Q. When one is in a European city where halal meat is available, but takes time and effort to obtain, is it permissible to eat meat from local supermarkets, and to mention God’s name before eating?
M. Ahmad
A. Objections to eating meat of animals slaughtered in Western countries are two fold: the method of slaughter and the mentioning of God’s name at the time of slaughter. Those who take a strict view say that modern methods do not involve the cutting of the arteries of the animal, which is required in Islamic slaughter. However, leading scholars, including the Maliki school of Fiqh, argue that God has given us a concession in Verse 5 of Surah 5, stating that the food of people of other divine religions, i.e. Christians and Jews, is lawful for us to eat. Since it is a concession, it relaxes rules that should otherwise be observed. The concession means that what these people consider lawful to them is lawful to us, unless it is specifically forbidden, such as pig meat. If we were to apply to their food all conditions required in Islamic slaughter, then the concession becomes meaningless. This is the view I recommend.
The other objection is easily sorted out. The Prophet was asked by his companions about meat that is given to them and they do not know whether God’s name is mentioned at the time of slaughter. He said to them: “Mention God’s name and eat.” Therefore, when you buy meat from the supermarket, you need to say bismillah and you may eat it.
