Zabiha & Slaughter

Can Muslims Eat Meat Slaughtered by Christians or Jews?

Answered by Halal Monitoring Services Updated

HMS Answer

IT DEPENDS

The Qur'an mentions the food of Ahl al-Kitab, but HMS explains that the meat must still fulfill the requirements of Zabiha. Commercial American meat should not be assumed to qualify.

The full answer

The Qur'an mentions the food of Ahl al-Kitab, but HMS explains that the meat must still fulfill the requirements of Zabiha.

Simply living in a Christian-majority country or buying meat from a company owned by a Christian does not establish how the animal was slaughtered.

HMS recommends verified Zabiha meat rather than assuming commercial American meat qualifies.

Answers in the Halal Knowledge Center reflect the standards followed by Halal Monitoring Services (HMS), which operates as part of the Shariah Board of America. HMS certifies only what it checks.