"In the world today when there are many people who do not get even the basics to put together even one meagre meal for their families in a day, a meat free day one day a week will demonstrate emphaty with the have nots as well as contribute postively towards reducing greenhouse gases. The Australian Muslim community is fully supportive of this initiative towards the protection of the environment for the betterment of all humanity and the future generations as well."

  - Ikebal Adam Patel, President, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils

Muslim teachings on consumption of meat and treatment of animals

Islam views animals as a special part of God's creation. The holy Islamic writings of the Qur'an and the Hadith offer many examples of the importance of animals, and the kindness, mercy, and compassion that should be shown to them. The Qur’an says that “There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.” (Sura 6:38)

The Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) had a love of animals and opposed cruelty towards them. For example, the Prophet taught that “A good deed done to a beast is as good as doing good to a human being; while an act of cruelty to a beast is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being.” (Mishkat Al-Masabih)

Islamic dietary laws govern what animal products are lawful (Halal) and unlawful (Haram) for a Muslim to eat. This concerns the types of animal product as well as how it is obtained (e.g. how an animal is slaughtered).

Weblinks

• Australia Federation of Islamic Councils information on Halal Food
• Islamic Concern
• Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians (USA, interfaith)

Meat and Religion:  Baha'i  |  Buddhism  |  Christianity  |  Hinduism  |  Islam  |  Judaism