Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam
Do you ever wonder if the food you’re eating is halal? Is Turkey halal or haram for Muslims to eat? If you’re a Muslim, it’s common to make sure that the food you eat follows the rules of Islam. In this blog, we’ll explore the question of whether or not turkey is halal for Muslims to eat.
Turkey has long been considered a staple in the Western diet. However, in the Muslim world turkey has been a source of controversy.
We’ll discuss the different considerations that must be taken into account when determining whether or not a food is halal, and discuss the different opinions about turkey in particular. So read on to learn more about the debate.
Generally speaking, domesticated poultry such as chickens and turkeys are deemed acceptable according to Islamic dietary laws when slaughtered in accordance with the rules set out by Sharia law.
The key factor in such considerations is the process involved to slaughter the animal. As taught by Islam it should begin by cutting the bird’s throat and draining all of the blood from its body quickly and efficiently.
This process ensures that the bird does not suffer any unnecessary pain or suffering during slaughtering which is prohibited in Islam.
Popular turkeys are among the few:
- Turkey vultures
- Wild turkeys
- Turkey eagles
- Turkey sparrows
Additionally, some species of wild birds may be consumed as long as they have not been hunted for sport or simply killed out of cruelty.
However, there is some disagreement among scholars on this matter so one should be careful when deciding what types of birds they will eat.
What Type Of Halal Birds Are Used For Making Turkey?
Generally, turkey is sourced from either farmed birds or wild-caught turkeys. For halal turkey meat to be considered acceptable, the bird must be slaughtered according to Sharia law regardless of its origin.
Farmed turkey is often easier to obtain in many places and tends to be more affordable than wild turkey. However, some people may prefer to purchase turkey that is hunted in the wild as they consider it to be more natural and healthier.
Which Birds Are Forbidden In Islam To Eat?
In Islam, some species of birds are considered forbidden to eat. These include scavenging birds such as vultures, crows, and eagles, as well as other predatory or large birds like hawks and falcons.
As you may refer to a quote explaining forbidden flesh from birds.
“Ibn ‘Abbas reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) prohibited the eating of all fanged beasts of prey, and all the birds having talons.”
Additionally, any bird which can fly at high altitudes such as eagles and vultures is strictly prohibited from being consumed under Islamic law due to their symbolism in religious texts.
Furthermore, any bird that preys upon other animals or engages in scavenging is also forbidden according to some Islamic jurisprudence schools because these actions reflect immoral behavior which is contrary to Islamic values and teachings.
Views Of Promising Scholars On Turkey
Some prominent Islamic scholars have suggested that turkey may be halal for Muslims to eat. This is due to the fact that turkey meat is considered white meat, meaning it comes from a bird that has not been fed scavenged food or engaged in any immoral behavior.
Is Turkey Halal Or Haram
In support of this argument, Sir Maulana Moinul Abu Hamza said,
Turkey meat, like any other poultry, is halal with no stated prohibition provided it is slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law (dhabiha).
A Muslim is welcome to take advantage when there are perhaps cheaper prices for Turkey during the Christmas period. However, care must be taken that the intention is not to emulate non-muslims in their festivals as this would incur sin.
However, other Islamic scholars have argued that turkey should be avoided due to the fact that turkey is a large bird and some of its species may engage in scavenging or predation.
What Is The Halal Procedure Of Halal Slaughtering For Birds?
As explained earlier in this blog post, the turkey must be slaughtered according to Sharia law in order for its consumption to be considered halal.
The steps for sharia law must follow as
- Use a sharp knife that should penetrate both jugular veins.
- Recite God’s name (Allah) in order for the animal’s soul to depart before its body is cut into pieces.
- Cutting through any major organs like the heart or lungs makes an animal “haram” – meaning forbidden – which would render eating turkey haram as well.
Note: One should always be mindful of the species that they buy and consume in order to ensure that their turkey meat is indeed halal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can Muslims Eat Turkey?
It depends on the turkey in question. Turkeys that are farmed and slaughtered according to Sharia law may be acceptable for consumption, however, some scholars argue that turkey should be avoided due to its potential predatory behavior or scavenging habits.
Q2. What Is The Islamic Way Of Slaughtering Birds?
The Islamic way of slaughtering birds is known as dhabiha.
Q3. Is Turkey Halal In All Muslim countries?
The answer to this question is not a simple one as there is no single answer that applies to all Muslim countries. Generally speaking, the turkey should be considered halal if it has been farmed and slaughtered according to Sharia law irrespective of country.
Conclusion
Overall, there has been some debate as to whether is turkey halal or haram for Muslims to eat. Ultimately each Muslim must decide for themselves based on their own interpretation of Islamic teachings whether they feel comfortable eating this meat product.
If done correctly with strict adherence to all rules surrounding slaughtering animals for consumption purposes outlined by Islam then yes, Turkey could be considered okay for Muslims to consume.
However, if doubts remain then abstaining from eating this type of poultry might be advisable until such time as further research provides more clarity on this issue.
