The 15th Century poet Kabir, whose Sufism represented a fusion of principles from both the Islamic and Hindu traditions, unequivocally condemned meat eating, characterizing it as the ultimate failure of compassion, deserving of eternal punishment; he stated that even the companionship of meat-eaters was harmful to the soul. In a gentler tone, the 20th century Sri Lankan Qadiri teacher Bawa Muhaiyaddeen also encouraged vegetarianism, stating that arrogance, haste and anger may decrease by elimination of meat from the diet. He taught that consumption of meat promotes the development of animalistic qualities, whereas consumption of plant and dairy products promotes peaceful qualities; and noted that Islamic rules pertaining to animal slaughter have the effect, if properly observed, of reducing the number of animals killed for food. Bawa put these principles into daily action, preparing many impromptu meals for his community and guests, typically in 15-gallon quantities.
The Chishti Inayat Khan, who introduced Sufi principles to Europe and America in the early part of this century, expressed similar concerns. He observed that vegetarianism promotes compassion and harmlessness to living creatures, and that a vegetarian diet aids in the purification of the body, the opening of the channels of breath and refinement of spiritual faculties. He also taught that meat can be a medicine, and can help some people to withstand the struggle of life in the material world. Therefore, each spiritual seeker should be guided by a teacher in the choice of diet, a decision also inevitably influenced by the regional climate and food supply.
Credit: Serving the Guest: A Sufi Cookbook
Moreover, if one carefully observes the eating habit of Prophet Muhammad and all other God sent and chosen personality, God's peace be upon them all, none of them were fond of meat. Rather they all took minimal mean, mostly depended on non-meat food source. Jesus Christ ate mostly fish, not meat. Prophet Muhammad liked milk, honey, dates and some gentle natured vegetables; didn't like to take even onions or garlic at all (which is a hindu vegetarian practice, interestingly). If one has to categorize, Prophet Muhamamd was a semi-vegetarian. Likewise, Buddha was a complete vegetarian.
+ related post: Can Muslims be Vegetarian?
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Blessings,
Sadiq
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