Is Turkey Halal? The ANSWER You Need To Know

Turkey is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lean cut of meat. Is turkey halal? In this article and guide, we’ll highlight whether turkey is halal or haram in Islam. Want to learn more about the halal status of turkey and other birds? Continue reading to learn more.

Is Turkey Halal?

Yes, turkey is halal with no stated prohibition provided it is slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. It is permissible to eat turkey meat because there is nothing to indicate that it is haraam. That is because the basic principle is that all birds are halal, because Allah says:

“Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maytah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork); for that surely, is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, or on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But whosoever is forced by necessity without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits; (for him) certainly, your Lord is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [Surah al-An’aam verse 145].

Excluded from this is that for which there is evidence that it is haraam, of which there are four types based on the evidence:

Birds which have talons with which they catch prey, because of the report narrated by Muslim (1934) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said:

• The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade every wild animal with fangs and every bird with talons.
• Bird which eats carrion, such as vultures and speckled crows.
• Bird which it is forbidden to kill, such as hoopoes.
• Bird which is off-putting, such as bats.

Everything apart from that is halal and permissible in principle.

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Halal Slaughter of Animals

In Islam, animals that are not from the sea (crabs, shrimps etc) must be slaughtered in the halal way. The general guidelines for slaughter of poultry and animals are as follows:

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

Only a Muslim or an Ahlul Kitab (people of the Book) can perform the task required for the meat to be halal.

Begin by reciting the name of Allah (SWT).

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

Slaughter the animal with a sharp knife.

The animal must be sacrificed quickly and with a sharp knife in order to minimise pain. A blunt knife will only prolong the ordeal and cause the animal more pain.

Directly pierce the animal’s throat, windpipe, and blood vessels.

The person must place the knife directly over the animal’s throat and windpipe and cut as precisely as possible, removing all blood vessels but not the spinal cord itself. This causes the animal to die quickly and painlessly.

Drain the blood

Before removing the animal’s head, all of the blood must be drained from the body. This is done to purify the animal’s body of any bacteria, toxins, or germs that may be present in the animal’s blood and cause various illnesses.

Is Turkey Meat Halal?

Yes, eating turkey meat is halal and permissible. However, for the turkey meat to be considered halal, it must be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law.

Conclusion

Turkey is widely accepted as halal meat if slaughtered in an Islamic manner. The difficult part is locating the right source; you must ensure that the supplier slaughters the meat in a halal manner.

As a result, before purchasing turkey or any halal product in general, we encourage you to do your research and vet suppliers.