اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي أخشَاكَ كَأنِّي أرَاكَ أبَداًحَتَّى ألْقَاكَ، واسْعِدْنِي بِتَقْوَاكَ، ولا تُشْقِنِي بِمَعْصِيَتِكَ، وخِرْ لِي في قََضَائِكَ، وبَارِكْ لِي فِي قُدْرَتِكْ حتَّى لا أحبَّ تَعْجيلَ ما أخَّرْتَ ولا تأْخِيرَ ما عَجَّلْتَ، واجْعَلْ غِنَايَ في نَفْسِي

Lahm (Meat)

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote for Meat:

قال الله تعالى: وَأَمْدَدْنَاهُم بِفَاكِهَةٍ وَلَحْمٍ مِّمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ [الطور: 22]

Allah Almighty says, “And We will provide them with fruit and meat such as they desire” (Surah At-Tur, 52:22), and,

وقال: وَلَحْمِ طَيْرٍ مِّمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ [الواقعة: 21]

“And the meat of birds as they desire” (Surah Al-Waqi’ah, 56:21).

وَفِي سُنَنِ ابْنِ مَاجَهْ مِنْ حَدِيثِ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: سيّد الطَعَامِ أَهْلِ الدُّنْيَا وَأَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ اللَّحْمُ

In Sunan Ibn Majah, there is a narration from Abu Darda that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The finest food for the people of this world and the Hereafter is meat.”

وَمِنْ حَدِيثِ بريدة يَرْفَعُهُ: خَيْرُ الْإِدَامِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ اللَّحْمُ (أخرجه البيهقي)

In another narration from Buraidah, he said, “The best condiment in this world and the Hereafter is meat.”

وفى "الصحيح" عنه صلى الله عليه وسلم:"فضلُ عائشةَ على النِّساءِ كفضلِ الثَّريدِ على سائِرِ الطَّعَامِ". و"الثريد": الخبز واللَّحم

In Sahih Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The superiority of Aishah over other women is like the superiority of Thareed over other foods.” Thareed is a dish made of Barley bread and meat, as a poet said, “When bread is complemented with meat, it becomes the noble Thareed by Allah’s grace.”

Al-Zuhri said, “Eating meat enhances seventy strengths.” Muhammad ibn Wasi’ said, “Meat improves eyesight.” It is also narrated from Ali ibn Abi Talib Radi Allaho Anh: “Eat meat, for it purifies the complexion, satiates the stomach, and enhances character.” Nafi’ reported that during Ramadan, Ibn Umar never went without meat, and he would make sure to have it on his travels. It is said that Ali noted that abandoning meat for forty days worsens one’s character.

However, regarding the narration from Aishah Radi Allaho Anha, found in Sunan Abu Dawood, where Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم reportedly said, “Do not cut meat with a knife, for this is the practice of non-Arabs. Instead, tear it by hand, as it is more wholesome and agreeable”—Imam Ahmad dismissed this narration, citing authentic reports where Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم cut meat with a knife on two occasions, as previously mentioned.

Types of Meat: The benefits and effects of meat vary according to the type of animal it comes from. Below are the properties, benefits, and possible harms of each type.

Sheep Meat: Sheep meat is warm in the second degree and moist in the first degree. The best type is from a year-old lamb. It produces healthy, strong blood for those with good digestion. It suits those with cold and balanced temperaments, those who engage in strenuous activities, and is beneficial in cold environments and seasons. It also benefits individuals with a melancholic temperament, strengthens the mind, and enhances memory. However, meat from elderly or lean sheep is inferior, as is meat from ewes. The best meat is from the black male sheep, as it is lighter, tastier, and more beneficial. Castrated animals produce higher quality meat, and meat from a well-fed, red-colored animal is lighter and provides better nourishment. The young goat's meat is less nourishing and tends to float in the stomach.

The ideal cut of meat is close to the bone, with the right side being lighter and better than the left, and the front portion superior to the back. The part of the sheep most beloved by Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was the front portion. In general, the upper parts of the animal, except for the head, are lighter and better than the lower parts. When Al-Farazdaq, the poet, once asked a man to buy meat for him, he advised, “Choose the front portion, and avoid the head and stomach, for disease resides in them.” Neck meat is delicious, easy to digest, and light, while shoulder meat is the lightest, tastiest, most delicate, least harmful, and easiest to digest.

In Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is reported that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم enjoyed this part of the meat. Back meat is highly nutritious and generates good blood.

وَفِي سُنَنِ ابْنِ مَاجَهْ مَرْفُوعًا:  أَطْيَبُ اللَّحْمِ لحم الظّهر

In Sunan Ibn Majah, there is a narration that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The best meat is the meat from the back.”

Goat Meat: Goat meat has mild warmth, is dry, and its resulting humors are not ideal. It does not digest well and is less nourishing. The meat of a billy goat is generally poor, as it is extremely dry, difficult to digest, and produces melancholic humors.

Al-Jahiz mentioned that a physician once advised him, "O Abu Uthman! Avoid goat meat, as it brings sadness, stirs melancholy, causes forgetfulness and corrupts the blood".

Some physicians specify that the problem lies with older goat meat, particularly for elderly people, but for those accustomed to it, there is no harm.

وَقَدْ رَوَى النَّسَائِيُّ فِي سُنَنِهِ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: أَحْسِنُوا إِلَى الْمَاعِزِ وَأَمِيطُوا عَنْهَا الْأَذَى فَإِنَّهَا مِنْ دَوَابِّ الْجَنَّةِ

Al-Nasa’i reported in his Sunan that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Be kind to the goats and remove any harm from them, for they are among the animals of Paradise.” However, there is some uncertainty about the authenticity of this hadith. Physicians’ views on the harm of goat meat are partial and not universal. The adverse effects apply mainly to those with weak stomachs or temperaments unaccustomed to it, typically people from cities accustomed to softer, lighter foods.

Meat of a Young Goat:

Young goat meat is closer to being balanced, especially if the goat is still nursing and not recently born. It digests easily due to the strength of milk within it, softens the stomach, and is generally suitable for most people in various circumstances. It is lighter than camel meat and produces balanced blood.

Cow Meat: Cow meat is cold and dry, hard to digest, and moves slowly through the body. It produces melancholic humors and is only suitable for those who engage in strenuous physical labor. Regular consumption of cow meat can lead to melancholic diseases such as vitiligo, scabies, ringworm, leprosy, elephantiasis, cancer, anxiety, quartan fever, and various tumors, especially for those unaccustomed to it. The adverse effects can be offset by using pepper, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, and similar spices. Male cow meat is less cold, while female meat is less dry. The meat of a calf, particularly a well-fattened one, is one of the most balanced, delicious, and beneficial foods, warm and moist, providing strong nourishment when digested.

Horse Meat:

ثَبَتَ فِي الصَّحِيحِ عَنْ أسماء رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: نَحَرْنَا فَرَسًا فَأَكَلْنَاهُ عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وسلم

In Sahih Bukhari, it is narrated from Asma Radi Allaho Anha that she said, “We slaughtered a horse and ate it during the time of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.” It is also authentically reported that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم permitted the consumption of horse meat but prohibited donkey meat. Both Bukhari and Muslim report this.

The narration from Al-Miqdam ibn Ma’di Karib Radi Allaho Anh, which suggests that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم prohibited horse meat, is not authentic. This was confirmed by Abu Dawood and other hadith scholars.

Camel Meat: The association of camels with mules and donkeys in the Qur’an does not imply that the ruling on camel meat is the same as that for these other animals. Similarly, it does not imply that their value in spoils of war should be the same as that of a horse. Allah sometimes mentions similar things together, sometimes different things, and sometimes opposites. The phrase “so that you may ride them” (An-Nahl, 16:8) does not prohibit eating these animals, just as it does not prevent using them for other benefits aside from riding. It only highlights the primary benefit, which is riding. The hadiths regarding the permissibility of camel meat are both authentic and have no contradictions.

Camel meat is hot, dry, and heavy, producing melancholic humors and is unsuitable for delicate bodies.

Camel Meat Consumption as a Differentiator: The consumption of camel meat is a point of distinction between the Shi'a (Rafidah) and Sunni Muslims, as well as between Jews and Muslims. Jews and the Shi'a criticize and avoid eating it, although its permissibility is well-known in Islam. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and his companions consumed camel meat both during travel and at home.

Young camel meat is one of the most delicious, flavorful, and nourishing meats, and it has no harmful effects for those accustomed to it, much like mutton. For these individuals, it causes no illness. Some physicians criticize it, particularly for city dwellers unaccustomed to it, as it possesses warmth and dryness, can produce melancholic humors, is hard to digest, and has a less favorable strength.

Different Types of Meat:

Lizard (Dhabb) Meat: It is permissible. Lizard meat is hot and dry and is believed to increase libido.

Gazelle Meat: Gazelle is considered as one of the best meats. It is hot and dry, though some say it is very balanced. It benefits those with a balanced, healthy constitution, with young gazelle (known as *Khishf*) being particularly desirable.

Deer Meat: Deer meat is hot and dry in the first degree, with a drying effect on the body. It is suitable for individuals with moist constitutions.

Rabbit Meat: Al-Qanun (The Canon of Medicine) notes that rabbit meat is among the best meats, though it tends toward producing melancholic humors.

ثبت فى "الصحيحين": عن أنس بن مالك، قال:"أنْفَجْنَا أرنبا فَسَعَوْا فى طلبها، فأخذوها، فبعث أبو طلحة بِوَرِكِهَا إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَبِلَهُ

In Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated from Anas ibn Malik that he said, “We chased a rabbit, captured it, and Abu Talha sent its thigh to Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, who accepted it.”

Rabbit meat is moderate, leaning towards warmth and dryness, with the thigh being its tastiest part.

Roasted Rabbit Meat: Eating roasted rabbit meat helps to regulate the bowels, promotes urination, and helps break up kidney stones. Consuming the heads of rabbits is beneficial for tremors.

Wild Donkey Meat:

In Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated from Abu Qatada Radi Allaho Anh that while they were with Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم on one of his journeys, he hunted a wild donkey. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم permitted them to eat it even though they were in a state of ihram, while Abu Qatada himself was not in ihram.

In Sunan Ibn Majah, Jabir reported that during the Battle of Khaybar, they ate horse and wild donkey meat.

Wild donkey meat is hot and dry, highly nutritious, and produces thick, melancholic blood. However, its fat is beneficial when mixed with costus oil to relieve back pain and stiffness affecting the kidneys. Its fat is also effective as an ointment for melasma (skin discoloration). In general, the meat of wild animals tends to produce thick, melancholic blood, with the best options being gazelle meat, followed by rabbit meat.

Dried Meat (Qadeed):

فى "السنن": من حديث ثوبان رضى الله عنه قال: ذبحتُ لرسولِ الله صلى الله عليه وسلم شاةً ونحن مسافرون، فقال: "أصْلِحْ لَحْمَها" فلم أزل أُطِعمُه منه إلى المدينة

In Sunan Abu Dawood, it is narrated from Thawban Radi Allaho Anh who said, "I slaughtered a sheep for Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم while we were traveling. He said, 'Preserve its meat,' and I continued to serve it to him until we reached Madinah."

Dried meat (Qadeed) is more beneficial than fresh meat, as it strengthens the body but may cause itching. Its harmful effects can be reduced by consuming it with cooling and moist herbs, making it suitable for those with a hot temperament. Namaksud (another preserved meat) is hot, dry, and dehydrating, particularly when made from fatty, moist meat. It can cause harm to the intestines and is best prepared by cooking it with fat to make it more suitable for those with a warm, moist temperament.

Bird Meat: Allah Almighty says, "And the meat of birds as they desire" (Surah Al-Waqi’ah, 56:21).

In Musnad al-Bazzar, there is a Hadith that states, "You will look at the birds in Paradise and desire them, and they will fall roasted before you."

Birds can be either permissible or prohibited. The prohibited ones include birds of prey with talons, such as falcons, hawks, and eagles, as well as carrion-eaters like vultures, kites, and magpies. Also prohibited are birds that are protected from being killed, such as hoopoes and shrikes, and those recommended for killing, like kites and crows.

Permissible types include many varieties, among them chicken. In Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated from Abu Musa that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم ate chicken meat.

Meat of Various Birds: General Bird Meat: It is warm and moist in the first degree, light on the stomach, and easily digested. It produces good-quality blood, enhances mental clarity, improves voice quality, enriches skin color, and promotes brain health. It also increases reproductive health. It is said that regular consumption of bird meat may lead to gout, though this claim is not firmly established.

Rooster Meat: Rooster meat has a warmer temperament and is less moist. Older rooster meat is a remedy for colic, asthma, and thick gases when cooked with safflower water and dill. Its castrated meat is nutritious, easy to digest, and recommended. Young chickens are easily digestible, gentle on the stomach, and produce good-quality, light blood.

Partridge Meat: Partridge meat is warm and dry in the second degree, light and delicate, quick to digest, and produces balanced blood. Consuming it in larger amounts can improve eyesight.

Chukar Meat: Chukar meat produces high-quality blood and is quick to digest.

Ostrich Meat: Ostrich meat is hot and dry and not highly nutritious, its continuous consumption is not beneficial.

Duck Meat: Duck meat is warm and moist, heavy and difficult to digest, and it does not suit the stomach well.

Houbara Bustard Meat: In Sunan Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhi, it is reported from Burayh ibn Umar ibn Safinah, who narrated from his father, and he from his grandfather Radi Allaho Anh that he said, “I ate houbara meat with Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.”

Houbara meat is warm and dry, difficult to digest, and beneficial for those who engage in physical activities and strenuous exercise.

Crane Meat: Crane meat is dry and light, with differing opinions on whether it is warm or cold. It produces melancholic blood and is suitable for those engaged in hard work and labor. It is recommended to leave it for a day or two after slaughter before consuming it.

Meat of Sparrows and Small Birds: Al-Nasa’i reported in his Sunan that Abdullah ibn Umar Radi Allaho Anh narrated that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “No person kills a sparrow or anything larger without right, but Allah will ask them about it.” He was asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What is its right?” He replied, “To slaughter it and eat it, and not to cut off its head and throw it away.”

In Sunan Al-Nasa’i, there is also a narration from Amr ibn Shuraid from his father, who said, “I heard Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم say, ‘Whoever kills a sparrow for no reason, it will cry out to Allah on the Day of Judgment, saying, ‘O Lord, so-and-so killed me for nothing, not for any benefit.’”

The meat of sparrows and similar small birds is warm and dry. It helps with digestion, boosts vitality, increases desire, and its broth softens the stomach and benefits the joints. If the brains of these birds are eaten with ginger and onion, they stimulate sexual desire, though their humors are generally not considered beneficial.

Meat of Pigeons: Pigeon meat is warm and moist. Wild pigeons are less moist, while young domestic pigeons are particularly moist. Pigeons raised at home have lighter meat and are more nutritious. The meat of male pigeons is beneficial for conditions like paralysis, numbness, apoplexy, and tremors. Eating young pigeons helps with reproductive health, is good for the kidneys, and increases blood.

A weak (unauthentic) Hadith claims that a man complained of loneliness to Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, and the Prophet advised him to "keep a pair of pigeons." Another more reliable report states that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم saw a man chasing a pigeon and said, “A devil is following a she-devil.”

Uthman ibn Affan Radi Allaho Anh used to instruct, during his sermons, the killing of stray dogs and the slaughtering of pigeons.

Meat of the Bustard (Qata): Bustard meat is dry and produces melancholic humors. It tends to constipate and is considered among the least beneficial foods, although it is said to help with dropsy (edema).

Meat of the Quail (Sumana): Quail meat is hot and dry. It benefits the joints but may harm those with a warm liver. This harm can be mitigated by consuming it with vinegar and coriander. It is advised to avoid bird meat from marshy or dirty areas. Generally, bird meats are quicker to digest than livestock meat, with the quickest to digest being the necks and wings, though they provide less nourishment.

Locusts:

الجراد: فى "الصحيحين": عن عبد الله بن أبى أوْفَى قال: "غزونا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سبعَ غَزَواتٍ، نأكُلُ الجَرَادَ

In Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated by Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa Radi Allaho Anh that he said, “We fought seven battles alongside the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم while eating locusts.”

وفى "المسند" عنه: "أُحِلَّتْ لنا مَيْتَتَانِ ودَمَانِ: الحُوتُ والجرادُ، والكَبِدُ والطِّحالُ". يُروى مرفوعاً وموقوفاً على ابن عمر رضى الله عنه

In Musnad Ahmad, it is narrated that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Two types of dead animals and two types of blood have been made lawful for us: fish and locusts; liver and spleen.” This narration is reported both as a direct saying of the Prophet and as a statement of Abdullah ibn Umar.

Locusts are hot and dry, providing minimal nourishment. Consistent consumption can lead to emaciation. When burned as incense, they are beneficial for easing urine retention, especially for women, and can also help with hemorrhoids. Roasted fat locusts are eaten for scorpion stings. However, locusts are harmful to those with epilepsy, and their humors are considered poor.

General Advice on Meat Consumption:

It is recommended not to eat meat excessively, as it can cause blood-related illnesses, congestion, and acute fevers. Umar ibn Al-Khattab Radi Allaho Anh warned, “Beware of meat, for it has an addiction similar to that of wine,” as mentioned by Malik in Al-Muwatta.

Ibn-e-Sina wrote: The best meats are lamb, which is tender with a mild sweetness, and the young goat (kid) and their meat are lighter and easier to digest. The meat from young animals is also a gentler food, with the kid being less rich than lamb. However, meat from an adult animal is of poor quality, as well as meat from a fat and very lean animal, and that of an old sheep, which is tough. Red meat from an animal with excessive fat is lighter, and the meat from an older animal is less nutritious and tends to float in the stomach. The best meat is that from a mature, well-fatted animal, preferably with the bones still intact. The right side of the animal tends to have better meat than the left, and the middle parts are the best, with the muscle fiber being free from defects. The quantity of meat is not as important as the quality, with the best meats being from the muscle. Meat that forms from connective tissues or organs like the liver is considered lower quality, while heart meat is considered less desirable, and meat from the breast is of better quality.

The best bird meats are those of the partridge, with chicken being milder, though not necessarily more nutritious. The meats of quails, pigeons, and sparrows are also considered.

For animals with dry temperaments, their younger meat is better, like that of a young goat, which is superior, whereas goat meat is not particularly great, and its mixture can be quite poor. The meat of a ram is bad in general, as are the meats of wild animals. All large aquatic birds, birds with long necks, peacocks, crows, pigeons, and quails are less nutritious, often causing black bile or resembling it, and all small birds are considered poor. The thicker wings of birds, especially those that are strong and athletic, are considered to have good qualities.

Nature of Meat: Bird meat, in general, is drier than that of four-legged animals, with beef being drier than goat meat, and goat meat being harder to digest than lamb. Camel meat is heavy and difficult to digest, while rabbit meat is hot and dry. The meats of large birds, geese, and crows are thick and hard to digest. On the other hand, duck and other aquatic birds are moist, similar to lamb.

Effects and Properties: Meat is a nourishing food, which easily transforms into blood. Grilled or roasted meat is drier, while boiled meat retains more moisture. When cooked with spices and herbs, it gains strength from these additions. Fatty meat and lard are considered poor in nutrition, although a small amount can enhance the flavor of the food. Salted meat, though originally moist, becomes much drier and less nutritious. Fatty meats soften the stomach but offer little nutrition and are quickly transformed into toxins. Lard is worse than fatty meat, difficult to digest and provides poor nutrition. Beef is heavy and difficult to digest, often leading to ailments associated with black bile. The best beef is from young cows. Beef can be softened by melon rind, and the best time to eat it is in spring and early summer.

Christians and those who follow similar traditions argue that pork, despite its thickness and richness, is not beneficial in terms of nourishment. As for chicken, it provides little nutrition but is very moist. The gizzards of birds are tasty, and the liver is also good in terms of nourishment. The meat of a quail is great for digestive health, being less fatty and firm in texture.

Beautification: Beef causes vitiligo. The fat of a duck also helps with pigmentation issues. Roasting lamb meat is good for treating vitiligo.

Wounds and Ulcers: Beef causes mange and bad eczema, and other coarse meats also contribute to these conditions. Roasted lamb meat is used as a topical treatment for scabies.

Joint Disorders: Cow's blood causes leprosy, elephantiasis, and varicose veins, as do coarse meats, fat, and lard. Lard is a good poultice for stiff nerves. Rabbit broth is beneficial for those suffering from gout or joint pains. The meat of a stoat is used as a poultice for joint pains.

Head and Brain: Beef and other coarse meats mentioned can cause black bile and anxiety due to their drying effect.

Respiratory Health: The meat of the river crab is good for those suffering from diarrhea. Chicken meat can irritate the throat unless it is well-cooked.

Digestive Health: The coarse meats mentioned can thicken the spleen, but a dish of beef cooked with dry coriander and saffron prevents the flow of fluids into the stomach. The meat of a quail is considered beneficial for balancing the mood, treating dropsy, and relieving congestion in the liver and spleen. It is recommended for use in dropsy to avoid causing thirst. Some people praise the meat of wild animals for being cooling and moistening to the stomach, which helps with digestion. Deer meat, despite its richness, is also quickly digested. Quail meat is good for liver congestion, weak digestion, mood imbalances, and dropsy.

Excretory system: Beef prevents the bile from reaching the intestines. Roasted rabbit meat is good for intestinal ulcers. Broth from an old rooster is good for colic and black bile disorders. Beef broth is good for relieving biliary diarrhea, as are dishes made with beef, coriander, vinegar, and similar sour ingredients, along with a pinch of saffron. Roasted and non-roasted bird meats help balance bodily humors, especially quails and partridges. Even more effective are quails and sparrows, particularly when boiled and served with broth. Deer meat acts as a diuretic. Fatty meats are better for softening the stomach and bowels than leaner meats.

Fevers: Beef, venison, goats, and large bird meats can cause intermittent fevers.

Poisons: Roasted lamb meat helps treat stings from snakes, scorpions, and insects.

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