Islam and veganism? Can they coexist?
Many people say being Muslim and vegetarian or
vegan are incompatible. Is this really the case? While
many will say Muslims must eat meat the teachings of
Islam also mention the need to protect our environment
and to limit our use of meat.
“...Eat and drink from the
provision of Allah, and do notcommit abuse on the earth,
spreading corruption”
- Quran 2:60.
An often-overlooked Sunnah from the Prophet says
to keep meat consumption minimal, treating it as a
luxury rather than a daily necessity. While this is not
the platform for theosophical debate we can all agree
that the multinational agro-industry and the cruel and
inhumane factory farming of animals for their meat has
indeed had an effect on our planet and health. The
common good and welfare of our shared home (the
earth), a cruelty free and compassionate lifestyle and
the non-exploitation of all creatures great and small are
very much part of every faith, including Islam. While
most people feel that being vegetarian is difficult and
being vegan more so, no one can argue the negative
impact eating antibiotic ridden, massive grain and
water consuming factory farmed animals have on
our health and environment. Many Muslims, realizing
this, have become more environmentally and cruelty-
free conscious and have raised the controversial and
longstanding debate about the consequences of meat
production and eating within their faith.
Fun in the Sun?
The International Solar Alliance, founded by India
and the French government during the Paris Climate
meetings in 2015 is set to become legally active
during the French president’s official visit to India in
September. The alliance, known as the ISA, will be
hosting its first international summit during this time.
Formed by 121 solar-resource rich countries the goal
of the ISA is to provide incentives, partnerships and
set goals to address the worlds energy needs with
special focus on developing countries. While there are
currently only a handful of governments (France, India,
Bangladesh, the Seychelles, Fiji, Niger, Nauru and
Tuvalu) who have ratified the framework the ISA says
it is certain to gain 15 more ratifications from member-
states. Besides France no other Western country has
endorsed the goals set up by the ISA. While many
Western countries will send delegations to the summit,
there are concerns that internal politics may affect the
membership outcome. Undeterred the countries who
have ratified and agreed to endorse the ISA agreement
will continue to implement the ideas and strategies of
the treaty and hope other countries, realizing the social
and economic benefits, will enter and ratify the ISA
objectives. The meeting will be held on December 9th
in New Delhi.“The goal of the International
Solar Alliance is to provide
incentives, partnerships and set
goals to address the worlds energy
needs with special focus on
developing countries.”