Here’s how to talk to your Muslim family about ethical eating and veganism
Key Takeaways
It is always best to start by understanding your family’s point of view. Food such as meat-based dishes often have cultural and emotional significance for people. So, before sharing your thoughts, learn where your loved ones are coming from.
As veganism and similar ideas are often misunderstood, it is best to frame your decision about ethical eating in Islamic beliefs, such as stewardship (khilafah), precaution (ihtiyat), and mercy (rahmah).
Words are important, but actions are more impactful. Cook delicious plant-based food for your family, address related issues like health benefits, and always be respectful. Patience and persistence will result in gradual change.
Awkwardness at the dinner table
Every Muslim who has ever adopted a plant-based diet has faced the following situation.
We’re at a family dinner, surrounded by traditional meat-based dishes like biryani, kebabs, butter chicken, kabsa, etc. Sooner or later, someone notices the daal (lentil curry) on our plate and asks, “You’re not eating meat?” In response, we explain that we no longer eat meat (or any animal products). An awkward bit of silence is followed by them saying: “But it’s okay, it's halal!”
Conversations like these are not only awkward but daunting as well. Especially for those new to their ethical eating journey. Family members may view veganism or reducing animal product consumption as unnecessary, extreme, or even un-Islamic.
But these conversations don’t always have to be awkward and daunting. With patience, understanding, and the right approach, these discussions can lead to a deeper understanding of ethics and compassionate living in Islam.
Below, we provide guidance on handling these conversations with confidence and respect.
Start by understanding where your family is coming from
Before starting a conversation about ethical eating, it’s important to understand your family’s perspective.
For human beings in general, food is more than just sustenance. It carries deeply ingrained cultural and religious significance. For example, at almost every point in human history, meat consumption in particular has been treated as a sign of high social status in most cultures [1]. The same is the case with Muslim cultures. Older generations often view meat as a sign of prosperity and hospitality, especially if they’re from cultures where food is a central part of gatherings and celebrations, as is the case with many Muslim countries in South Asia and the Middle East.
For the same reason, many people have emotional attachments to the food they consume. Certain dishes are tied to cherished family traditions and memories, which makes any deviation from their dietary norms feel like a rejection of their heritage.
On top of all this, we often have religious misconceptions, too. Some Muslims may believe that eating meat is a religious duty rather than simply a permissible option.
So, before discussing veganism or ethical eating, taking the time to listen to your family’s views and concerns will give you a better idea of where they’re approaching the conversation from and help you frame your thoughts in a way that resonates with them.
Frame the conversation in Islamic terms
Things like veganism and ethical eating often have negative connotations attached to them. They are perceived as Western ideologies or fads and are often grouped together with social justice causes which some might be opposed to.
One of the most effective ways to deal with this, and highlight Islamic veganism or Islamic ethical eating as an idea grounded in authentic religious concerns, is to root the conversation in Islamic principles:
1. Stewardship (Khilafah)
Islam teaches that humans have been appointed as Khulafah (stewards) of the Earth. Therefore, even though we are free to enjoy Allah’s (SWT) blessings, we must do so mindfully. Caring for the environment and minimizing harm is a divine responsibility for us:
“Eat and drink of Allah’s provisions, and do not go about spreading corruption in the land.” – The Holy Qur’an (2:60)
Industrial animal agriculture abuses animals and the environment – it is a leading cause of deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions – and it goes against our role as Khulafah. Therefore, reducing animal product consumption can be framed as an act of stewardship.
2. Halal and Tayyib
While people are quick to point out that eating animal products is halal in Islam, they often forget the second part – that our food must be tayyib (pure) as well:
“O humanity! Eat from what is halal and tayyib on the Earth and do not follow Satan’s footsteps.” – The Holy Qur’an (2:168)
The word tayyib has been variously translated and understood as good, wholesome, and pure i.e. free from physical and moral impurities.
With the widespread abuse of animals in modern factory farms, even halal ones, it is doubtful whether food obtained from such sources can be considered free from any physical or moral impurities.
3. Precaution (Ihtiyat)
Following on from the previous point – if there is doubt about animal products being produced in an Islamic manner, then it is better to avoid them. This follows the fundamental principle of Islamic law about exercising precaution (ihtiyat) in matters of doubt.
This principle is based on the following hadith:
“Both halal and haram things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honor.” – Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (Sahih Bukhari, 52)
Through veganism and ethical eating, we can bypass such doubtful matters because plant-based diets, by default, are halal and tayyib.
4. Avoiding Excessiveness (Israf)
Islam warns against excess in all things, including food.
“Eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Qur’an 7:31)
In today’s world, overconsumption of meat and other animal products is not a necessity but a modern lifestyle choice (one that is a danger to human health). Since immediately calling for a complete abandonment of such products may not be well received, starting with a call for moderation can make the idea more acceptable.
5. Compassion and Mercy (Rahmah)
Lastly, we have narrations in the hadith literature where people refrained from slaughtering animals purely out of mercy, and the Prophet (SAW) was appreciative of such acts:
A man said, 'Messenger of Allah, I was going to slaughter a sheep and then I felt sorry for it (or 'sorry for the sheep I was going to slaughter').' He said twice, 'Since you showed mercy to the sheep, Allah will show mercy to you.' (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, 373)
Ethical eating aligns with this principle by reducing harm to animals raised in industrial farms under inhumane and un-Islamic conditions.
Address the heart of the matter - the ‘halal’ industry
As we said at the start, “But it’s halal, so it’s fine!” is something we hear all the time. It’s understandable why most Muslims feel this way - the concept of halal carries a certain spiritual reassurance within it. That what we’re eating is pure and sanctioned by Allah (SWT). However, what we must make our loved ones realize is that not everything labelled “Halal” today lives up to the word.
We must tell them that things are now vastly different than how they were in the Prophet’s (SWT) time. In those days, animals were not farmed in large, profit-driven facilities. They were part of people’s lives, and their slaughter was done rarely, and with taqwa. What happens in today’s halal farms is the exact opposite:
Cruelty cases are frequently lodged against halal farms.
False halal labelling is becoming rampant.
The inhumane treatment of animals at halal farms is in no way aligned with Islamic ethics.
Adding to the injustice against animals, halal farms have become a human rights issue as well.
So, when you’re speaking to your family, share these examples and ask them: Does all of this truly reflect the spirit of Halal taught by the Prophet (SAW)?
Some useful and practical tips
Lead by example
Rather than relying simply on words, show the benefits of ethical eating through action. The best way to do this is by cooking and sharing delicious plant-based meals that your family will enjoy.
Look for common ground
Highlight plant-based foods that your family already loves, such as hummus, daal, falafel, and various South Asian vegetable curries. Tell your family about how these foods provide all the necessary proteins, iron, and other essential nutrients that a human body needs (though vegans may need to add B12 supplements).
Address health concerns
A lot of our elders suffer from serious conditions such as heart disease or cancer. Many have lost loved ones to such diseases. So, mention how plant-based diets have health benefits like lower cholesterol and a reduced chance of various types of cancer.
Use personal statements
In such discussions, it is always a good idea to avoid a preachy tone and use personal statements instead. For example, instead of saying “You should stop eating animal products”, say something like, “I feel healthier and closer to God because of my choice to not eat animal products.”
Be patient and inspire gradual change
Adopting ethical eating doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Encourage small steps, like reducing animal product consumption or choosing sustainable and humane food sources. Change happens gradually, so always be patient and don’t expect immediate agreement.
Even if your loved ones don’t change immediately, your actions and words may inspire them in the future.
[1] Bjørkdahl, K., & Lykke, K. V. (2023). Live, die, buy, eat: a cultural history of animals and meat (p. 321). Taylor & Francis.
