Is Following a Vegan Lifestyle Allowed in Islam?
Question
Assalāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh, I have been following a vegan lifestyle for the past six years, and I converted to Islam just last year. I wanted to ask for your guidance on whether this lifestyle aligns with Islamic teachings. I do enjoy the taste of meat and other animal products, but I personally choose not to consume them because I am concerned about overconsumption, environmental harm, and waste of resources — issues I also see reflected in the Qur’an. Furthermore, the modern meat and dairy industries are mostly cruel to animals while they are alive, and I worry that labels like halal are sometimes applied only to the act of slaughter in Allah’s name, without ensuring the animal is treated ethically beforehand. I am not questioning the permissibility of meat or other animal products in Islam, but I would be very grateful for your perspective on whether my choice to abstain from them is a sound and balanced approach in light of Islamic teachings. Thank you in advance!
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedWalekum assalam
In Islam, eating meat is halal, it's a sunnah of our prophet ﷺ but leaving a halal food by personal choice is allowed, as long as it is not considered haram or made part of religion.
Allah teaches moderation and forbids waste.
Quran :
كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ
Surah Al-A‘raf 7:31
Translation:
Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely Allah does not like those who waste.
Islam also strongly commands kindness to animals, not only at slaughter but throughout their lives.
Hadees :
إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَتَبَ الإِحْسَانَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ
Sahih Muslim 1955
Translation:
Indeed, Allah has prescribed kindness (excellence) in everything
The Prophet ﷺ warned about cruelty to animals.
Hadees :
دَخَلَتِ امْرَأَةٌ النَّارَ فِي هِرَّةٍ حَبَسَتْهَا
Sahih Bukhari 3318,
Sahih Muslim 2242
Translation:
A woman entered Hell because of a cat which she had confined. She neither fed it nor let it eat from the creatures of the earth.
At the same time, halal things must not be declared haram.
Quran :
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُحَرِّمُوا طَيِّبَاتِ مَا أَحَلَّ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ
Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:87
Translation:
O you who believe, do not make unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you.
Islam judges actions by intention.
Hadees :
إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
Sahih Bukhari 1
Translation:
Actions are judged by intentions
Congratulations on accepting Islam.
May Allah grant you peace, balance, and a righteous life in Islam. Aameen
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
February 01, 2026
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