Question:
Assalamualaikum,
I want to know that there exist doubt about the Halaal meat being sold by some Muslim brothers. They charged more for their chicken which is reportedly being the same available in supermarket. Some people argue its futile to buy Halaal chicken when its authenticity is in doubt, so better to buy the same supermarket chicken. I argue that the sin for the wrong meat would rest at the shoulder of person who is selling us wrong meat. Please would you comment on this subject? Whether this assumption justify consumption of Haraam chicken? I would appreciate your reply. ALLAH HAFIZ
Answer:
Meat should be purchased from such a Muslim who is known to be truthful and there should be no possibility whatsoever that he will sell Haraam meat claiming it to be Halaal. If one is not certain with regards to the reliability of a Muslim, then meat should not be purchased from him. If a Kaafir claims that the meat he is selling is Halaal, then this statement of his will not be taken into consideration, and if he states that the meat was purchased from a Muslim or that the meat is certified by a reliable Muslim organization and there is surety that he is not telling a lie, then one is allowed to purchase the meat which carries the stamp of a reliable Halaal organization and there should be no uncertainty with regards to the legitimacy of the certification. (Al-Hidayah, Ad-Durrul Mukhtaar)
In short, it is necessary for a Muslim to ensure that the meat he purchases is Halaal and that he makes an all-out effort in acquiring Halaal meat, for which he will be greatly rewarded.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
18 February 2005
09 Muharram 1426