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A Hindu's perspective to "Halaal meat"
Namaskaar,
Even though I had heard the phrase, "Halaal Meat" several times in the past,
I never really understood the full significance of it till I was actually
explained the full meaning of the term.
We had invited a few Indians from the Helsinki area to our house during
Easter. One of them brought alongwith him a Muslim friend who had been
living in Finland for the past 8-9 years. After he had helped himself to
generous servings of meat, I asked him about the concept of "Halaal Meat."
He explained atlength what the term exactly meant but a few points that are
really worth noting are::
1. A "true Muslim" should only eat meat cut by a Muslim facing the Mecca.
The Muslim butcher must face the Mecca, say a few words in the name of
Allah, and then decapitate the animal slowly.
2. Incase the above is not done, the meat is considered to be "haraam" or
impure.
3. When we stretched the point a little further, we realized one frightening
aspect ::
If a Hindu or Sikh kills the animal and offers it to a Muslim as meat, it
is not considered to be "HALAAAL" but "HARAAAM".
4. To me the above came as a "revelation." It smacks of RACISTovertones.
Even if a MUSLIM CRIMINAL kills an animal,(facing the Mecca and saying a few
words in the name of Allah) and offers it as meat, it shall be considered to
be HALAAL !! On the other hand, if a HINDU OR SIKH SAINT kills the animal
and offers it as meat, it shall be considered to be "HARAAM" or impure!!!
If I as a Hindu make an Easter Resolution that even I shall never eat meat
from an animal killed by a Muhammadan, JUST AS THEY NEVER EAT MEAT from an
animal killed by a Hindu, does that make me a Hindu fundamentalist????
CERTAINLY NOT! and if what I have understood about "Halaal meat" is correct,
I INTEND DOING PRECISELY THAT!!
One point that really burns my heart is that all over the world, there are
millions of Muslims who eat only "halaal meat".
Some of these Muslims might be asking their guests whether the meat is
halaaal or not. IF WE AS HINDUS OR SIKHS OR BUDDHISTS RESOLVE ONLY TO EAT
MEAT from an animal killed by a member of our own religion and ask our
Muslim guests whether the meat is "PURE FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE" how would the
Muslims feel ???
Well, atleast I intend doing to others as others do to you !!!
How about you??
Regards,
SURAJ