Fatwa ID: 03089

Answered by:  Maulana Irfan Ali

Question:

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

What are the similarities between kosher and Haram or halal? Is halal the same as haram?

Answer:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh

In regards to the question, it’s important to understand what is kosher and then to understand its haram and halal.

Widely known as kosher is that meat which has been sacrificed according to the Jewish scriptures which is that the animal is slaughtered in the name of god. (Deuteronomy 12:21)

The way of slaughter according to Jewish scriptures is as follows sacrifice must be done by means of a swift, smooth cut of a sharp knife whose blade is free of any dent or imperfection. (Ktav publishers the concise code of Jewish law vol 1)

The last part of the question is of Muslims being allowed to eat such above mentioned kosher meat Allah mentions in the Quran that the meat from the people of the book is permissible for you (Surah Maidah verse 5)

It is important to remember that not all kosher meat which is supplied in the market meets the standard of Jewish dietary hence a lot of Jews reject certain kosher classified meats just as not all halal labelled meats are reliable. Therefore one Muslims should refrain from eating kosher meats especially as there is an overwhelming amount of halal outlets where halal meat can be purchased.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Irfan Ali

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham