Is it permissible to eat chicken labeled halal in Europe without knowing if it is actually halal?

Bismihi Subhanahu Wa-ta’ala
Assalamooalaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Respected Sister or Brother

Hereunder is the response to your query subject to disclaimer:

Our Beloved Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) has said, “There will come a time upon my Ummat when people will not be concerned over what they take. It will not matter for them whether it is Haraam or Halaal” (Bukhari: Nasai). We salute you for your prowess and concern to eat only Halaal.

It is not advisable to consume doubtful food where the doubt is real. Nonetheless, you should have an organisation amongst the Muslims who are able to find out whether such claims of Halaal are true. They should adopt a policy of prudence to keep a firm hold on the situation so that Muslims eat only Halaal. With the assistance of Local Ulama, organisations should proceed to ascertain the facts of the matter. Undoubtedly, this will be much assistance to Muslim Communities. Do not consume something just because it states that it is Halaal without investigation. This is better for your Imaan and Taqwa. Taqwa and Caution demands that ‘we’ refrain until verification. Refraining is not because the meat is ‘definitely’ Haraam, rather it is a precautionary measure.

With reference to your eating Haraam meat previously, you should make sincere Tawbah. The gist of Tawbah is to make determined efforts for this mistake not to happen again hence one must :

1. check painstakingly in future for Haraam ingredients. (in other words, to take preventative measures)
2. A person should have regret in ones hearts for the sin or mistake that took place.
3. Make a firm intention never to commit such a sin again.
4. Finally, sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness (Istighfar).

Insha-Allah Ta’ala Allah will forgive the error of judgement. Verily Allah is most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Please do tell your friends and Ulama about this site.
Allah reward you for using the Foodguide Service. Allah give us tawfique to eat Halaal all the time. Please tell your friends and please pray for us too.

Jazaakumullah and request for Du’aas
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

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(Mufti) Abdullah Patel
Halal Food Guide