Shafaqna English– The Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani has responded to a question concerning the consumption of imported meat.
According to Shafaqna, the question and answer are as follows:
Question: Can we consume imported meat that is labeled “Halal” and sold in markets?
Answer: With regard to such meat, the general rules applicable to meat should be followed. Eating it is permissible in two cases:
1. There is knowledge or certainty that the animal was slaughtered according to Islamic law.
2. There is an indication that it was slaughtered according to Islamic law, such as purchasing it from a Muslim seller, when it is possible that the seller has verified that the animal was slaughtered according to Islamic law. However, if there is no such possibility, consuming it is not permissible.
In cases other than these two, consumption is not permissible. The word “Halal” written on the product, or a statement made by a non-Muslim, has no religious validity unless it gives rise to certainty or reassurance that the meat is halal.