Halal Basics

Does Saying “Bismillah” Before Eating Make Questionable Meat Halal?

Answered by Halal Monitoring Services Updated

HMS Answer

NO

Saying Bismillah at the table does not change improperly slaughtered meat into Zabiha meat. The Bismillah connected to Zabiha is pronounced at the time of slaughter.

The full answer

No.

Muslims should say Bismillah before eating, but saying Bismillah at the table does not change improperly slaughtered meat into Zabiha meat.

The Bismillah connected to Zabiha is pronounced at the time of slaughter.

A person cannot knowingly take non-Zabiha meat, say Bismillah over it and thereby make the slaughter valid.

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.