📖Sunan an-Nasa’i 4436
It was narrated from ‘Aishah that: some Bedouin people used to bring us meat, and we did not know whether they had mentioned the Name of Allah (when slaughtering it) or not. The Messenger of Allah said: “Messenger of Allah said: “Mention the Name of Allah and eat.” (Sahih )
This hadith from Sunan an-Nasa’i (4436) teaches us several lessons:
- Permissibility of consuming food from non-Muslim sources: The hadith mentions that Bedouin people, who may not have been Muslims, used to bring meat to Aishah and the Prophet’s household. This indicates that it is permissible to consume food from non-Muslim sources as long as it meets the criteria of being halal (lawful) according to Islamic guidelines.
- Uncertainty regarding the slaughterer’s mention of Allah’s name: Aishah mentioned that they were unaware whether the Bedouins had mentioned the name of Allah during the slaughter of the animals. This uncertainty highlights the importance of ensuring that the prescribed Islamic ritual of mentioning Allah’s name (saying “Bismillah”) during the slaughter is followed.
- The Prophet’s guidance on mentioning Allah’s name: In response to this uncertainty, the Prophet Muhammad instructed them to mention the name of Allah before eating the meat. This emphasizes the significance of consciously remembering and acknowledging Allah’s blessings and provisions before consuming food.
- The permissibility of using the name of Allah before eating: The Prophet’s statement, “Mention the Name of Allah and eat,” indicates that it is permissible and recommended to say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) before consuming food, even if there is doubt about whether the name of Allah was mentioned during the slaughter.
In summary, this hadith teaches us that it is permissible to consume food from non-Muslim sources if it meets the criteria of being halal. It emphasizes the importance of mentioning the name of Allah before eating, even in situations where there may be doubt regarding the mention of Allah’s name during the slaughter. By doing so, we demonstrate mindfulness, gratitude, and adherence to Islamic principles.
Additional Information
In the mentioned hadith, it is not specified whether the Bedouin people were Muslims or non-Muslims. However, the key takeaway is that if someone provides meat that is halal (lawful), but there is doubt about whether they mentioned the name of Allah during the slaughter, it is permissible to consume the meat. In such cases, it is recommended for the individual consuming the meat to mention the name of Allah (say “Bismillah”) themselves before eating. This highlights the importance of personal responsibility in ensuring that Allah’s name is mentioned before consuming food, even if it was not done so by the person who provided the meat.
