Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 906 [Read full issue]
Probing
It is not required of the Muslim to inquire about what he has not witnessed, i.e., How was the animal killed? Did the manner of Slaughter meet the Islamic conditions? Was the name of Allah mentioned while slaughtering or not? If the animal was slaughtered by a Muslim, even if he is ignorant or sinful, or by someone from among the People of the Book, eating it is halal for us.
Reported by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), "A group of people said to the Prophet (peace be upon him), 'Some people bring us meat and we do not know whether they have mentioned Allah's Name or not on slaughtering the animal.' He said, 'Mention Allah's Name on it and eat.' Those people had embraced Islam recently." [Bukhari]
Concerning the application of this hadith, scholars say: This is proof that the actions and practices of people are ordinarily considered to be correct and appropriate, while deviation or error must be proved.
Compiled From:
"The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam" - Yusuf Al-Qaradawi