Hares
Etymology
- Arabic: أرنب (arnab), plural أرانب (arānib)
- Hebrew: אַרְנֶבֶת (Arnevet)
Definition
In Islamic dietary law, hares (arnab in Arabic) are considered lawful (halal) for consumption. This ruling is based on historical records that indicate the Prophet Muhammad ate hare meat and recommended it to his companions.
Islamic Perspective
In Islamic jurisprudence, the consumption of hare meat is lawful. This permissibility is derived from the practices and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, where it is known that he consumed hare meat. This endorsement is reflected in classical Islamic legal texts, such as the “Hidāyah.”
Reference
- Hidāyah, vol. iv. p. 75: An important Islamic legal text that contains jurisprudential rulings, including those related to dietary laws.
Comparative Religious Dietary Laws
- Judaism: In Mosaic Law, the hare is listed among the unclean animals, and its consumption is prohibited. References can be found in Leviticus 11:6 and Deuteronomy 14:7.
- Parsees (Zoroastrians): The consumption of hare’s flesh is not customary.
- Armenians: Traditionally, Armenians also refrain from eating hare meat.
Cultural Significance
Throughout history, cultures have differed in their views on the consumption of hares. While the Greeks and Romans included hare in their diet despite some beliefs about its wholesomeness, the religious dietary laws of Jews, Parsees, and Armenians prescribe otherwise.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Hidāyah: A Classic Manual of Hanafi Law” by Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani: This text provides comprehensive coverage of Hanafi jurisprudence, including dietary laws.
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Joseph Schacht: Provides a broad introduction to various principles and specifics of Islamic jurisprudence, including what is considered halal.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- The consumption of hare meat is considered halal in Islam, rooted in the practices recorded from the Prophet Muhammad.
- There are varying perspectives on hare consumption across different religions.
- Understanding these differences provides an insight into how religious beliefs shape dietary practices and cultural traditions.
Exploring more about these diverse dietary laws can provide a comprehensive understanding of how historic, religious, and cultural contexts influence the acceptance or prohibition of certain foods.
