Haraam Food & Drinks

Q: I came across two fatwas on Muftionline regarding calf rennet and would like some clarification. 

Before that, I wish to mention that in Fatawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya (vol. 6, p. 614), it is stated that most Hanafi scholars have adopted the view of permissibility in this matter. Allamah Shami, Allamah Tahtawi, Imam Abu Bakr al-Jassas, Sahib al-Hidayah, Sahib al-Fatawa al-Walwaljiyyah, and Sahib al-Khulasa have all supported or inclined to Imam Abu Hanifa’s opinion. The other opinion of Sahibayn was not given preference, which indicates tarjih for Imam Abu Hanifa’s view. 

Among the senior and contemporary scholars, Hazrat Thanwi, Mufti Nizamuddin, Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi, and Mufti Taqi Usmani have also issued fatwas of permissibility or signed on such fatwas. 

Furthermore, it is mentioned that several Arab scholars such as Shaykh Ibn Baz, Shaykh Yusuf Barqani, Shaykh Abdul Razzaq Talibi, Shaykh Abu Bakr al-Jazairi, Shaykh Ahmad Muhammad Assal, and Shaykh Abdul Hamid Tahmaz have also supported the permissibility view. 

It is also mentioned that Hazrat Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam ate cheese prepared by non-Muslims and did not inquire whether it was made from an animal slaughtered according to Shariah or carrion, or whether the rennet was liquid or solid. This shows general permissibility. 

Now, regarding the two fatwas on Muftionline: 

In one fatwa, it is mentioned: “There is a difference of opinion in this regard. It is safest not to consume such cheese.” 

In another fatwa, it is stated: “Calf rennet derived from non-Halaal slaughtered calves is impermissible.” 

Kindly explain why the first fatwa mentions a difference of opinion, while the second gives a clear ruling of impermissibility. 

Also, please explain the ruling of rennet based on its source: 

1. Rennet taken from animals not slaughtered according to Shariah, 
2. Rennet taken from Halaal-slaughtered animals, and 
3. Rennet derived from plants or microbials. 

Also, if the view of the Sahibayn is taken, what would be the ruling of rennet taken from a Halaal animal that was not slaughtered according to Shariah, especially considering modern extraction methods where the rennet becomes mixed with the stomach tissue?

Q: I have read that there is a difference of opinion in the Hanafi Mazhab regarding rennet which is used to produce cheese. 

Can you explain to me what is rennet and what is the preferred opinion in the Hanafi Mazhab regarding the cheese produced from rennet?

Q: I live in India, in a non-Muslim area. I have a lot of issues with vegetarian diet; bloating, excessive passing of gases, tinnitus increasing, stomach discomfort, skin issues etc. 

I have always eaten mostly meat-based diet, and it (Alhamdulillah) suits my health. I’ve been eating a mix of halal and non-halal meats (beef, mutton, chicken only, never pork). Unfortunately fish here is really toxic. My situation is such that I can have home cooked halal food once or maybe sometimes twice a day, but many a times I have to order food, and eat outside with people etc. 

I was feeling guilty for eating non-halal meats so I tried to stop eating non-halal meats. It’s been a couple of weeks since I lowered my meat intake to just the halal meat I am able to have cooked at home, and eating vegetarian at other times, and my health issues have become worse; lot of tinnitus, stomach issues, skin problems, lot of gas etc. 

I’m trying to leave the area I live in, once (Insha’Allah) I get an employment in an area where more halal options are there. But till then, can I go back to eating a mix of halal and non-halal meats (no pork) due to health issues? 

Q: What is the rule for immersing a slaughtered chicken in hot (or boiling) water to remove its feathers? 

Q: What is the fatwa regarding stunned meat?

Q: What is the fatwa regarding gelatine?

Q: In one dawat, one of the ingredients was the shell of a tortoise. Is it halaal?

Q: I’d like to enquire about the permissibility of the consumption of carmine. I have tried to research this matter on the muftionline site but mainly see the answer to avoid it. I’d like clarification on it being a halaal/haraam item thus its permissibility. 

I personally don’t consume it, yet a lot of products contain carmine & sometimes those from Arab countries that bear halaal logos, not finding a direct answer about its permissibility makes it a bit more difficult to warn family members from it’s consumption.

Q: If a person eats Haraam food unknowingly while thinking it's Halaal, will their ibadat still not be accepted for 40 days? 

Q: Is it permissible to eat non Muslim foods offered to gods and during their festivals?