DIET IN ISLAM
All of the Koran's 114 chapters except one begins with the
phrase "Allah is merciful and compassionate." A Muslim is expected to recognize
the brotherhood of man and should treat a non-Muslim as a brother. Showing
compassion and charity, Muslims believe, in doing service to God. Therefore, it
is written in the Koran "No man is a true believer unless he desires for his
brother that which he desires for himself. God will not be affectionate to that
man who is not affectionate to God's creatures. Assist any person oppressed
whether he is Muslim or non-Muslim."
Mohammed repeatedly forbade cruelty to animals, saying in the Hadith popular
tradition, "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself."
Similarly, Mohmammed taught "A good deed done to a beast is as good as doing good
to a human being; while an act of cruelty to a beast is as bad as an act of
cruelty to a human being." The Koran (6:38) explains that such benevolence flows
directly from God: "There is not an animal on Earth, nor a bird that flies on
it's wings, but they are communities like you." The Koran does permit meat-eating,
but it also encourages healthful food (which, many Muslims conclude, does
not include animal products). Given these traditions, many Shi'ite Muslims and
the Islamic mystics, such as the Sufis, see vegetarianism as the Islamic ideal
and choose this diet.
Islam teaches non-violence, except in extreme conditions in which God calls
upon Muslims to fight in God's name -- Jihad. However, since militant groups
receive most media attention, many people misunderstand Mohammad's largely
pacifist message.
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