Halal & Zabiha in Sacramento, California

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful.
Allah(swt) says in the Quran in Surah Al Maida, the Table Spread

"Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than God; that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it (in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety. This day have those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion: yet fear them not but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, w ith no inclination to transgression, God is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." Surah 5: 3

Typically Muslim woman do the shopping for our homes, and we also do the majority of the cooking, unless you are fortunate to have a husband like me. (LOL) Never the less based on what this Ayah says, it is forbidden to eat dead meat, flesh of swine etc...

According to many scholars there is a bit of difference of opinion as far as swine goes. That includes when swine is used in our foods that a certain percentage is permissible, or if the swine itself has been changed into an unrecognizable sate. However a conservative Muslim such as myself stays away from all swine regardless of these opinions, because it is best to be on the safe side. And Allah knows best.

Some do not even use products such as lotions, and creams, toothpaste etc, that contain swine, regardless of it being the flesh or bone of swine, and or if we will put it on our skin or consume it. We look at labels very carefully, and ted to stick with a brand that we have researched thoroughly.

In addition the Quran also states that

"This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time,- when ye give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret intrigues if any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those w ho have lost (all spiritual good)."

Basically this verse tells us that the food that has been prepared by Christians and Jews is also permissible as long as it is not swine.

Jews do not use swine either, according to Leviticus in the Holy Bible it is forbidden; however many Christians do not believe that the Old Testament is relevant to them and only for the Jews, and thus they typically eat swine, and use it in their food.

If you are shopping and looking for alternatives look for a Kosher simple. A, u or K. This lets you know it is certified Kosher, prepared by jews, and will not contain any swine.

So now that we are aware of what is halal, permissible, lets take another step and discuss the difference between halal and Zabiha.

Allah(swt) has told us what is halal, permissible. But has also prescribed a method in which Muslims should slaughter their food, similar to the Jews. This is called Zabiha. Zabiha also tends to be a bit more expensive as well.

Many Muslims prefer to eat meat that which is Zabiha. It has been slaughtered according to Islamic law, and blessed as well. However Allah (swt) has not made this an obligation and the only choice for our only source of meat. For he has also made the meat from the people of The Book halal as well.

And Allah Knows Best

Here is a list of stores and Restaurants in the Sacramento area the sale or serve Zabiha meat.

NATOMAS FABRICS & GROCERIES
3291 #18 Truxel Road,
Sacramento, CA 95833, USA
916-649-8786

SHAN MARKET
2313 NORTHGATE BLVD,
Sacramento, CA 95833, USA
916-649-9321

Famous Kabab Restaurant
1290 Fulton Avenue,
Sacramento, CA 95825, USA
916-483-1700

Persian Garden Restaurant
1596 Howe Avenue,
Sacramento, CA 95825, USA
916-648-3988

MEDITERRANIAN MARKET
1547 FULTON AVE, SACRAMENTO CA 95825,
Sacramento, CA 95825, USA
916-972-1237

Gyros Express Halal
2326 Fair Oaks Blvd Unit J,
Sacramento, CA 95825, USA
916-925-8591
www.gyrosexpressca.com