Does veganism exist in our religion?

- How can we explain it to a vegan?

- A vegan friend of mine does not eat, wear or use any animal products because he respects the right to life of animals.

- What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan?

Dear Brother / Sister,

The difference between vegetarianism and veganism is that vegetarians consume honey and, according to some, milk and eggs, while vegans do not use any animal products.

Some of the information about vegetarians is as follows:

Major Vegetarian Approaches:

Vegetarians who can eat fish (Pescatarians): Red meat and poultry cannot be eaten, but milk, dairy products, eggs and fish can be eaten.

Vegetarians who do not eat red meat (Semi-Vegetarians): Only red meat is not eaten as the animal food. However, milk, dairy products, eggs, chicken and fish can be eaten.

Vegetarians who consume eggs and milk (Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians): Animal meat cannot be eaten, but milk, dairy products and eggs can be eaten.

Vegetarians who do not eat eggs but consume milk (Lacto-Vegetarians): Animal meat cannot be eaten; eggs cannot be eaten either for fear of ending potential life. Milk and dairy products can be eaten.

Vegetarians who do not consume milk but eat eggs (Ovo Vegetarians): Animal meat, milk and dairy products cannot be eaten, but eggs can be eaten.

Vegetarians who eat only vegetables and fruit (Vegan): Animal meat and animal products (eggs, milk and dairy products) cannot be eaten. No garments or items made from animal products can be used. (Food Engineer Muhittin YILMAZ, Gidacilar.net)

It does not matter whether they eat some meat or no meat from any animal.

- The diet of vegans and vegetarians has been found to be harmful to health. A study in Germany shows that 26% of vegetarians, 52% of vegans and 90% of those who do not take vitamins among them suffer from B12 deficiency and health problems related to it.

- The real issue is this: If those vegans do not believe in Allah and the books He has sent, it is useless to talk to them about the issue because in that case there is no measure of justice to talk about. From this point of view, it is necessary to talk to them primarily on issues of faith.

- If those Vegans believe in one of the three heavenly religions, we find it appropriate to tell them the following: Allah, whom you also believe in, says in the Torah, the Gospel and the Quran that “people can eat the meat and dairy products of animals”. You do not accept it and claim the opposite.

With this claim of yours, you say that Allah does not have pity for animals, does not show compassion, and does not respect the rights of animals. In other words, you say that you are more compassionate, more knowledgeable, more merciful than Allah. This fallacy has nothing to do with belief. You must repent of it immediately.

The prophets Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (pbuh) ate meat, but you do not. So, you are more humane than them... Unbelievable…

- Although Allah states that He has created some animals for humans to benefit from their meat, milk and skin, it is a serious psychological disorder to oppose it and to show your compassion to be at a higher degree than Allah’s compassion.

- From this point of view, those who do not eat meat oppose both Allah’s laws of nature and the laws of health as reported by experts, as well as the laws of nutrition accepted by the majority of people.

Some verses of the Quran regarding the issue are as follows:

“Do ye not see that Allah has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made his bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen?” (Luqman, 31/20)

“And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.” (al-Jasiya, 45/13)

“See they not that it is We Who have created for them - among the things which Our hands have fashioned - cattle, which are under their dominion?- And that We have subjected them to their (use)? of them some do carry them and some they eat: And they have (other) profits from them (besides), and they get (milk) to drink. Will they not then be grateful?” (Yasin, 36/71–73)

“It is Allah Who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and made for you, out of the skins of animals, (tents for) dwellings, which ye find so light (and handy) when ye travel and when ye stop (in your travels); and out of their wool, and their soft fibers (between wool and hair), and their hair, rich stuff and articles of convenience (to serve you) for a time.” (an-Nahl, 16/80)

“And in cattle (too) ye have an instructive example: from within their bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink; there are, in them, (besides), numerous (other) benefits for you; and of their (meat) ye eat.” (al-Muminun, 23/21)

“It is Allah Who made cattle for you, that ye may use some for riding and some for food.” (al-Mumin, 40/79)

“And cattle He has created for you (men): from them ye derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) ye eat.” (an-Nahl,16/5)

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