Q 11: What is the ruling on eating the meat of animals slaughtered by a Murtad (apostate) who pronounces the Name of Allah when slaughtering the animal?

A: It is not permissible for a Muslim to eat the meat of animals that were slaughtered by a Murtad. This is the view held by Al-Hanabilah (the followers of Imam Ahmad's School of Jurisprudence). The same view is also attributed to Malik, Al-Shafi`y, and Al-Hanafiyyah. The reason is that the religion to which the Murtad converts is held as a false religion. Accordingly, he has the same ruling that is applied to a pagan. Besides, if he adopts Judaism or Christianity, the rulings Islam applies to the People of the Book, like Jizyah (poll tax required from non-Muslims living in an Islamic state), will not be applicable to him, nor will he be taken as a slave. A Muslim is also not allowed to marry an apostate woman. The Murtad has to be killed for apostasy. This is based on the general meaning of the Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: ''If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him." The Prophet's command to kill the Murtad indicates that his life is not sanctified and therefore it is unlawful to eat the animals he slaughters.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.