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Non HMC meat

Last updated: 12th July 2006
Question ID: #2099
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assalaamu alaikum,

In a recent edition of the HMC newsletter it stated (something like) that it is not permissable to take anothers word for it that the meat is halal and that one needs to make sure either individually or through an organisation. I understand how one does this by an organisation e.g we now have hmc, but how do we do this individually? with non hmc outlets, we ask them (muslim owners) if their meat is halal, obviously they will reply it is halal, what more can we do? we cannot individually be there at every slaughter and follow it through to the counter obviously, so what are we expected to do in this matter?
jazakallah


In the Name of Allah, the Inspirer of Truth.
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

We queried HMC about this issue and they sent is the following e-mail:
Wa 'Alaykum Salaam W.W.

We hope this finds you and your families all in the best of health &
strength of Imaan.

With regards to the forwarded e-mail and query I have copied and pasted
the mentioned article from the HMC newsletter (Issue 8). In the case
of an outlet not being HMC approved it may be that they may still be
selling HMC certified products that are indentifiable from the labels
(poultry) and stamps on the carcass (lamb & sheep). Otherwise the
individual would have to ask which abattoir he buys his meat/poultry
from and then do his own research into the method of kill, and their
criteria for halal, etc. The individual could then visit the abattoir
itself (with an alim for company and guidance) to witness and see if
the kill is done correctly in accordance with Islamic Shari'ah and the
Sunnah of Rasoolullah (s.a.w) on more than one occasion if he feels
neccesary. If this satifies the individual then he may wish to buy
from the outlet. There are so many different scenarios that may occur after this. e.g. the outlet may find a cheaper supplier who's methods of slaughter and criteria for 'halal' may differ, one day his usual
supplier has not received his livestock or there was a shortage and he
bought from elsewhere. Will the outlet inform him of these changes??
-------end

My personal opinion in this regard is that one should
adopt the middle path between the two extremes of

(1) questioning even the most devout Muslim butcher
(2) and buying from every Tom, Dick and Harry.

This means where we are aware of a reputable,
deeni-conscious, well-established butcher/outlet, I do
not see the need to question him with regards to his
meat.

Mufti Taqi Saheb has issued a similar Fatwaa. i.e. if
there is no apparent reason to disbelieve a Muslim,
one should take his word and take the meat as Halaal.

(see Contemporary Fatawaa, Page 193)

On the other hand, butchers/outlets which are
relatively new in an area or one who appears to be
careless in matters of Deen, etc. should be
investigated and questioned, pressured into being
approved by organisations such as HMC.

Allah (SWT) Knows Best.
Wa Alaykumussalaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

www.foodguide.org.uk
Mufti
Answer last updated on:
8th August 2006
Answered by:
Ulamaa ID 03
Website
Location: UK
(Mufti) Abdullah Patel
Halal Food Guide