Title: Some Clarifications Regarding Prohibitions in Edibles... Question: Masha Allah , your website is the most beneficial for me in many regards. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations for it. My name is Mohammed Ayub Khan and I am a 23 year old student of Hifz in Chicago. I have already completed 2 years of college and intend to finish the rest later on. I request to pray for me to complete my memorization at the earliest. Myself and Dr.Sabeel Ahmed also of Chicago have been interacting with Sam Shamoun for a long time. Your compelling answers to him are most appreciated. Lastly, I would like you to answer the following question. There is a lot of confusion these days regarding the Islamic concept of " Jallalah [1] " and animal feed. Some individuals as well as animal rights organizations (e.g., www.islamveg.com ) are campaigning that since most of the animal feed contains extracts from other animals, the rule of Jallalah applies here and hence Muslims cannot consume any meat in the North American Continent. My questions are as follows: What is the definition of "Jallalah" ? Are there differences among the Ulema regarding its definition? Since animal extracts that are used in the feed undergo a long process in which they are changed from their original state, does the rule of " Jallalah " apply here? Does mishandling or mistreatment of animals before slaughter restrict Muslims not to eat of their meat or use their leather? I hope the learned Ulema [2] will answer these questions and clear up the confusion. Wassalaam , Answer: Answers to your questions follow: " Jallalah " is an Arabic termed used for such animals who, due to their habit of eating filth (like defecations of other animals etc.) develop a strong repulsive stench in their meat (and milk). There is no difference in the implication of the word " Jallalah " in the eyes of the Muslim jurists and scholars. However, there is some difference of opinion between them regarding the prohibition of its meat and milk. In my opinion, the rule of " Jallalah " does not apply to animals raised on processed feed. Mishandling and ill treatment of animals, irrespective of it being a great sin, does not render the animal inedible; the products extracted from such an animal can still be used, subject to any conditions of the Shari`ah that may apply to it. I hope this helps. September 20, 2000 [1] " Jallalah " is an Arabic word used for those animals who due to their habit of eating filth, develop a stench in their meat. [2] i.e. scholars.