Firstly: The majority of jurists (fuqahā᾽), and some have even conveyed a consensus, hold that the default principle on meat is prohibition and forbiddance until its permissibility is established. This is based on Allāh’s saying: “And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allāh has not been mentioned.” [Al-᾽An῾ām: 121], and “So eat of that upon which the name of Allāh has been mentioned.” [Al-᾽An῾ām: 118], which indicates that the consumption of food is restricted.

Moreover, the Prophet (prayers and peace be upon him) said: “And if you find it drowned, do not eat it, for you do not know whether the water killed it or your arrow.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhārī and Muslim].

Accordingly, the default principle is that a Muslim should ascertain the source of the meat they eat.

Secondly: When eating in an Islamic country, the status of the land is presumed, which is Islam, and one does not need to ask about the permissibility of food therein, because it is presumed with the status of the land.

When eating in a non-Islamic country, the same principle applies: the status of the land is presumed. If it is in a Christian or Jewish country, it is permissible to eat their food based on the exception mentioned in the Qur᾽ān [about the permissibility of eating the food of the People of the Book]. If it is in a country other than these, eating their food is prohibited until it is confirmed that it was slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.

Fatwa issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr