Religious slaughter is very controversial in England, where animals are killed without stunning, in line with religious slaughter rules of both the Islamic and Jewish religions. But as well as Compassion in World Farming asking people of faith to read the science on how animals suffer, it’s perfectly possible within both faiths to be vegan, so no ritual slaughter is needed anyway.
Some of the best-selling vegan cookbook authors in the world are vegan. One Arab Vegan is one of the most popular recipe blogs (its founder a practicing Muslim). And Prince Khaled bin alwaleed (above) is so passionate about the lifestyle, he now has invested heavily in the world’s biggest plant-based news website.
The law is also a mess. Compassion in World Farming says that many meats sold as Halal are stunned (so not compliant anyway). And many supermarkets now sell Halal meat without labelling it properly. So people often buy it, not realising that it comes from animals that were not stunned.
Many Jewish and Muslim food brands are now vegan, proving that it’s perfectly possible to eat in line with your religious beliefs, but also enjoy great-tasting plant foods. Doing this abroad also helps (in Australia, there is huge controversy over sheep and goats sent in blistering heat to boats abroad, where they then are religiously slaughtered). In fact, Israel is one of the most vegan-friendly countries on earth. And the Middle East Vegan Society now certifies foods using its own V label.
