In China, is it okay to eat from dishes made from bones? I don’t know where the bones come from in China though.
Any meat killed by polytheists who are not from the People of the Book is “maytah,” which means it came from an animal that was found dead or wasn’t killed in the way that Islamic teaching says it should be killed, even if the animal was killed in the right way. See the answer to question no. 34496.
When it comes to using the bones of these animals, scholars had different ideas about whether they were pure (taahir) and halaal and whether the meat from these animals could be eaten or not.
There is disagreement among scholars about whether the bones are pure or not. The Hanafis, on the other hand, said that they were pure.
Animal bones that have been killed are always impure (najis), even if the meat of those animals can be eaten. They can’t be made pure under any circumstances. This is the view of Maalik, ash-Shaafa‘i and Is-haaq.
Ath-Thawri and Abu Haneefah think that they are pure (taahir) because they don’t die, so they can’t become dirty like hair does when it grows out.
Also, flesh and skin are considered dirty because they come into contact with blood and other fluids, but bones are not.
“Say, ‘He will give them life who made them in the first place, and He knows everything.’”
Pain and sensitivity are also signs of life, and pain in the bones is worse than pain in the flesh and skin.
And everything that is alive can die, because death is when life ends. And things that can die become dirty after they die, like flesh.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) regarded this view as more likely to be correct. See: ash-Sharh al-Mumti‘ (1/93).
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) favoured the view of the Hanafis and said:
It is believed by Abu Haneefah that the hair, feathers, and fur of dead animals, as well as their hooves and other similar parts, are all pure (taahir). This is also believed by Maalik and Ahmad.
The main idea behind this point of view is that these things are pure, and there is no evidence to suggest that they are not pure.
Furthermore, these things belong to the category of at-tayyibaat (things that are good and wholesome), not al-khabaa’ith (things that are evil and unclean). Because of this, they are included in the verse of tahleel (the verse that says what you can eat, which is al-Maa’idah 5:4) because they are not among the evil and unclean things that Allah has explicitly or implicitly forbidden.
The verse in which Allah, may He be praised, says, “Prohibited to you are dead animals” (interpretation of the meaning) is an example of clear language. Life comes in two forms: animal life and plant life. This verse doesn’t talk about hair or other things that are dead because what is dead is the opposite of what is alive. The main characteristics of the life of animals are sensitivity and voluntary movement. The main characteristics of the life of plants is growth and nourishment.
The only kind of maytah (dead meat) that is not allowed is meat that could feel and move on its own when it was alive. Hair grows and gets food; it grows like plants, but plants don’t feel (sensitivity) or move on their own, and they don’t have life in the same way that animals do, so when that life leaves them, they might be thought of as dead. Hence they cannot be regarded as impure (najis).
If someone says that bones and other things like that are part of maytah because they become najis, that person could be told, “You are not paying attention to the general meaning of the wording.” This is because according to you and most scholars, things that don’t have a circulatory system, like flies, scorpions, and beetles, don’t become impure, even though they die like animals do.”
In this case, it is known that the maytah becomes impure because it holds on to blood. Since something without a circulatory system doesn’t have blood flowing through it, it doesn’t become impure when it dies. Also, it doesn’t hold on to blood.
So, it’s more accurate to say that bones and other similar things don’t become impure than to say the same thing about beetles. This is because bones don’t have blood flowing through them and they don’t move on their own unless muscles move them.
If an animal with feelings or senses moves on its own, it doesn’t become dirty because it doesn’t have any flowing blood. So how can bones become impure, that also contain no flowing blood?.
If that’s the case, the bones, hooves, horns, trotters, and other things like that don’t have any flowing blood, so they can’t become dirty. This is the view of the majority of the earlier generations.
Az-Zuhri said: The most righteous people of this ummah used combs made from elephant bones (that is, ivory).
There is a famous hadith that talks about ivory. Some people have doubts about it, but this is not the place to talk about them. We do not need to quote it as evidence. Even though skin is made of maytah and blood flows through it, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that tanning could make it pure because it dries it out and takes away its moisture.
This means that moisture is what makes it dirty, but bones don’t have a circulatory system, so any moisture from the circulatory system that might be in them dries out. Bones can also last longer than skin, so it is more accurate to say that bones are cleaner than skin.
If these vessels are made from the bones of animals whose meat can be eaten and were killed by a Muslim, a kitaabi (a member of the People of the Book), a Jew, or a Christian, then they are clean and can be used.
However, if it is not the case, which is most likely the case in China, then they are considered maytah, and there are strong disagreements about what to do with the bones of maytah (dead animals that were not killed in the proper way). Just to be safe with his religious beliefs, it is best for the Muslim to stay away from them. There are many other kinds of vessels available.
On the other hand, if these vessels are made from bones of dead animals that have been burned and turned into ashes, then the ashes are not dirty because they have been transformed into something pure.
For Muslims who closely follow halal dietary restrictions navigating food additives and ingredients can be tricky. Beef bone extract is one such additive that elicits questions regarding its halal status.
This natural flavor enhancer appears in small amounts in various processed foods. But is it truly halal?
In this article, I’ll examine what beef bone extract is, how it’s made, which Islamic opinions allow it, and what to consider when determining if a product with beef bone extract is halal certified
What is Beef Bone Extract?
First, let’s start with what exactly beef bone extract is.
Beef bone extract, also sometimes called beef stock or beef broth is a liquid additive made by simmering beef bones and bone marrow in water for extended periods of time. This extracts the collagen marrow, minerals and flavors from the bones into the water.
The resulting beef bone extract is used as a natural flavoring and additive in various foods, including:
- Bouillon cubes
- Soups
- Sauces
- Gravies
- Pet foods
- Gelatin products
It provides a rich, meaty, umami flavor to foods, which is why food manufacturers add it in small amounts. It’s a close relative to gelatin, only in liquid form instead of solid.
How is Beef Bone Extract Produced?
There are a few common methods of manufacturing beef bone extract for commercial use:
Simmering bones – Bones are simmered for 12-24 hours to extract collagen, marrow, and minerals into the water. Acid like vinegar can be added to help break down the bones. The liquid is strained.
Steam extraction – Bones are steamed under pressure in water for several hours to extract the marrow and collagen. This cooks faster.
Hydrolysis – Bones are treated with hydrochloric acid and enzymes to hydrolyze the collagen, then filtered.
Calcination – Bones are roasted at high heat to remove the organic material, then treated with hydrochloric acid.
The resulting clear, amber colored beef bone extract is concentrated down and bottled for sale as a commercial additive. Manufacturers mix it into their products in small amounts.
Islamic Perspective on Beef Bone Extract
When determining if a food additive like beef bone extract is halal, scholars examine the method of production and ingredients to see if they comply with Islamic dietary laws.
In the case of beef bone extract, there are differing views among Islamic schools of thought:
-
Hanafi – Considers beef bone extract to be impure (najis) due to originating from bovine bones. It would only be halal if transformed into a completely different substance.
-
Maliki – Views the bones as pure, and the extract as halal since it was rendered permissible through boiling.
-
Shafi’i – Regards the extract as pure and halal provided proper slaughtering techniques were used on the cattle.
-
Hanbali – Deems beef bone extract to be halal on the basis that bones of properly slaughtered animals are pure.
Considerations for Halal Certification
When determining if a food containing beef bone extract is halal compliant, here are some key points to look for:
-
Sourcing – The beef bones should come from animals slaughtered in a Sharia-compliant method, such as hand slaughtering.
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Ingredients – Aside from water and bones, other ingredients like preservatives and stabilizers should also be halal.
-
Processing – There should be strict protocols for cleanliness and avoiding cross-contamination with haram products.
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Certification – Look for certification from halal agencies like the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA).
-
Percentage – The amount of beef bone extract should ideally be minimal compared to the overall product.
-
Alternatives – Checking for halal-certified vegetarian or chicken alternatives can avoid doubt.
Beef Bone Extract in Food Products
Beef bone extract is found in small amounts in a variety of processed foods, particularly bouillon cubes, soups, sauces and gravies. Here are a few examples:
- Knorr bouillon cubes
- Liebig and Maggi brand bouillon products
- Campbell’s soups
- Lee Kum Kee oyster sauces
- Gravy mixes and recipe starters
- Some jelly candies and gummy bears
- Budget dog foods
When purchasing such products, check the ingredients labels for beef bone extract, broth or stock and look for halal certification to be certain of its permissibility. Or opt for vegetarian or chicken versions to avoid doubt.
The Bottom Line
There are contrasting opinions on whether beef bone extract is halal or not. The Hanafi and strictest view considers it impure, while other schools deem it permissible if properly sourced.
Muslims wanting to exercise caution should avoid products listing beef bone extract or stock on the label. If consuming products that contain it, ensuring they are halal certified can help alleviate doubts.
As with any gray area ingredients, it is best for Muslims to analyze both sides of the debate on beef bone extract and come to their own educated conclusion on following their faith’s dietary laws.
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Is Bone Broth Good For You? – Dr.Berg’s Opinion
FAQ
Is beef bone halal?
Can Muslims eat bone broth?
Which beef stock is halal?
Can Muslims eat in bone china?
Is bone broth halal?
Shipping calculated at checkout. This liquid bone broth is made from grass-fed, halal-certified beef bones. It provides essential minerals, amino acids and proteins to help you reach your weight loss goals. Enjoy all the benefits of bone broth without the hassle of homemade preparation.
Are veal bones halal?
Plus, veal bones have more collagen than beef bones, resulting in a richer, thicker demi-glace. Use your house-made demi-glace to thicken and add a layer of complexity to soups, stews, sauces, and gravies, as well as to drizzle atop your roasted meats and steaks. This product is also Halal-certified, making it permissible according to Islamic law.
How do I eat Halal beef bone broth?
Easy to Consume – Simply add a teaspoon of our Halal Beef Bone Broth Concentrate into 100ml hot water to create an instant nutrient-rich beverage. It has 16 key amino acids per 10g serve and is easy to digest. Long Shelf Life – Upon opening, refrigerate our Halal Beef Bone Broth Concentrate.
Is beef halal?
Halal beef is red meat that is allowed for consumption by Islamic law. There are other halal foods, not just beef, including food ingredients specifically certified for use in a Muslim diet. Haram food is food that is prohibited for consumption by Muslims. For example, pork and alcohol are prohibited.