I am driven to post my thoughts on Halal meat after two interesting experiences recently. This follows on the lines of Halal meat debate on another thread. But, this thread restricts itself purely to providing correct information on what Halal means with regards to people of non-Islamic faiths and how it affects their beliefs.

1st incident: Recently, we were invited to dinner by a family friend who happens to be a person of Hindu faith. His wife had cooked a delicious meal of chicken and goat curry. We praised their cooking skills, as always. The hubby was delighted and revealed the “secret” that they always get “fresh Halal meat from the Iqbal’s”. I was taken aback and gently enquired as to the reason for using Halal meat. He smugly replied “because Halal meat is a clean and healthy meat”. Needless to say, I was shocked and sad as to his ignorance.

2nd incident: After a busy day of shopping at the mall, we decided to have our lunch at one of the Indian fast food places in the food-court. This place advertises itself with the tag-line “real Indian food”. I had always assumed that the “Halal” sign meant that it is an option for customers who prefer Halal. Just to be sure I asked the server if the meat served was non-Halal. I was shocked to hear him say that everything on display is Halal. In other words, unsuspecting customers have been served and have been consuming Halal meat without their knowledge of the same. I felt deeply hurt and helpless, to say the least.

Islamists have long been trying to portray Halal meat as a "clean/pure/healthy" meat for people of other religions. Nothing could be farther from truth.

One of the core issues with Halal meat centers around the slow and very painful death inflicted on an animal while it is still conscious. Reams of documentation are available on this matter. Below is what PETA has to say about this practise. http://www.peta.org/blog/cruelty-behind-muslim-ritual-slaughter/

But, what Halal really means and its implications on non-Muslims are very profound as follows:

1) To be accepted as Halal, an animal is killed followed by utterings on the lines of "there is no other god but Allah” and similar other variations. In other words, food sanctified as per the complete acceptance of Allah and his Quranic teachings.
The problem arises when a person of non-Islamic faith consumes this meat without knowing the true meaning of Halal meat. One has unintentionally accepted complete submission and adherence to the Islamic faith. One’s faith instantly conflicts with their core beliefs whether one is Pious Hindu or an ardent follower of Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism or even a person with Humanist philosophies. All their rituals and religious practices become meaningless. As an analogy, it is no different than a person of Muslim faith consuming pork without their personal knowledge.

This awareness is slowing growing in the mainstream (http://www.boycotthalal.com/) but many are still in the dark about what Halal meat really means. Please inform your family members, friends and well-wishers. There is simply no reason for a person of non-Islamic faith to eat Halal meat knowingly or unknowingly.

For all my friends of Islamic faith on this board, I appeal to your good conscience to not serve Halal meat to any of your non-Muslim friend’s simply because you would not want anyone serving you Ham or Pork, when you are the guest.

There is no motive to turn this into an Islam versus Non-Islam debate. I look forward to hearing your experiences on this subject and hope this does not degenerate into name calling and abusive posts.

Rajagopal.

Hey! One more thing...I heard that if a non-muslim, particularly a Hindu eats Halal meat, he might grow horns on his head! Is this true? Some good member on this forum should honestly clarify this question for me, as it is agitating my mind a lot these days.

Not that I am very fond of meat products.....

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Originally posted by Gaulam

Hey! One more thing...I heard that if a non-muslim, particularly a Hindu eats Halal meat, he might grow horns on his head! Is this true? Some good member on this forum should honestly clarify this question for me, as it is agitating my mind a lot these days.

Not that I am very fond of meat products.....

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Dudes,
Forget about Halal and stuff like that.
If it is cheap and tasty, then that is the meat that you wanna eat. Halal, Kosher etc...
If it is free, it is even better.

Peace by Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

Who cares? My faith is not that weak that trembles with the choice of food I eat.

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Originally posted by febpreet

Who cares? My faith is not that weak that trembles with the choice of food I eat.

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Interestingly I have a few Muslim friends who prefer Kosher !!!