Q 16: If we are living in a city whose people are neither Muslims nor from the People of the Book, is it permissible for us to eat their meat Would we be like those who are compelled by necessity? Or should we only eat vegetarian food? Similarly, when we are on board an aircraft with supplies from non-Muslim countries, is it permissible to eat the food that is served to us?

A: If the country you mentioned is a country of the People of the Book, it is permissible to eat their slaughtered meat, except for what Allah (Exalted be He) makes unlawful such as pork, carrion and the animals that are unlawfully slaughtered.If you feel suspicions concerning the meals served to you and the possibility that it may contain pork, for example, you should ask about the contents of such meals. You should also trust them if they told you that the meat is not pork. However, if you were living in a country in which the population is made up of communists and atheists, it is not permissible for you to eat meat of their slaughtered animals, except if you are compelled by necessity which permits eating carrion; flesh of dead animals, for Allah (Glorified be He) says: (Part No. 22; Page No. 419)  ...while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity And Allah (Glorified be He) in Surah Al-Ma'idah, after He mentioned the unlawful things, says: Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maitah (the dead animals - cattle - beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine until He says: But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above mentioned meats), then surely, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Indeed, Muslims are only permitted to eat the meat of the animals that they lawfully slaughter. The only exception made to this rule is given to the meat of the People of the Book provided that they mention the Name of Allah (Exalted be He) when slaughtering it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.