Will Muslim consumers replace livestock slaughter with cultured meat in the market?

Abstract

Background: The innovation of cultured meat has breathed new life into the human diet. It has gained media traction as one of the ways to reduce dependence on animal husbandry and slaughter, and environmental pollution related to meat processing. For Muslims, slaughtering of livestock is engrained in Islamic teachings primarily during two (2) occasions: the sacrifice of an animal on the event of a child's birth (aqiqa) and Festival of Sacrifice (Eid ul Adha) is a form of ritual before Allah, the Almighty. However, the question arises, once cultured meat commercialises and enters the market, will Muslims cease from slaughtering livestock? Scope and approach: This commentary aims to answer the question by analysing two primary sources of Islam, namely the al-Quran and hadith, with further contextual substantiation from authoritative opinions of scholars. Key finding and Conclusion: Cultured meat has the potential to become an alternative to conventional meat in the market with conditions stipulated by Shariah guidelines. Nonetheless, the inevitable commercialisation of cultured meat cannot hinder Muslims from slaughtering livestock due to Islam's element of thawabit (immutable) with mandatory (wajib) adherence. The unprecedented advancements in science and technology shall not alter characteristics of thawabit (immutable) rulings.