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) Abdullah Patel Halal Food Guide
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