Is Being Vegan Permissible in Islam?
Upholding justice and compassion is crucial in this age of industrialisation and exploitation. This is a common value shared between Islam and the Vegan philosophy. However, Islamic teachings rooted in the Holy Quran does not rule out the consumption of animals entirely. And while the ideal of veganism is the exclusion of animal products and by-products, one can argue that it is only as far as is possible and practicable.
For Muslims, Islam is the compass and way of life in this world. Considering the colossal cruelty to animals in the 21st century, is it permissible (or even an obligation) to be vegan as a Muslim?
My Relationships with Vegan and Islam
Being vegan has been my identity for nigh on nine years.
It sometimes felt like I was vegan longer than I was Muslim, even though I was born into a Muslim family in a Muslim majority country (Malaysia).
As I learn more about Islam and put it into consistent and more earnest practice in my daily life, my approach to vegan advocacy has shifted.
The conclusion I’ve arrived at based on my research on Islam and Veganism is that it is permissible for one to choose not to consume animals or animal by-products, but a Muslim cannot proclaim that it is completely unethical or wrong to do so.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Veganism
According to the definition by The Vegan Society:
Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
The media as well as staunch vegan activists have portrayed veganism as an animal rights movement with absolutely no leeway on using or consuming animal products or by-products under any circumstance.
Considering the context of factory farming and animal cruelty, this is commendable and reasonable.
However, out of this context and into a situation whereby animals are indeed treated well and/or a person’s life circumstance does not allow for a nutritious plant-exclusive diet, veganism may seem restrictive.
But according to the above definition, which has its (rather modern) roots from the person who coined the term vegan in the 1940s, this philosophy considers the non-universality of its application based on the phrase "as far as is possible and practicable".
My understanding is that this gives some leeway for those who perhaps strive to be as vegan as possible but their health or life circumstance prevents them from excluding animal products completely.
When Vegan Activism Excludes Circumstance and Class Consciousness
The issue of mainstream vegan activism ignoring intersectionality and class consciousness has been discussed in this article by Arts & Science Review.
Although the premise of veganism is simple and seeks to create a more environmentally friendly world without animal cruelty, intersectionality, decolonization and class consciousness tend to disappear in mainstream activist groups. Mainstream vegan activism, and the veganism adopted by corporations represents a faction of veganism called Western (or white) veganism. Western veganism reinforces settler futurity and assumes a neocolonial presence through the erasure of Indigeneity, the privileging of anthropocentrism, and the promotion of neoliberalism.
If vegan activists were to remember the "as far as is possible and practicable" clause, the mainstream understanding of veganism would probably be different. Unfortunately, people now equate veganism to an extreme dietary practice in the guise of “animal rights”.
Besides pointing out the common sense cruelty to animals, mainstream vegan activists often impose their idea of morality onto all kinds of killing and slaughtering of animals. They would often ask the question “Is it morally right to kill an animal (for food)?”
This perhaps would require a philosophical deep dive into the concept of morality. But such concept is already present in indigenous and religious groups.
In general, killing with greed, lust and revenge is indeed morally wrong.
However, slaughtering animals (most often only select types and with certain conditions) to survive and feed the poor has been a centuries-old practice that weaves a sense of respect and gratitude.
As such, the idea of morality on the slaughtering of animals for food imposed by vegan activists clashes with that of indigenous and religious groups.
What Does Islam Say About Veganism
Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the year 610 CE. And the next 23 years cemented the contents of the Quran, which include the general understanding of animals.
All living beings roaming the earth and winged birds soaring in the sky are communities like yourselves. [Quran 6:38]
Do you not see that Allah is glorified by all those in the heavens and the earth, even the birds as they soar? Each (instinctively) knows their manner of prayer and glorification. And Allah has (perfect) knowledge of all they do. [Quran 24:41]
Furthermore, there are numerous reported Hadiths (sayings or actions of the Prophet ﷺ) that depict service, compassion and justice towards creatures on Earth.
The people asked, “O Allah's Messenger ﷺ! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He said, "There is a reward for serving any animate (living being)” [Bukhari]
It is a great sin for man to imprison those animals which are in his power.” [Muslim]
The worst of shepherds is the ungentle, who causes the beasts to crush or bruise one another. [Muslim]
The grievous things are: shirk (polytheism); disobedience to parents; the killing of breathing beings. [Bukhari and Muslim]
It is worth understanding that the Quran is the final revelation and guide to humankind until the end of time. As such, while it may not include a specific lexicon on a subject we know today, it does contain information that can be applied to the subject.
1- Veganism as a diet
In the Quran, there is no mention of a compulsion towards eating meat. As such, consuming a plant-exclusive or vegan diet as a personal choice — with or without reasons such as health, food security, and environmental or animal justice against factory farming — is permissible. And I’m not just saying this from my own deduction but it has also been discussed by prominent Shaykhs like Dr Omar Suleiman and Hamza Yusuf.
Moreover, while there are specific conditions to the process of raising and slaughtering animals, there isn’t a limit to consuming the abundance of plant foods as long as they are not harmful to our body.
With it He produces for you ˹various˺ crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and every type of fruit. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect. (Quran 16:11)
2- Veganism as a moral philosophy
Referring to the definition of veganism above, if we consider veganism as a lifestyle that excludes (as far as possible and practicable) all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals, then technically this also aligns with Islamic values.
In this era of industrialisation of animals where animal cruelty is rampant, I would argue that most items and food nowadays are not truly halal or ethical despite the label. I would also go so far to argue that all animal factory farms we know today do not align with the Prophetic practice.
This video is a short documentary exposing the corruption of the Halal industry in Australia.
However, if (I say if, because it is not in the formal definition) the vegan philosophy also extends to the banning of animal slaughter for food or survival, then this is where the similarity ends.
3- Islam as the basis of ethics and morality
Because Muslims believe in The One God and that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is His final messenger to whom the Quran was revealed to, the words of God are taken as guidance for life on Earth.
The foundation of values, ethics, morality, and daily practices are derived from the Quran and Sunnah, which is to be applied to the current situation.
Eat from the good, lawful things which Allah has provided for you, and be grateful for Allah’s favours, if you ˹truly˺ worship Him ˹alone˺. [Quran 16:114]
Based on Prophetic practice (reported in authentic Hadiths), we know that the Prophet ﷺ is always gentle and kind towards animals.
But why, then, are there verses in the Quran that allow the consumption of (certain types of) animals and their by-products?
If God is the Most Compassionate, why does he allow animal slaughter for food?
And indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from that which is in their bellies, and for you in them are numerous benefits, and from them you eat. [Quran 23:21]
While God didn’t reveal His wisdom completely, we can postulate the possible reasons based on history and critical thinking.
One of the reasons could be that God knows that humans need to eat animals to survive in different eras and situation. And to align with the good treatment towards animals, instead of just shooting them in the head or inflict unnecessary pain, God placed strict rules for animal slaughter so that humans may be respectful and grateful.
Below are some of the rules, which you can read more here.
- The animal should be rested, well-fed and well looked after.
- In order to avoid stress in animals before slaughter, one should avoid situations in which animals could see a knife or the death of other animals.
- The slaughtering must be done with a sharp knife so that only one strike on a specific part of the neck is needed so that the animal’s life departs quickly and is not left to suffer extensively.
Abu Umama said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Anyone who shows mercy, even to an animal meant for slaughtering, will be shown mercy by Allah on the Day of Rising.” [Adab al-Mufrad]
As stewards on Earth, Muslims are responsible in upholding justice and balance in this world. As such, Muslims should ensure the best care for animals prior to the slaughter, and uphold animal welfare in other cases.
4- The Sunnah imperative to go vegan
I’d like to mention this extensive and well-researched article titled The Halal Bubble and The Sunnah Imperative to Go Vegan written by Dr Mohamed Ghilan (PhD in Neuroscience) of Al-Andalus Academy. He argues that the consumption of animal products from the animal agriculture industry is against Prophetic practice. As such, going vegan in this day and age may just be the key to curb our insatiable appetite for meat and return to the more holistic and sustainable practice of consumption.
Given the current status of the planet and practices in the animal agriculture industry, and the numerous relevant verses in the Quran and available Hadiths, the Sunnah would be to give up all animal products and go vegan. Otherwise, one would have to explain how the Beloved ﷺ would stand for the destruction of total ecological systems, deforestation, overfishing, animal abuse that is both physical and emotional, as well as atmospheric and water pollution. Animal agriculture today is an industry designed for mass consumption, and in being so it is not modeled for a Prophetic diet in which meat is only consumed on rare occasions.
How Muslims Should Approach Vegan or Animal Rights Advocacy
Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not.” [Quran 2:30]
As caretakers on Earth, it is our duty to uphold justice when we see cruelty and evil at play. How should we act then?
First and foremost, we should seek guidance from the Quran and Sunnah. As Muslims, our actions and speech are da’wah. We should represent Islam with excellence. And so, knowledge of the deen is vital.
Knowing that God allows animal slaughter with strict rules, we need to dampen our ego, thinking we know fully what’s best for all creatures on Earth. I know it’s easy to judge any killing or slaughter as unjust. But it may be arrogant and ignorant of us to assume that everyone regardless of their economic or personal situation can do without eating animals.
Don’t hate the consumer but instead stand up against the industrial imperialists. Hold the Halal food authorities to account. If the meat is not truly halal (permissible) and tayyib (good and wholesome), then it is the Muslim’s duty to voice out and make it right.
Secondly, when advocating for the vegan lifestyle and animal rights, know who the real “enemy” is e.g. the factory farming industry that relies on overconsumption. You may present your why or your reasons as well such as health, environment or personal love towards animals. But beware of indicating that halal animal slaughter is totally immoral or impermissible.
Do not falsely declare with your tongues, “This is lawful, and that is unlawful,” ˹only˺ fabricating lies against Allah. Indeed, those who fabricate lies against Allah will never succeed. [Quran 16:116]
Main Takeaway
Essentially, there are two answers to the question “Is it permissible to be Vegan in Islam?”:
- NO — if this will embed the idea that eating meat is completely haram or lead to actions that is against the teachings of Islam e.g. judging others harshly and outright banning halal slaughter or Qurbani sacrifice.
- YES — if one does not intend to go against the teachings of Islam and instead encourage one another towards good e.g. end cruelty in animal factory farms and promote healthy lifestyle for self and the environment.
The believers, both men and women, are allies of one another. They enjoin good, forbid evil, establish Prayer, pay Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Surely Allah will show mercy to them. Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [Quran 9:71]
Personally, I will continue to support vegan food and endeavours as well as the wellbeing of animals. What has changed is that my advocacy will have Islam at the heart because Islam is already a complete way of life that encourages one to act with excellence and compassion.
And Allah knows best.
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