Is Deer Halal? The Answer You Need To Know

Deer meat is a popular food source in many cultures around the world, but the question is; Is deer halal? In this post, we will explore the Islamic perspective on deer meat, discussing the criteria for determining whether or not it is permissible for Muslims to consume.

Whether you are a Muslim looking to expand your meat options, or simply curious about the halal status of deer meat, this post will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Is Deer Halal?

Yes, deer meat is Halal because it is not a swine but rather a cattle animal. In Islam, most cattle or livestock animals are halal. Similarly, hunting a deer is only halal if it is done for food and in accordance with Islamic principles.

Why Is Deer Halal?

Basically all animals are Halal except those that are made unlawful in Shari’a. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning):

Say (O Muhammad SAW): “I find not in that which has been inspired to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maytatah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork, etc.) for that surely is impure,….

Surah Al An’am verse 145

Allah also says (interpretation of the meaning):

And of the grazing livestock are carriers [of burdens] and those [too] small. Eat of what Allah has provided for you and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

Surah Al An’am 142

Deer are halal, i.e. permissible to eat, even if they may appear to have “fangs.”

Narrated by Imam Muslim, Ibn ‘Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited the eating of all fanged beasts of prey, and all the birds having talons.

This hadith is understood to refer to predatory animals that use their fangs/talons for hunting.

There are numerous animals that possess exaggerated incisor teeth that may resemble fangs.

Examples include some camels, some deer, and rabbits. However, these animals are not predatory and do not use their “fangs” for hunting, and hence they do not fall under the prohibition mentioned above.

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Is Deer Meat Halal?

Yes, deer meat is halal. But you should know that when purchasing deer meat, it is important to check that the meat has been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines and to be aware of any other factors that might make the meat haram (forbidden), such as the use of haram chemicals or additives.

The Correct Method of Slaughtering Animals in Islam

According to Islamic law, the Arabic word for the ritual of slaughtering animals is known as Dhabihah, which essentially deems the slaughtered meat as ‘halal’ or permissible to eat.

It is applicable on the slaughter of lawful (halal) animals like chicken, sheep, goat, cow etc., and becomes null and void on the slaughter of unlawful animals like pigs, dogs, cats etc.

The method of zabihah is governed by a set of strict rules which need to be followed.

The slaughter needs to be carried out by a Muslim or Ahlul Kitab

Only a Muslim or someone who is Ahlul Kitab (people of the Book), can carry out the task for the meat to be deemed halal.

Start by reciting Allah’s (SWT) name

The first step is to recite the name of Allah (SWT). This is to take Allah’s (SWT) permission and to carry out the slaughter under His name and His name only; the slaughter cannot be made under the name of any other deity.

Slaughter the animal with a sharp knife (sharp cutting tool)

The animal must be sacrificed with a sharp knife in order to minimize the pain and it must be done quickly. A blunt knife will only prolong the whole ordeal, causing more pain to the animal.

Directly pierce the throat, windpipe and blood vessels of the animal

The person must place the knife directly over the throat and windpipe of the animal and make the cut as precisely as possible, cutting off all the blood vessels but not the spinal cord itself (cutting the spinal cord can damage the nerve fibers which can cause the animal to go into cardiac arrest, stagnating the blood).

This causes the animal to die quickly and with minimal pain.

Drain the blood

All the blood needs to be drained from the body before the head of the animal is removed.

This is to purify the animal’s body of any type of bacteria, toxins or germs that may reside in the blood of the animal, which can lead to different types of illnesses.

The Dhabihah method of slaughter is perhaps the most humane and merciful way of slaughtering animals, minimizing the pain and suffering of the living animal as much as possible.

According to IslamQA, if you shoot the deer with the rifle and mention the name of Allah, and hit the deer, and it dies from that shot, then it is halaal and it is permissible to eat it. If you catch up with it when it is still alive, it is essential that you slaughter it properly.

In conclusion, deer is considered halal for Muslims to eat, provided it is slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

As always, it is important to be mindful of the source and preparation of the meat to ensure it is permissible to consume.