Are you a Vegetarian? Are there benefits?

[IAmZamzam]

The speaker gives an interesting view on permissibility of eating meat, balanced with its cruelty level. It is OK to be a vegetarian, as long as the deen isn't dragged into such matters to compare how we can be less cruel by being vegetarians than those who eat meat.

Maybe as a general thing it's permissible, but what are you going to do when the pilgrimage rolls around and you have to partake of the beef there?

 

[IAmZamzam]

If you want to help the starving people of the world, there are charities. You can even help them online at freerice.com. Doesn't cost you a penny--except in terms of the bill for your internet provider, I suppose. And even then there are libraries.

 

[PouringRain]

I've been considering vegeterianism, but I probably can't do that until I begin to live on my own. Parents' rules, after all.

Will your parents not allow it, or have you tried speaking to them about it? Are they just against vegetarianism in general, or is it because they do not want to have to prepare food differently? Would they be willing to compromise in some way?

My oldest son decided he wanted to be vegetarian, but since he is still very young I told him it was fine provided he keep dairy, eggs, and fish in his diet. (He was 8 when he made this decision. He is 9 now.) (I once knew a girl who was a very strict vegan-- one of those militant types LOL-- and she actually had to start consuming fish once a week by doctors orders, because her internal organs began to shut down..... so I wanted to make sure he eats fish also. Plus the good fats for his developing brain.) I also approved of it for him, because I knew he is one who already eats very well. He loves vegetables. He has been doing very well and making good choices. We do not eat much meat to begin with, but when I do make a dish with chicken (for example) I prepare him a separate dish using fake chicken. It doesn't take any extra effort to put a second pan on the stove or in the oven and add the extra ingredients.

 

[manaal]

Maybe as a general thing it's permissible, but what are you going to do when the pilgrimage rolls around and you have to partake of the beef there?

I too asked this question earlier in the thread and still waiting for an answer. Sacrifice of cattle is an essential part of hajj pilgrimage if one is performing Hajj Thamaththu. Brother Sabr* if you would care to reply?

 

[sabr*]

Sacrifice during Hajj

I too asked this question earlier in the thread and still waiting for an answer. Sacrifice of cattle is an essential part of hajj pilgrimage if one is performing Hajj Thamaththu. Brother Sabr* if you would care to reply?

Surah Baqarah 2:196

And complete the Hajj or 'umra in the service of Allah. But if ye are prevented (From completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as ye may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill, or has an ailment in his scalp, (Necessitating shaving), (He should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the 'umra on to the hajj, He must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, He should fast three days during the hajj and seven days on his return, Making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allah, and know that Allah Is strict in punishment. (Yusuf Ali translation)

As-Salāmu `Alaykum (السلام عليكم):

manaal:

The sacrifice for Idul Adha can be done on ones behalf when performing Hajj and donated to the needy. The following is a more definitive explanation of the observance. Didn't locate anything that states that a Muslim is obligated to eat sacrificed meat. Only reviewed opinions of those who eat meat pushing the view that if a Muslim chooses not to eat meat is some how making it haram by not eating meat.

Sacrificing during Hajj is essential but not eating the sacrificed meat. That is giving to the poor and needy.

During the performance of Hajj the rite of Ramy al-Jamarat (the Stoning of the Devil) the pilgrims perform animal sacrifices, to symbolize Allah having mercy on Ibrahim (AS) and replacing Isma'il with a ram, which Abraham then sacrificed. Traditionally the pilgrims slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering. Today many pilgrims buy a sacrifice voucher in Mecca before the greater Hajj begins, which allows an animal to be slaughtered in their name on the 10th, without the pilgrim being physically present. Centralized butcher houses sacrifice a single sheep for each pilgrim, or a cow can represent the sacrifice of seven people. The meat is then packaged and given to charity and shipped to poor people around the world. At the same time as the sacrifices occur at Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar sacrifices, in a four day global festival called Idul Adha.

Idul Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the month of Dhul al Hijjah (ذو الحجة) of the twelfth month of lunar Islamic calender. Idul Adha celebrations start after the Hajj. On the descend from Mount Arafat. The date is approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramdan. The l observance of Idul Adha lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

http://www.islam.com/hajj/hajj.htm

A view regarding those not observing Hajj not being obligated to sacrifice.

http://www.submission.org/hajj/sacrifice.html

 

[Muhaba]

don't turn it into religion. If you start wondering what to do about obligatory sacrifices like the ones you have to do during eid-ul-adha, hajj, and on the birth of a child it means you're taking a preference too seriously, like its your religion that you can't act contrary to or you've made meat haraam and making a halal thing haraam isn't allowed in Islam. See Surah Al-Tahrim where the Prophet SAW swore that he wouldn't eat honey and Allah told him to break his swear.

So as long as it's just a preference and you eat meat occasionally, then it shouldn't be a problem. Also, saying slaughtering animals is cruelty to animals means a person is saying he/she is more merciful than Allah who allowed slaughtering animals. So the reason for one's vegetarianism shouldn't be cruelty to animals, etc. imo.

 

[sabr*]

As-Salāmu `Alaykum (السلام عليكم):

Here we go again with the selective reading. Before posting take the time to review the entire thread. The majority of Muslims I know are not observing a vegan or vegetarian diet by choice but because of the unavailability of Hilal (permissible) meat in the country they reside.

The diet I personality observe can be referred to as peso-vegetarianism which is a diet that includes seafood and excludes other animals. A pescetarian diet typically includes some or all of vegetablies, fruit, nuts, grains, beans, eggs and dairy. Anything Hilal.

The vegetarian philosophy isn't being espoused here. The benefits are being discussed. A practicing Muslim on this thread hasn't demonized the eating of Hilal meat which Allah has permitted and the choice of Muslims who refrain from none Zabiha meat shouldn't be chided for their choice to abstain from eating meat.

 

[sabr*]

Lower your body mass index (BMI), Lower Cholesterol, Reduce risk type 2 Diabetes, etc

As-Salāmu `Alaykum (السلام عليكم):

A diet that can lower your lower body mass index (BMI), lower cholesterol, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and reduce risk of coronary artery disease.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/slideshow...nDiet_search&gclid=CIXUoJzm3aQCFRRqgwodElIJLA​

 

[Strzelecki]

I'm not longer a vegetarian, but was for a few years.
I miss it dearly. I still haven't adapted back to meat properly.

 

[Muhaba]

do vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products like milk and cheese?

 

[Strzelecki]

Yes.
Vegans don't.

 

[sabr*]

do vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products like milk and cheese?

As-Salāmu `Alaykum (السلام عليكم):

muhaba:

Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish or poultry, but might eat dairy products such as cheese, eggs, yogurt or milk. Vegetarians are not as predictable in their beliefs, as there are many reasons to become vegetarian that don’t necessarily include altruism as a primary motive. For example, many vegetarians have eliminated meat for the sake of their health. In fact, there are a great many people lumped into the category of vegetarian. Lacto-vegetarians will eat dairy, but not eggs. Ovo-vegetarians will eat eggs, but not dairy. Lacto-ovo vegetarians will eat eggs and dairy products. The reasons for these choices are varied and based on individual beliefs. In some cases they are based on moral choices, and in others on dietary needs or simple preference.
A vegan, on the other hand, is self-committed to upholding a personal standard of living where animals are concerned. The vegan will often go beyond eliminating meat, dairy and animal products, to become an activist for animal rights. Generally, the vegan point of view is that animals are not here to be exploited by man, and that commercialization of animals necessarily involves a fundamental, inhumane component and lack of respect for basic life. Unfortunately, cruel methods are often cheaper methods, and animals raised for meat or dairy products by commercial interests are commonly and routinely kept in abusive conditions and slaughtered inhumanely in the interest of a competitive marketplace.

reference: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-vegan-and-a-vegetarian.htm

Jazakumullahu Khair​

 

[Muhaba]

Thank you for this informative post, brother Sabr.

 

[IAmZamzam]

For example, many vegetarians have eliminated meat for the sake of their health.

Like Hitler. Fun little factoid.

 

[Amoeba]

I don't think I could be a vegetarian. I have an intolerance to many vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables that leave me in intestinal agony... largely due to gas build-up but also inflammation and irritation. Plus I don't really get much energy out of vegetables because I don't eat very much food full stop, and you need to eat quite a lot of vegetables to get the full benefit out of them. Seeds and beans, those are all much easier and give me much more energy but I still get the bloating and pain from eating them.

The exceptions that I can eat lots of are starch-based grainy foods such as pasta, rice, oats, and (although not a grain) potato. I can eat lots of those without much difficulty. But for some reason or another, other root vegetables besides potato give me trouble.

I can also eat a lot of fruit, but it depends on what fruit I eat. Bananas give me the same problems that most vegetables do, as do dates and figs. Dates can actually be worse than vegetables at times, especially if I have more than one the pain and bloating can start in a matter of minutes. However, seedy fruit such as pomegranates, or citrus fruits are just fine. Olives are also really good. Citrus fruits actually have a counter-active effect on the pain and bloating, so if I do have a banana or something it'll be followed by a lemon or an orange if possible. I also prefer to have citrus right after meat.

My diet is very meat-based because I don't get pain from meat. I eat a lot of chicken, a fair amount of seafood and a teeny tiny bit of red meat such as beef and lamb once every couple of weeks or so. Because I don't eat much it helps if I eat something very compact in energy.

I remember trying to cut down on meat and eat more veggies. Right after ramadan actually... I was doubled over and almost crying a lot. But that wasn't the first time I noticed I couldn't eat much veg.

 

[Woodrow]

I don't think I could be a vegetarian. I have an intolerance to many vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables that leave me in intestinal agony... largely due to gas build-up but also inflammation and irritation. Plus I don't really get much energy out of vegetables because I don't eat very much food full stop, and you need to eat quite a lot of vegetables to get the full benefit out of them. Seeds and beans, those are all much easier and give me much more energy but I still get the bloating and pain from eating them.

The exceptions that I can eat lots of are starch-based grainy foods such as pasta, rice, oats, and (although not a grain) potato. I can eat lots of those without much difficulty. But for some reason or another, other root vegetables besides potato give me trouble.

I can also eat a lot of fruit, but it depends on what fruit I eat. Bananas give me the same problems that most vegetables do, as do dates and figs. Dates can actually be worse than vegetables at times, especially if I have more than one the pain and bloating can start in a matter of minutes. However, seedy fruit such as pomegranates, or citrus fruits are just fine. Olives are also really good. Citrus fruits actually have a counter-active effect on the pain and bloating, so if I do have a banana or something it'll be followed by a lemon or an orange if possible. I also prefer to have citrus right after meat.

My diet is very meat-based because I don't get pain from meat. I eat a lot of chicken, a fair amount of seafood and a teeny tiny bit of red meat such as beef and lamb once every couple of weeks or so. Because I don't eat much it helps if I eat something very compact in energy.

I remember trying to cut down on meat and eat more veggies. Right after ramadan actually... I was doubled over and almost crying a lot. But that wasn't the first time I noticed I couldn't eat much veg.

I am just curious. Is your family heritage from a far North Country? I have found that the closer to the Equator a people are from, the less meat they eat and the further from the equator the more. People in the extreme north (North of the Arctic circle) became 100% meat eaters with no vegetables in their diet. People from far North climates often can not eat most vegetables.

 

[sabr*]

Like Hitler. Fun little factoid.

As-Salāmu `Alaykum (السلام عليكم):

Selective reading and extremism is a choice. The proper thing to do is apply the quote to the referenced article and not the OP. Reading is fundamental. Read every post by OP in thread it may provide clarity on the thread.

reference: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-...vegetarian.htm

Jazakumullahu Khair​

 

[Amoeba]

I am just curious. Is your family heritage from a far North Country? I have found that the closer to the Equator a people are from, the less meat they eat and the further from the equator the more. People in the extreme north (North of the Arctic circle) became 100% meat eaters with no vegetables in their diet. People from far North climates often can not eat most vegetables.

I do wonder if that has anything to do with it. Most of my family are from the British Isles... but we haven't been able to trace back our family very far, nor very widespread. Most we could find was my great great grandfather's ancestors back to about the 1600s, and they were all mostly Scottish, Irish or North American (non-native N.American most likely). I think there are a few that are also from countries like England or France.

It does make sense that a people of a certain country will be better suited to that climate. In history and even in modern times, Scotland can get harsh winters and short, cool summers that would greatly reduce crop yield and would mean there might be no guarantee of any crop yield at all. Animals like sheep and those big woolly cattle that you get over here would probably have been heavily relied upon not just for their meat but also more sustainable produce like milk (not just for drinking but also cheese making, with cheese being a great food for times of famine), as well as tubers like potatoes. The luxury of having a large variety of affordable fruits and vegetables at our disposal for the less wealthy in this country is a very recent blessing.

It is rather interesting how we are all slightly different even in terms of physiological features between races. It might have been an exaggeration for me to say I could never become vegetarian, I probably could if it were necessary but it wouldn't be healthy for me I don't think. But it is an interesting point you raise as to whether some people can really handle vegetables better than others, depending on what kind of climate and food availability their ancestors were suited to.

 

[sabr*]

As-Salāmu `Alaykum (السلام عليكم):

The choices that one makes which are not haram shouldn't evoke negative attitudes because it doesn't agree with someones cultural upbringing and tastes.

 

[أحمد]

I do wonder if that has anything to do with it. Most of my family are from the British Isles... but we haven't been able to trace back our family very far, nor very widespread. Most we could find was my great great grandfather's ancestors back to about the 1600s, and they were all mostly Scottish, Irish or North American (non-native N.American most likely). I think there are a few that are also from countries like England or France.

It does make sense that a people of a certain country will be better suited to that climate. In history and even in modern times, Scotland can get harsh winters and short, cool summers that would greatly reduce crop yield and would mean there might be no guarantee of any crop yield at all. Animals like sheep and those big woolly cattle that you get over here would probably have been heavily relied upon not just for their meat but also more sustainable produce like milk (not just for drinking but also cheese making, with cheese being a great food for times of famine), as well as tubers like potatoes. The luxury of having a large variety of affordable fruits and vegetables at our disposal for the less wealthy in this country is a very recent blessing.

It is rather interesting how we are all slightly different even in terms of physiological features between races. It might have been an exaggeration for me to say I could never become vegetarian, I probably could if it were necessary but it wouldn't be healthy for me I don't think. But it is an interesting point you raise as to whether some people can really handle vegetables better than others, depending on what kind of climate and food availability their ancestors were suited to.

A vegetarian diet may not be healthy for you, for the obvious reasons explained in your post.

For some, a vegetarian diet is healthier, while for others its not. There is a fine balance in everything.

Maybe a doctor can elaborate further on this, :inshallah

:wa: