When Western people travel to eastern Islamic countries, they often prefer to eat the folk and favorite local food of the region. But what is it that makes western Muslims starve for a KFC classic chicken–on–the–bone bucket meal, or a McDonalds’ double burger if they don’t eat meat?! Muslims are Muslims, not vegetarians and eating meat in Islam is allowed, But like the followers of other religions who have specific slaughtering rituals, Muslims also have explicit rulings for slaughtering particular animals to make it lawful (Halal).

Eating Meat in Islam

As it is defined in the Quran, believers are welcomed to enjoy all of the blessings of this world [1]. Therefore, about eating meat, Allah does not mention what to eat, but He excludes what is not lawful to eat and maybe physically or spiritually harmful to the human's body and soul.  "You are permitted animals of grazing livestock, except what is [now] announced to you…" (5:1) and what is recited as prohibited is mentioned in the Quran as below:

You have prohibited carrion, blood, the flesh of swine, and what has been offered to other than Allah, and the animal strangled or beaten to death, and that which dies by falling or is gored to death, and that which is mangled by a beast of prey— barring that which you may purify —and what is sacrificed on stone altars [to idols], and that you should divide by raffling with arrows...(5:3).

Other than the mentioned meats all other kinds of meat are Halal as described in the Quran: Say, ‘I do not find in what has been revealed to me that anyone is forbidden to eat anything except carrion or spilled blood, or the flesh of swine—for that is indeed unclean—or an impiety offered to other than Allah.’ But should someone be compelled, without being rebellious or aggressive, indeed your Lord is all-forgiving, all-merciful’ (6:145).

Please note that all kinds of lawful (Halal) meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic rulings: “Do not eat [anything] of that over which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned, and that is indeed transgression…” (6:121). 

Even the above mentioned prohibited meats are lawful (Halal) while you are living in a problematic situation and following the rules of Islam will put you in extreme difficulty. Please note that difficulty does not mean that you do not have ready food at home and therefore you may eat forbidden (Haram) meat. A difficulty, as written in Islamic jurisprudence, is when one’s life is at risk, and there is no other food available but forbidden (Haram) meat.

A Detailed Description of Lawful (Halal ) and Forbidden (Haram ) meats

To be more precise on which meat is lawful, let’s have a review of the Islamic jurisprudence.

Lawful and Unlawful Meats

Sea Creatures

Fish that have scales are the only type of Halal sea creatures. Other sea creatures and fish are Haram [2]. 

Land Creatures (Domestic or Wild)

Among all domestic land creatures; sheep, cow, and camel are Halal, but eating the meat of horse and donkey is detestable (Makruh). The rest of domestic land creatures such as dogs, cats, etc. are forbidden (Haram).

Deer, cow, zebra, mountain goat, and wild donkey are all Halal. However, eating the meat of wild predatory animals that are predatory in essence, have strong and sharp nails, claws, and fangs such as, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wolves, or animals with less sharp fangs such as foxes and hyenas as well as rabbits, while not part of the predatory category, are considered Haram.

Also, insects and reptiles, such as snakes, mice, lizards, hedgehogs, fleas, lice, etc., are all Haram. Animals who have undergone metamorphosis (maskh) [i] such as, elephants, monkeys, bears, etc. are Haram as well [3]. 

Birds

Birds that flap their wings more than they glide while flying are Halal, but birds that glide and spread their wings more while flying in the air instead of flapping their wings are Haram. Also, birds with gizzards and spurs at the back of their feet are Halal [ii] [4].

Insects

All insects are Haram [iii] [5]. 

Eating Raw Meat

It is permissible to eat Halal meat cooked or uncooked or even burned (as long as it has no harm to human health) [7].

The Rules of Hunted Meat

Please note that the rules of slaughtering and eating hunted meat are slightly different from all the rulings mentioned above, and we will discuss that in a separate article.

Can Muslims Eat Kosher?

"For every nation, We have appointed a rite so that they might mention Allah’s Name over the livestock He has provided them" (22:34).

Although Jews have their specific rules of slaughtering that have many similarities to the Islamic rulings, as there are minor differences in the slaughtering of Jews and Muslims, therefore kosher meat is not lawful (Halal) for Muslims [8]. 

Notes:
[i] In Arabic, Maskh means for something to change form to an uglier one. In the Quran and Islamic tradition, this term refers to a specific divine punishment that was sent upon the wrongdoers and wrongdoing nations in the past (of course not all wrongdoers, but those who committed certain wrong acts) which can be called metamorphosis [9].

[ii] Birds with sharp claws such as eagles, hawks, falcons, etc. are Haram.

[iii] If a locust is caught by hand or any other means, it is lawful (Halal) (after dying) [6].

References:

1. “Say, who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which he has produced for his servants and the good (lawful) things of provision?”(7:32)
2. Imam Khomeini, Tahrir al-Wasilah, vol. 2, pg. 137, the book of foods and drinks, issue 2; al-Mukhtasar al-Nafi’, pg. 251; Sharayi’ al-Islam, pg. 169.
3. Ibid
4. food in Islam
5. Tawdih al-Masa’il (annotated by Imam Khomeini), vol. 2, pg. 603.
6. Tawdih al-Masa’il (annotated by Imam Khomeini), vol. 2, pg. 593, issue 2622.
7. Imam Khomeini, Tahrir al-Wasilah, vol. 2, pg. 162
8. Halal food
9. halal food in Islam 

1. Observe Justice

If you observe justice about yourself, you will be trusted in judging others.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.146.

2. The time of Injustice and Treachery

At a time when you see nothing but injustice and treachery, trusting anyone (unheedingly) brings wretchedness. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357. 

3. Constant Calamities 

Following a calamity after another is the herald of liberation from them.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.

4. Investing Your Trust

Do not invest your trust fully on your friend, since if you fail and lose everything because of dedicating all your love and trust to one person, you could hardly survive its disastrous outcomes.  
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.

5. Islam, Faith, Assurance 

Islam is the basis on which faith is founded, and then on faith, assurance is built. People hardly reach the last level, that is assurance. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

6. This World

Losing your heart to this world brings you pain and grief while being indifferent and pious to it brings peace to your heart and soul. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

7. Three Characteristics of a Believer 

The believer finds righteousness in three characteristics: a deep understanding of the religion, avoiding excessiveness in life, and forbearing the hardships. 
 Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

8. Allah's Blessings 

Allah bestows His blessings upon a group of people, and it is turned into burdens on them due to their ingratitude; yet, He inflicts others with calamities, and they turn into blessings due to their forbearance. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.359.

9. How to Treat Your Family according to Imam Sadiq (AS)

Whoever does good to his family, Allah prolongs his life. 
 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.219. 

10. Making Friends

Meet and make friends with someone who elevates and honors you, not the one whose only purpose is to benefit from you and is pretentious. 
Al-Hurr al-Amili, Wasa'il al-Shia, Vol.11, p.412. 

11. Greetings 

Saying hello is a recommended act (Mustahab) while responding to it is obligatory (Wajib). 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.360.

12. Be Resistant 

Whoever manifests resistance at times of anger, greed, fear, and lust, Allah will protect his/her body against the fire of hell. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

13. Well-being 

Well-being is a less valued blessing; it is forgotten when one is blessed with it, yet it will be reminded of as soon as it is gone. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

14. Comfort and Hardship

In comfort, Allah blesses you with His beneficence and excellence, and in hardship, the chance of purging [from your sins]. 
 Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

15. Water 

Do not pollute the water that people need. 
Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.1, p.185.

16. Moderation

Allah loves moderation and hates wastefulness.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.4, p.52.

17. Wastefulness 

The least act of wastefulness is throwing away the remaining of [food or drink].
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.460.

18. The Weather 

If the weather were always bright and sunny, the earth would turn dry, and the plants would burn off the heat; the water in lakes and rivers would go down, and people would suffer; the weather would be hot and dry, and an unknown kind of sickness would emerge. 
 Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.3, p.125.

19. Muslim Friends 

Between two Muslim friends, the one that loves the other is the better one.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.3, p.193.

20.The Elderly and Children 

Respect the elderly and be kind to the children.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.

21. A Joyful Life 

Life is joyful with three things: clean air, plentiful and pure water, and a soft land [ready for planting]. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.

22.Washing Hands

Wash your hands before and after eating. 
Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Khalid al-Barqi, Al-Mahasin, vol.1, p.425.

23. Be Careful About What You Wear

Do not wear clothes that attract much attention, neither clothes, which debases you. 
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 18080. 

24. Brush Your Teeth

Brushing teeth is among the manners of prophets.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9053.

25. On Expressing Your Opinions 

Do not be the first person who expresses his/her opinion when asking for a consult and avoid suggesting naïve views. 
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9868.

26. Paying the Wages of a Worker 

Pay the workers' wages before their sweats are dried [ i.e., right after they have finished their work]. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.

27. Manners toward Your Teacher 

Be humble in the presence of the one from whom you learned a knowledge.
 Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.2, p.36.

28. Justice in Imam Sadiq (AS)'s Words 

Justice is more pleasant than the water, which is offered to a thirsty person.
 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.

29. A piece of Advice for Industrialists

Every industrialist has to master three characteristics for his/her work to flourish; he/she has to be expert in his/her job, has to be reliable and meet their superior managers' demands. 
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.236.

30. People's Needs 

People need three things; security, justice, and welfare. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.

31. A Father's Best Legacy 

A father's best legacy for his children is manners, not wealth.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.150.

32. Planning 

Planning shapes half of your life. 
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal, p.221.

33. Teenagers 

Take care of teenagers since they are more open to absorbing goodness and virtues.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.93.

34. Books 

There will be chaotic days when people would not find peace unless within their books.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.52.

35. Agriculture 

Agriculture is a precious wealth. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.261.

36. Strengthening Ties 

Strengthen your ties with each other, be kind and generous to each other. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.175.

37. Help Each other 

Any believer who solves another believer's problem, Allah will lift seventy of his/her difficulties in this world and the hereafter. 
Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasa'il, vol.12, p.413.

38. Fruit Trees 

Do not cut fruit trees, or you will be inflicted with Allah's torment. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.294.

39. The Best Friend 

My favorite friend is the one who bestows me my faults.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.366. 

40. Earn Halal Income 

Whoever wishes his/her prayers to be granted, should strive to earn Halal income. 
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.93, p.373.