Q&A: Can We Consume the Meat Slaughtered by a Jehovah’s Witness?

Question: As salaamu alaykum. Are Jehovah Witness considered Ahl al-kitab? Specifically regarding their food; if an animal is slaughtered in the name of Jehovah, would it be permissible for us to consume? Jazak Allah Khair.

Answer: Bismillah.

A Person of the Book (kitabi) is somebody who believes in (a) God, (b) a recognised Prophet, and (c) a revealed Book.

With respect to their ritual sacrifice, they need to ensure that the strict conditions of slaughter are met, namely, that (1) the throat is cut with a sharp instrument whilst the animal is alive, (2) three of the four vessels (carotid arteries, trachea and oesophagus) are severed, and (3) the name of Allah is mentioned, in any language, at the time of slaughter.

It’s good to err on the side of caution and to confirm and fully verify before consuming any meat as the base assumption is impermissibility. But it is also praiseworthy to support Muslims, their efforts, causes and businesses, for a number of reasons of public benefit, and to remember that food and what you eat has spiritual implications.

And Allah knows best.

Tabraze Azam
Amman, Jordan.
12/11/2019

قال الحصكفي في الدرّ المختار ما نصّه: «(وَحَلَّ) الْمَذْبُوحُ (بِقَطْعِ أَيِّ ثَلَاثٍ مِنْهَا) إذْ لِلْأَكْثَرِ حُكْمُ الكل» اهـ

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this specific religious answer is provided at the behest of the questioner, and they are not bound by its contents. Both the questioner and the reader are encouraged to consider well the applicability of this answer to their situation. The author is not responsible for any loss or damage which may occur through any reading or misapplication of this answer; nor is the violation of any law condoned.