Conclusion

The fourth dietary prohibition is in regards to only animals and not fruits and vegetables. This is the only consistent interpretation when looking at all the verses of the Quran as well as the teachings from the messenger. To assume there are other dietary prohibitions beyond what is clearly stated in 6:145 and explained by the messenger would be creating a contradiction in the Quran. In summary:

• The dietary prohibitions are only animal products.

• The word uhilla is specifically in reference to that which a name is mentioned upon it before it is slaughtered.

• The footnote of 2:173 shows that 16:115 is in reference to meats.

• If we are to view 16:115 over all the other verses, then we should also prohibit all dead animals as well as blood, rather than just carrion and running blood.

• Every footnote for the four verses points back to 6:145.

• Appendix 16 points to 6:145.

• Every audio and video explanation we have from the messenger explaining the dietary prohibitions explains that it is only in reference to animal products.

• Every time he describes the fourth dietary prohibition in the audios and videos it is in reference to the moment of slaughter.

• We have no indication to believe that the messenger had a dramatic change in understanding regarding the fourth dietary prohibition from animals to all foods

• Mentioning (zikr) God’s name upon food before we eat applies to all food, while uhilla applies to only animals sacrificed.

• The messenger restricts the dietary prohibitions to only animal products, but he generalizes that we must mention (zikr) God’s name when we eat any food. This shows that the dietary prohibitions do not include fruits and vegetables and only apply to ANIMAL PRODUCTS.

[6:145] Say, “I do not find in the revelations given to me any food that is prohibited for any eater except: (1) carrion, (2) running blood, (3) the meat of pigs, for it is contaminated, and (4) the meat of animals blasphemously dedicated to other than GOD.” If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then your Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

قُلْ لَا أَجِدُ فِي مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُ إِلَّا أَنْ يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَسْفُوحًا أَوْ لَحْمَ خِنْزِيرٍ فَإِنَّهُ رِجْسٌ أَوْ فِسْقًا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ