Can Muslims consume meat slaughtered by someone who Neglects salah (prayer)?

In a Nutshell: The permissibility of consuming meat slaughtered by someone who neglects Salah (prayer) hinges on the reason behind their neglect. Meat slaughtered by someone who explicitly rejects prayer (disbelief) is impermissible. However, meat from someone who habitually neglects prayer (sinful act) might be permissible according to some scholarly opinions, with certain conditions. Introduction Muslims are meticulous about consuming only halal meat, ensuring it is slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines. This includes the proper recitation of Tasmiyah (saying Bismillah [In the name of Allah]), the swift and humane method of slaughter and the slaughterer's adherence to Islamic practices. One common question that arises is whether meat slaughtered by someone who neglects Salah (prayer) is permissible for consumption. Background and Context Importance of Halal Meat in Islam Consuming halal meat is a fundamental obligation for Muslims. The Quran explicitly states that only permitted (Halal) and good things are consumable (Quran 2:168). Halal meat signifies that the animal was slaughtered according to Islamic requirements, ensuring its purity and ethical treatment of the animal. Muslims take this responsibility seriously, seeking meat from reputable sources that adhere to Islamic regulations. Significance of Salah in Islam Salah, the five daily prayers, is one of the pillars of Islam. It is a direct connection between a believer and Allah (swt), expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness and strengthening faith. Neglecting Salah is considered a major sin, with severe consequences mentioned in various hadiths. Evidences Quranic Verses The Quran establishes the importance of consuming halal meat and emphasizes the significance of Salah. Here are some key verses: On halal Meat: Eat not that on which Allah's Name hath not been pronounced (at the time of slaughter) and that is surely a transgression (even) if you excuse yourselves (saying) 'We found it the practice of our forefathers,' - Nay, it is but a vain fancy which they follow; nor have they any knowledge (of the truth). Certainly they who forge a lie are evildoers (Quran 6:145). He hath forbidden you only dead meat and blood and the flesh of swine and that which hath been slaughtered for an idol; but if one is compelled by necessity, without wilful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then he is guiltless. Truly, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful (Quran 2:173). On the Importance of Prayer: Establish regular prayer, at the declining of the sun (time of Asr) till the darkness of the night (time of Maghrib) and the Qur'anic reading of dawn (Fajr). Prayer at the dawning of the day (Fajr) is indeed witnessed (by the angels). And be constant in observance of prayer during the two parts of the day (noon and afternoon) and the close of night (Isha). Truly, good deeds (prayer) ward off evil deeds (sinful acts). This is a reminder for the mindful ones (Quran 11:114-115). Woe to those who (habitually) neglect their Prayer (Quran 107:4-5). These verses highlight the importance of both consuming halal meat and performing Salah regularly. Hadiths on Proper Slaughtering and Conduct of the Slaughterer The Prophet (pbuh) provided specific instructions on the proper method of slaughter (Dhabihah) and the expected conduct of the slaughterer. Here are some relevant hadiths: Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, Sharpen your knife and put the animal at ease. (Sahih al-Bukhari) Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, Whoever slaughters an animal and does not recite the Tasmiyah (Bismillah) upon it, then it is not lawful to eat from it. (Sahih Muslim) These hadiths emphasize the humane treatment of animals during slaughter and the necessity of the slaughterer pronouncing the Tasmiyah with the intention of slaughtering for the sake of Allah (swt). While these hadiths do not explicitly mention the prayer habits of the slaughterer, they establish the importance of the slaughterer's religious awareness and proper conduct. Consuming Slaughtered Meat Differentiating Between Kufr (Disbelief) and Fisq (Sinful Act) The permissibility of consuming meat slaughtered by someone who neglects Salah hinges on differentiating between kufr (disbelief) and fisq (a sinful act). If the person neglects Salah due to outright rejection of prayer and its obligation, then they have potentially committed disbelief (kufr). Meat slaughtered by someone in a state of kufr is impermissible for consumption, as the act of slaughter would no longer be considered a religious act. However, if the person neglecting Salah still recognizes its importance but fails to uphold it due to weakness of faith or sinful tendencies, they are committing an act of fisq. The scholarly debate revolves around whether consuming meat slaughtered by such a person falls under permissibility or not. Scholarly Opinions from Different Madhahib Juristic schools of thought (madhahib) have different perspectives on the permissibility of meat slaughtered by a Muslim who neglects Salah due to fisq (sinful act): Hanafi Madhab: The Hanafi school maintains that meat remains permissible unless the person explicitly denies the obligation of prayer. As long as they acknowledge the importance of Salah, neglecting it falls under fisq. Maliki Madhab: The Maliki school distinguishes between neglectful sinners and those who habitually engage in major sins. The meat is permissible with dislike (makruh). Shafi'i Madhab: The Shafi'i school takes a stricter stance, stating that meat slaughtered by someone who habitually neglects Salah is impermissible for consumption. Hanbali Madhab: The Hanbali school emphasizes the importance of the slaughterer's moral uprightness, maintaining that meat from someone who neglects prayer is disliked (makruh). Some schools of thought that advocate the potential permissibility of meat slaughtered by a sinful Muslim place conditions for such consumption: The slaughterer must be a Muslim who acknowledges the fundamental beliefs of Islam. The Tasmiyah (Bismillah) must be recited at the time of slaughter. The animal must be permissible for consumption by Islamic law. Conclusion Consuming meat slaughtered by someone who neglects Salah is a complex issue with varying scholarly opinions. While the consensus prohibits meat slaughtered by someone in open disbelief (kufr), there is debate surrounding the permissibility of meat slaughtered by a sinful Muslim who still acknowledges the obligation of prayer.