TOPIC: Is Non-vegetarian Food Permitted Or Prohibited For Human Being?
Dr. Zakir Naik v/s Rashmibhai Zaveri (Patkar Hall, Mumbai, India, 9th May 1999) The Almighty Creator has permitted consumption of meat of certain animals. However in recent times, Vegetarianism as a way of life is being strongly propagated worldwide by vegetarians. In this dialogue, Dr. Zakir Naik gives a very informative and fitting reply to the contentions of propagators of vegetarians.
The genesis of this dialogue is as follows: In the year 1999, in India, the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha (commonly known as Bakri Eid in India) fell on the same day as "Mahavir Jayanti", a Jain festival to commemorate the birthday of Mahavir, the founder of Jainism. Since the Jain community observes vegetarianism as a way of life, they appealed to Muslims all over India to NOT sacrifice animals on the day of Bakri Eid this year, out of respect for the sentiments of the Jain community. With this objective in mind, Mr. Dhanraj Salecha, who is an active member of the vegetarian movement in India, and who is also the President of the Rushabh Foundation in Mumbai, visited the office of the Islamic Research Foundation. He brought with him a lot of literature on vegetarianism and on the theme of mercy to all creatures as mentioned in various religious scriptures. He also stated, "according to the Qur'an killing animals for meat is prohibited". (Similar banners were also put on various streets of Mumbai).
Some discussions took place and he suggested that such a dialogue should be held in public so that the masses at large get to hear and know both the viewpoints and form their own judgement. Accordingly Rushabh Foundation proposed Mr. Rashmibhai Zaveri, who is the President of Indian Vegetarian Congress, Mumbai, to speak on their behalf, at a public dialogue with Dr. Zakir Naik, President of the Islamic Research Foundation, on the topic, "IS NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD PERMITTED OR PROHIBITED FOR A HUMAN BEING?" This debate was held on 9th May 1999 at 10.00 a.m. at Patkar Hall, Mumbai. Mr. Rashmibhai Zaveri was the first to speak. He spoke for 50 minutes. Dr. Zakir Naik in his presentation successfully refuted each and every point of Mr. Rashmibhai Zaveri. Moreover, Dr. Zakir Naik raised some important issues supporting the permissibility of consumption of non-vegetarian food. Mr. Rashmibhai Zaveri did not reply to any of the issues raised by Dr. Zakir Naik.
There was a huge turnout of audience members and there was great enthusiasm during the Question and Answer Session. Both the speakers were posed questions. Dr. Zakir Naik gave convincing replies. In order to have a good feel of this dialogue, to understand this issue better and to judge for yourself, we suggest that you view the tape of this debate, "IS NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD PERMITTED OR PROHIBITED FOR A HUMAN BEING?" released by the Islamic Research Foundation.
