Salam alaykum wrb
90% halal meat in USA is stunned. The following comes from islamqa: (Since the act of stunning renders the animal doubtful, one must avoid consuming the meat of animals that are stunned. However, if it is determined in a particular animal that it did not die prior to being slaughtered, then it would be Halal. This of course, is very difficult to determine whilst buying from meat shops, thus one should avoid it totally. ) however , Kosher strictly forbids stunning. Kosher is not stunned even in USA. Therefore in USA can one conclude it is better to buy kosher ?
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,
Whilst there are numerous similarities between Halal and Kosher, there are some major differences which makes it impermissible for Muslims to eat Kosher. Examples of theses differences are:
-According to Muslims, one must take the name of Allah on every animal that one slaughters. However, Jews believe that this is not necessary.
-For Muslims, all intoxicants are Haram. Jews permit alcohol and wine.
-Gelatin is regarded as Kosher by most Jews irrespective of its source of origin. Muslims differ with this.
These are major differences, and it affects the permissibilty of the meat for Muslims.
Thus, even though Kosher is not stunned, it will still not be permissible to buy Kosher meat.
And Allaah Ta’aala knows best
Wassalaam,
Ismail Moosa (Mufti)