Title: Cruelty to Animals... Question: Why Halaal meat? What is the significance of such prescription? Does it not involve avoidable cruelty to the animals? What are Islam's views on vegetarianism? I am indeed grateful to you for your clear and educative replies. Answer: Islam has no objection to voluntary vegetarianism. However, it does not promote it. For explanation of Halaal meat, please refer to my detailed article on the topic, titled ' Directives of the Shari`ah Regarding Edibles '. Regards, October 16, 2000