Animals slaughtered by Mushriks

Q 7: Will a person be classified a Kafir (disbeliever) if they claim that it is lawful to eat from the animals slaughtered by a Mushrik (one who associates others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) as the latter pronounces the Name of Allah at the time of slaughter? This person quotes in support of their claim the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) where Allah (Exalted be He) says: So eat of that (meat) on which Allâh’s Name has been pronounced (while slaughtering the animal), if you are believers in His Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). They claim that this Ayah is self-explanatory and refuses to listen to any other opinion on the issue.

A: A Muslim who believes that it is lawful to eat from the animal slaughtered by a Mushrik, even if Allah's Name is pronounced over it at the time of slaughter, is mistaken. However, this person is not a Kafir, as the matter is doubtful. The above-mentioned Ayah provides no evidence to support their claim. The scope of generality - in permitting eating any animal on which Allah's Name is mentioned - has been narrowed by Ijma` (consensus of scholars) on the prohibition to eat from the animals slaughtered by a Mushrik. In addition, those Muslims who are capable of clarifying the rulings of Shari`ah (Islamic law) have to guide this person to the path of truth. (Part No. 22; Page No. 436) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!