Question:
as salaamu alaykum. What are the conditions for food to be halal? Can we eat from restaurants such as McDonalds or KFC?
Country: United States
Answer:
Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuHu,
It is not permissible to eat anything that is prohibited by Islamic dietary guidelines. Things such as pork, alcohol, and carrion are impermissible. Regarding the meat (like beef or chicken) served at the average American fast-food restaurant, if its source cannot be determined as permissible, then it is unlawful to eat. This is according to Imam Nawawi’s assessment in Rawdah regarding lands wherein Muslims, Ahl al-Kitab, and others dwell together. In fact, the United States’ diverse demographics make tracing a normal restaurant’s meat source to an acceptable slaughterer nearly impossible. Here, the question is, “Who cut it?”
In the instance that a restaurant conforms to Islamic dietary guidelines and subjects itself to an inspection by knowledgeable, testimony-worthy Muslims who approve it, then there may be latitude to eat there. Otherwise, it is advisable to refrain.
Also see: http://www.shafiifiqh.com/?p=1681.
And Allah knows best.
Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.