Forbidding Foods Beyond Faiths -Abu Tahir Mustakim

In nutrition, diet refers to the total food intake of an individual or organism. The term often suggests a specific nutritional plan for health or weight management. While humans are omnivorous, food preferences or restrictions may vary across cultures and individuals, often influenced by taste, ethics, or religious beliefs. Choices in diet can significantly impact health.

Cultural and religious traditions dictate dietary restrictions for many communities. For instance, Judaism adheres to Kosher dietary laws, while Islam prescribes Halal food. Buddhist dietary practices can vary, with some sects allowing meat consumption and others advocating for vegetarianism. Hinduism generally promotes vegetarianism, and Jainism requires a strict vegetarian diet, excluding root vegetables.

Christianity does not impose universal dietary restrictions on animal consumption, but dietary practices like Mediterranean and vegetarian diets are common among different Christian groups.

South Korea has recently moved to outlaw the production and sale of dog meat, a decision driven by both domestic and international advocacy against animal cruelty and health risks associated with zoonotic diseases like rabies, anthrax, and leptospirosis. With a significant majority in parliament supporting the ban, set to take effect in 2027 after a transition period, violations could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Public sentiment in South Korea has shifted, with a vast majority expressing disinterest in consuming dog meat, reflecting broader changes in attitudes towards this practice.

The ban, which passed with 208 votes in support and two abstentions, will be enforced in 2027 after a three-year grace period. Violators will face up to three years in prison or a maximum fine of 30 million won. The law includes compensation packages to help businesses move out of the industry.

Eating dog meat has slumped dramatically in recent decades, particularly among younger South Koreans. In a survey released by the Seoul-based think tank Animal Welfare Awareness, Research, and Education, more than 94% of respondents said they had not eaten dog meat in the past year, while 93% said they would not eat it in the future.

Earlier, Shenzhen became the first city in mainland China to ban the eating of dogs and cats if a draft regulation released by the municipal government in a wider push to restrict the consumption of wild animals was approved.

China’s National People’s Congress issued an order to ban all consumption of wild animal meat and further restrict the wildlife trade nationwide. The ban is a swift response to the COVID-19 outbreak, thought to have originated in wildlife sold at a market in Wuhan, Hubei Province.

Consumption of dog and cat meat is most common in Shenzhen’s home province of Guangdong, neighboring Guangxi, and parts of northeast China, though it is not universally practiced across the country and has become less acceptable over time. Taiwan outlawed the consumption of dog and cat meat in 2017.

If the ban goes through, other animals identified as potentially carrying disease—such as turtles, snakes, some birds, and insects—could be included on a list of prohibited animals for consumption in line with the national rules that are expected in the coming months.

It is estimated that between 10 and 20 million dogs are killed in China for their meat annually, while protection group Animals Asia puts the figure for cats at roughly 4 million a year.

Almighty Allah has decided what is good and what is bad for mankind. It is important for a Muslim to know Allah’s orders and prohibitions and obey them without words. They don’t ask ‘why’. Or, they don’t wait to know ‘why’ the ban has been imposed by Allah.

In many cases, Allah Himself has explained the reasons for many commands and prohibitions. In many cases, Islamic scholars have described the reasons and wisdom for various restrictions. They are not final and definitive; they are just the results of their research. By doing so, our faith increases a little, and comfort and satisfaction come. Scientific research has proven many things in Islam to be true. We are pleased by them, but Islam is not open to their research.

According to Islamic principles, certain animals, such as pigs, domestic donkeys, the flesh of dead animals, the blood of animals, etc., are prohibited directly in the Qur’an and Hadith. Verse 173 of Surah Al-Baqarah states, “He (Allah) has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is forgiving and merciful. “

In another verse, the Qur’an says: “The only things which are made unlawful for you are the flesh of dead animals, blood, pork, and that which is not consecrated with the Name of God. But in an emergency, without the intention of transgression and rebellion (it is not an offence for one to consume such things), God is certainly all-forgiving and all-merciful. “(16:115)

“I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden for anyone who wants to eat unless it is carrion, outpoured blood, or the flesh of swine, all of which is unclean. “(Surah Al An’am, 6:145)

It is forbidden to eat anything dirty or impure. Therefore, animals and birds in which dirt and impurities are found cannot be eaten. It is stated in the Qur’an: “They are the ones who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whose description they find in their Torah and the Gospel.” He commands them to do good and forbids them from evil, permits for them what is lawful and forbids to them what is impure, and relieves them from their burdens and the shackles that bound them. Only those who believe in him, honour and support him, and follow the light sent down to him will be successful.” (Surah Araf, verse 157)

Based on that principle, it is forbidden to eat the meat of those animals that hunt with their teeth and paws, such as lions, leopards, tigers, wolves, hyenas, jackals, dogs, cats, etc. It is forbidden to eat the meat of dogs, as they are directly impure and violent animals. Abu Huraira (RA.) states that the Prophet (PBUH) said that eating all kinds of wild animals is forbidden (Muslim, Hadith: 4886).

Islam is relaxed when it comes to keeping cats. However, eating cats is prohibited. Jabir (RA.) said Rasulullah (PBUH) forbade eating cat meat and taking its selling price (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1280).

Authorities in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, have urged city residents not to eat dog meat. The Hanoi People’s Committee says eating dog meat is tarnishing Hanoi’s image as a civilized and modern capital. Besides, they have also warned that diseases like rabies or leptospirosis can spread by eating dog meat.

However, eating dog meat can pose several health problems. Dogs often carry cyanide, which is a highly toxic substance. During the cooking process, heat can convert cyanide into hydrocyanic acid, which is also an extremely toxic substance, posing a threat to those who are exposed to it. Consuming poisonous dog meat can lead to digestive disturbances and even affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Moreover, dogs’ bodies can contain various dangerous pathogens such as roundworms, tapeworms, E. coli bacteria, and especially the rabies virus (if the dog is rabid). If dog meat is not cooked thoroughly, people who consume it can be at risk of infection from these pathogens.

In general, dog meat carries a high risk of containing various types of parasites. Many types of tapeworms from dogs can not only parasitize our intestines but also migrate and attack various other organs such as the liver, eyes, and even the brain, causing several dangerous complications for those who consume them.

Consuming an excessive amount of dog meat or doing so too frequently can also be the cause of diseases like gout, obesity, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. Overconsumption can lead to an excess of protein, raising the levels of uric acid in the blood, which is a contributing factor to high blood pressure.

Biologists and health scientists are conducting extensive research on why various animals and birds have been declared halal and haram for food. Their research work is still ongoing. Studies from time to time have shown that eating certain animals is haram because they cause various types of harm to human life. And the rest have been declared halal, considering various benefits and needs.