Food and Drink

Q: 

1. Is it permissible to consume African rhinos? They are herbivores and do not have canines. 

2. Is it permissible to consume giraffes? 

3. is it permissible to consume hippos?

Q: I am completing my hifz soon insha'Allah. 

I have heard different opinions on having a meal to feed people to express joy of completing. And I have been told that it motivates everyone as well when they see someone completing hifz. 

Ultimately what will make Allah happier with me if I invite people over for a meal or don't.

Q: What's the masla about FPC rennet? 

The calf gene responsible for chymosin and pepsin production is inserted into a host (fungi). As the genes multiply they produce more chymosin and pepsin. The liquid is then strained to remove the DNA and leave the rennet.

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: Many of the Pedros and Wackys are SANHA certified because it is a halaal kitchen. However the franchise owners are non-Muslim. Is it permissible to eat from these outlets?

Q: I have been in touch with nutrabay company in terms of their product being halaal or not, especially the rennet used in whey protein, is it deprived from halaal source. 

I received a reply via authentic email id of their site: 

"Thank you for sharing your detailed query regarding whey protein and the source of rennet. We truly appreciate your awareness and careful consideration. 

We would like to inform you that the raw materials used in our whey protein, including the rennet involved in the process, are halal certified. You can confidently choose either whey protein isolate or concentrate, as both meet the required standards." 

My question is, can I consume their products assuming it is halaal by their email confirmation alone? As they did approve my detailed query and affirmed that their products are halaal!

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?