The Creed of Compassion-Islamic Teachings & Answering Doctrinal Misconceptions

Issue No. 2253- It is better that one does not roast the fish before it dies completely.

Issue No. 2254- If a fish is cut into two parts out of water, and one part of it falls into water while it is alive and dies, it is not permissible to eat the part which has remained out of water as an obligatory precaution.

Issue No. 2255- Prawn which is also called shrimp is a halal sea animal. However, it is haram to eat land animals similar to fish that some may use the term ‘fish’ for, like some species of skink, unless for treatment in cases of emergency.

Issue No. 2256- It is halal to eat the meat of animals like, cow, sheep, domestic camels, as well as the meat of wild cows, sheep, goats, donkeys and deer. However, it is makrūh to eat the meat of horses, mules and donkeys. It is haram to eat the meat of predatory animals in general, and also the meat of elephants, rabbits and insects.

Issue No. 2257- It is haram to eat the meat of birds with claws and also birds whose gliding is more than the flapping of their wings. However, those birds whose flapping while flying is more than their gliding are halal to eat including all kinds of pigeons, ring-doves and partridges but it is makrūh to eat the meat of hoopoes. Also, birds with a craw or spur on their foot are also halal to eat.

Issue No. 2259- The following fourteen parts of halal meat animals, are haram to eat, albeit as an obligatory precaution in some of them:1- Blood2- Male reproductive organs3- Female reproductive organs 4- Womb 5- Glands6- Testicles7- Pituitary gland [1]8- the spinal cord9- The two wide (yellow) nerves which are on both sides of the spinal cord10- Gall bladder11- Spleen12- Urinary bladder13- Pupils14- A part which is in the middle of the hoofs of the animal.The aforementioned body parts are found in large animals, but in small ones like sparrows, if some of these things are not distinguishable or separable, there is no harm in eating them.

Issue No. 2261- It is haram to eat dirt and mud. However, there is no harm in taking a small quantity (less than a pea) of the turbah of Imam al-Husayn (as) for the purpose of healing. It is also permissible to take Dāghestānī or Armenian clay as a medicine if there is no other alternative.

Issue No. 2262- It is haram to eat or drink anything which is significantly harmful to one’s health. Smoking cigarettes and other kinds of tobacco products especially narcotics is also haram whether it be in the form of injecting, smoking, taking or using it in any other way. Similarly, it is haram to produce, buy and sell them or help in the spread of such things. It is obligatory on people who are addicted to cigarettes or narcotics to try for addiction treatment.

Issue No. 2263- If a cow, sheep or camel is penetrated by a human being, aside from the meat becoming haram, its urine and excrement will also be najis as an obligatory precaution, and it is haram to drink its milk too. Such an animal should be slaughtered and its body burnt and he who has had penetrated the animal should pay its price to its owner.

Issue No. 2266- It is haram to sit and eat at a table which people are drinking alcoholic beverages if one is considered as one of them, though the food may be halal.

Issue No. 2268- There are certain recommended rules (with the intention of them hopefully having rewards in the eyes of almighty Allah [swt]) to be observed while having a meal:1- Washing both the hands before having a meal.2- Washing both the hands after having a meal and drying them with a towel.3- The host should begin eating first, and should also be the last to withdraw from the table.4- One should say “بسم الله” before starting to eat and recite “الحمد لله” at the end and in case there are a number of dishes, it is recommended to say “بسم الله” before eating from each of the dishes.5- One should eat with the right hand.6- If several persons are sitting together for their meals, they should partake of the food placed in front of him. 7- One should take small morsels of food.8- One should not eat in a hurry, should prolong the duration of taking a meal, and chew the food thoroughly.9- One should use a toothpick after having a meal to bring out the food particles between the teeth, and also wash the mouth.10- One should avoid throwing away the food which is scattered on the dining cloth. However, if one takes food in an open place, like a desert, etc., it is better to leave the food which has fallen aside for animals and birds to eat.11- One should have two meals a day, in the earlier part of the day and in the earlier part of the night.12- One should take some salt before and after the meal.13- One should wash all fruits before eating them.14- To try one’s best to always have a guest at the meal.

Issue No. 2269- The following acts are regarded as disliked while having a Meal:1- To eat when full.2- To overeat. It has been reported in a hadith that there is nothing worse than a stuffed stomach in the eyes of Allah (swt).3- To look at others’ while eating.4- To eat food while it is still hot.5- To blow on the food or drink which one is eating or drinking.6- To wait for something more after bread has been served on the dining cloth.7- To cut bread with a knife.8- To place a loaf of bread under the food pots or plates or any disrespect to it.9- To peel those fruits which are normally eaten with their skin.10- To throw away the fruit before one has eaten it fully.