Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	This Meat Debate Is Starting To Confuse Me
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 12/11/2001 11:27 AM MST

Sat Siri Akaal!!!

I have been following this site as much as I can and appreciate all the answers both to myself and others. But let me tell you that some of the meat talk is spinning my head around!

Please correct me if I am wrong. My studies have told me that it was halal meat which was taboo, is this right? I don't understand why it has been forbidden to eat meat which has been slaughtered in Muslim fashion. Besides this, I don't know of any teachings against meat at all. Any references to look up are most welcome.

For the record, I live in a cold part of the United States where eating chicken wings seems mandatory! My attitude is that even if you eat meat you ought not forget the One who made the animal flesh that sustains the human body, but this is just one lady's opinion!

Thanks!

Elizabeth
*********
REPLY
***********
Dear Elizabeth:
Sat Siri Akaal. The problem is that many otherwise observant Sikhs do not believe eating meat is wrong. And the SGPC that codified the Rehit says that eating halaal meat (when the animal dies slowly, rather than a merciful, instant death) is wrong. There are, however, a whole lot of Sikhs who interpret Guru's teaching to mean NO meat eating.

As you grow into your spiritual path, you may find that eating meat ceases to appeal to you. Your final comment about remembering the One is well-taken in any case. And, if you do decide to give up meat, I can tell you that it is quite possible to live as a vegetarian in cold climes. I know vegetarians in Canada!

Guru rakha,
-DKK