Welcome to Islamic Veg, an organisation seeking to educate Muslims across the globe about the modern animal agriculture industry and the ways in which its practices violate Islamic teaching, through the harming of animals and the destruction of the environment. Our organisation is inspired by the thousands of Muslims who are choosing veganism as a lifestyle in order to reject and denounce this cruel and unnecessary exploitation and destruction. We therefore seek to educate and inform the Muslim community, encourage scholars and community leaders to engage in discussions around such ethical issues, and advocate ethical alternatives, namely veganism.
And the Earth He has laid out for all creatures.
Qur’an 55:10
There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth nor a being that flies on its wings, but they are communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they shall be gathered to their Rabb (Lord) in the end.
Qur’an 6:38
Let us debunk some myths…
MYTH: “Halal” Meat is humane and ethical
There are many instances in the halal industry where halal requirements are not being met, for example the need for multiple “slaughters” to kill the animal and the use of stunning methods that kill the animal before slaughter. As per Islamic law, these all render the meat haram. Moreover, much of “halal” meat nowadays is sourced from factory farming, which is far from ethical. Read more here.
MYTH: Veganism is un-Islamic and haram
This is by far the most common myth that pervades surface-level discussions on veganism and Islam. Yet, it is also the easiest to refute. Even scholars who do not understand the reasoning behind current-day veganism concede that the practice of veganism is permissible in Islam. Perhaps most surprisingly, even the Salafi scholars at Islam Q&A accept that practising veganism does not make one less of a Muslim. Read more here.
MYTH: Vegans try to make haram what Allah made halal
There are strict conditions around the permission to raise and kill animals for consumption. These strict conditions are being violated today through unjust practices in the modern animal agriculture industry, thus rendering the products doubtful to consume, if not haram, as per Islamic law. Many argue it is not possible to ensure all animal products are halal with the level of consumer demand in today’s society, leading us to conclude that vegans are not making haram what Allah has made halal. Rather, the status quo of consumption and production is making halal what is haram! Read more here.
MYTH: Muslims are required to slaughter an animal on Eid-ul-Adha
There are many misconceptions associated with the Eid sacrifice and as a result many animals are needlessly slaughtered during Eid, causing insurmountable waste. Dr Khaled Abou El Fadl explains: “While the zakat due in the udhiyah remains obligatory, the consumption and providing of meat is not. In other words, one may slaughter and donate meat; one may pay for the slaughter and donation of meat; or one may simply donate the amount of money due directly to needy families for the recipients to spend it as they deem fit.” Muslims are therefore not required to slaughter an animal on Eid-al-Adha, but they are required to pay the zakat. Read more here.
For even more myths, read Debunking the Myths.
Yahya ibn Sa’id reported: Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Beware of meat, for meat can be as addictive as wine.”
al-Muwaṭṭa’ 1742
Our Latest Blog Posts
- Why Islamic Veganism?
“BEING VEGAN IS HARAM!” If I had a riyal for every time someone has said this to me, I would be able to single-handedly fund the vegan restaurant of my dreams. This is by far the most common myth that pervades surface-level discussions on veganism and Islam. Yet, it is also the easiest to refute. Even scholars who do not understand the reasoning behind current-day veganism concede that the practice of veganism is permissible in Islam. Perhaps most surprisingly, even the Salafi scholars at Islam Q&A accept that practising veganism does not make one less of a Muslim.
The people asked ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?” He replied: ‘Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living being).’
Narrated by Abu Huraira, Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 40, Number 551
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About
Read about our organisation, our founders, our mission, and our vision.
Blog
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Debunking the Myths
Here we debunk common myths in the Muslim community relating to veganism.
Resources
View our wide selection of resources from across the Muslim community. Also download our vegan toolkit.
Contact
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The heart in which love and compassion for all living beings resides, can have no room for seeking after personal pleasures. O friend, take care to do no harm to any living creature; to hurt His creation is to forget the Creator.
Khwaja Abdullah Ansari