April 2005: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

Translation

Cont’d from page 2

God tells us not to conceal His revelations and preach to the people. But regardless of the language, only those with understanding will take heed.

He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. [2:269]

This is a scripture that we sent down to you, that is sacred - perhaps they reflect on its verses. Those who possess intelligence will take heed. [38:29]

Indeed, this is a reminder. For those who wish to take heed. They cannot take heed against God’s will. He is the source of righteousness; He is the source of forgiveness. [74:54-6]

Lydia

References:

Daniell, David. William Tyndale, a Biography. Yale University Press, New Haven & London, 1994.

Moynahan, Brian. God’s Bestseller. St. Martin’s Press, New York, 2002.
Old News, Vol. 16, No. 4, December 2004 & January 2005

Old News, Vol. 16, No. 4, December 2004 & January 2005

Halal Meat

The Arabic word "halal" (lawful or kosher) is frequently used for indicating products that are permissible to consume. Many ignorant Muslims are concerned about "halal" meat, "halal" soap or "halal" toothpaste. They pay dearly for these "halal" brand products. According to them, only the act of slaughtering animals in the name of God makes the meat "halal," and the absence of pig fat from the ingredients makes the soap or toothpaste "halal"!!! Obviously, their opinions are based on the hadith or hearsay, but not the Quran.

Is the meat sold by Christian or Jewish grocery owners really "haram" (unlawful) for consumption? We learn in the Quran:

"Today, all good food is made lawful for you. The food of the people of the scripture is lawful for you..." (5:5)

Like any activity, we should pronounce the name of God before we slaughter a bird or an animal for the purpose of remembering God. But, is this the only criterion that makes the meat "halal"? We learn from the Quran:

They consult you concerning what is lawful for them; say, "Lawful for you are all good things, including what trained dogs and falcons catch for you." You train them according to God's teachings. You may eat what they catch for you, and mention God's name thereupon. You shall observe God. God is most efficient in reckoning. (5:4)

Obviously, the trained dogs or falcons do not pronounce the name of God before they catch their prey. We are individually responsible for mentioning the name of God before eating (5:4, 6:118, 6:119, 6:121)!

When is it necessary to slaughter the animal in the name of God? The answer is in the Quran:

The animal offerings are among the rites decreed by God for your own good. You shall mention God's name on them while they are standing in line. Once they are offered for sacrifice, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. This is why we subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation. (22:36)

So, we need to mention the name of God for sacrificing animals. Clearly, the purpose of killing animals or birds just for eating is quite different than the purpose of sacrificing animals for observing one of the rites of the "hajj" (Pilgrimage) decreed by God Almighty.

Many ignorant Muslims sacrifice their animals in the name of their saints and eat from them!!! These meats are "haram" (2:173, 6:145, 16:115). One such verse states:

Say, " I do not find in the revelations given to me any food that is prohibited for any eater except: (1) carrion, (2) running blood, (3) the meat of pigs, for it is contaminated, and (4) the meat of animals blasphemously dedicated to other than God." If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then your Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful. (6:145)

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