وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَفِسْقٌ ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ لِيُجَـٰدِلُوكُمْ ۖ وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ 121
Translations
And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allāh has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience. And indeed do the devils inspire their allies [among men] to dispute with you. And if you were to obey them, indeed, you would be associators [of others with Him].
Transliteration
Wa lā ta'kulū mimma lam yudhkar ismu Allāhi 'alayhi wa innahu lafisqun. Wa inna ash-shayāṭīna layūḥūna ilā awliyā'ihim liyujādilūkum. Wa in aṭa'tumūhum innakum lamushrikūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah forbids consuming meat upon which Allah's name has not been invoked, declaring such consumption to be a transgression (fisq). The verse warns that Satan inspires his allies to dispute with believers about this prohibition, and following their arguments constitutes shirk (associating partners with Allah). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that invoking Allah's name over slaughtered animals is a fundamental requirement that distinguishes lawful (halal) from unlawful consumption, and rejecting this principle amounts to rejecting divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah addresses the pre-Islamic Arabian practice of slaughtering animals without invoking Allah's name, sometimes as offerings to idols. The broader context of Surah Al-An'am emphasizes monotheism and rejection of idolatrous practices. The verse directly counters the arguments of polytheists who attempted to convince Muslims that the method of slaughter was irrelevant.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whatever is slaughtered while mentioning the name of Allah is halal' (Sahih Bukhari 5503). Also related is the hadith on the importance of saying 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before slaughter as a condition for lawfulness (Sunan Ibn Majah 3171).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true monotheism extends to our daily practices, including what we consume, and that believers must maintain conviction against worldly pressures and satanic temptations to compromise Islamic principles. It reminds modern Muslims that following Allah's guidance in all matters, however seemingly small, is an act of worship and protection against spiritual corruption.