buy plant-based foods and materials is one of the easiest ways to show compassion and respect for all of Allah's (SWT) creation.

Doesn't the quran state that animals provide us benefits?

Islam recognizes that in certain circumstances, animals may be utilized for warmth, food, and other essential needs. This means that in cases where genuine necessity arises, where animal products are needed for survival, Islamic law allows for their use. However, we must recognize that nowadays, many Muslims around the world have consistent access to affordable and nutritious plant-based foods, making it easy to live a healthy, happy, and pious lifestyle without using animals.