Is Horse Meat Halal or Haram? The Islamic Perspective

Is Horse Meat Halal or Haram? The Islamic Perspective

In Islam, determining whether food is halal or haram is based on the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The question “Is horse meat halal or haram?” has been a topic of discussion among Islamic scholars, with some supporting its permissibility based on authentic hadith, while others consider it makruh (disliked) due to their interpretation of certain Quranic verses.

Is Horse Meat Halal or Haram?

Eating horse meat has been discussed by Islamic scholars for a long time, with different opinions based on the Quran and Hadith. Horse meat halal (permissible) is the view held by some scholars, who base their opinion on clear hadith that allows its consumption. However, other scholars argue that it is makruh (disliked), though not haram (forbidden).

In Islam, deciding if food is halal or haram comes from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When it comes to horse meat, some hadiths support eating it, but some scholars have different views because of how they interpret certain Quranic verses.

This simple guide will explain the different opinions, using evidence from the Quran and hadith, to help you understand whether eating horse meat is allowed in Islam.

Hadith on Horse Meat Halal or Haram

Narrated Asma bint Abu Bakr:

“We slaughtered a horse (by Nahr) during the lifetime of the Prophet (ﷺ) and ate it.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari 5510)

Jabir b. ‘Abdullah reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) prohibited eating of the flesh of domestic asses on the Day of Khaibar and permitted the cooking of the flesh of horses.

(Sahih Muslim 1941 a)

These hadiths clearly show that the companions of the Prophet ate horse meat with his approval, indicating that it is halal.

What Does the Quran Say?

The Quran mentions the creation of horses, mules, and donkeys in Surah An-Nahl (16:8):

“And [He created] horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and [as] adornment. And He creates that which you do not know.”

Horse meat haram is argued by some scholars because the Quran mentions horses as animals used for riding and not for eating. They suggest that this indicates horse meat may not be intended for consumption. However, other scholars point out that this verse is not about halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden), but about highlighting the blessings of these animals.

Why do some scholars consider horse meat makruh?

The majority of scholars, including Imam Shafi’i and Imam Ahmad, say that eating horse meat is permissible (halal). This is based on the authentic hadith mentioned above.

However, some scholars, such as Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Malik, hold the opinion that eating horse meat is makruh (disliked), but not haram. They use the verse from Surah An-Nahl and other weak hadiths to support their view. Despite this, they acknowledge that horse meat is not strictly forbidden.

Conclusion

Based on the strongest evidence from authentic hadith, eating horse meat is halal in Islam. The hadith showing the Prophet allowing it is clear and reliable, making this the strongest opinion among scholars. While some scholars view it as makruh (disliked), it is not haram (forbidden).

In Islam, the general principle is that all good and pure things are halal unless forbidden by Allah or the Prophet. Since horse meat is not mentioned as haram, and the Prophet allowed it, it is permissible to eat.

“Have questions about halal food in Islam? Share your thoughts or ask in the comments below!”

About Me I am Sameena Mohsin—a proud mother, blogger, nutritionist, and health coach. Being a Muslim, I believe it is my duty to share the beauty of Islam and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with authenticity and simplicity. My journey began in 2018, when I started blogging about Islamic topics. Together with my co-mate, Sania Sajid Kazi, we dedicated ourselves to writing content that highlights the Sunnah and is supported by authentic Hadith.

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