Zikr vs. Uhilla

Several times in the Quran the word "mention" (dhikr) is utilized in conjunction with eating. This is different than the word “uhilla,” used exclusively in the four verses discussing dietary prohibition, which is the act of slaughtering an animal in the name of an entity, as demonstrated in the previous article.

The following verses show the word "mention" (dhikr) in connection to food.

[6:119] Why should you not eat from that upon which GOD’s name has been mentioned? He has detailed for you what is prohibited for you, unless you are forced. Indeed, many people mislead others with their personal opinions, without knowledge. Your Lord is fully aware of the transgressors. [6:120] You shall avoid obvious sins, as well as the hidden ones. Those who have earned sins will surely pay for their transgressions.

[6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.

وَمَا لَكُمْ أَلَّا تَأْكُلُوا مِمَّا ذُكِرَ اسْمُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُمْ مَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِلَّا مَا اضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا لَيُضِلُّونَ بِأَهْوَائِهِمْ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُعْتَدِينَ

وَذَرُوا ظَاهِرَ الْإِثْمِ وَبَاطِنَهُ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْسِبُونَ الْإِثْمَ سَيُجْزَوْنَ بِمَا كَانُوا يَقْتَرِفُونَ

وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ اسْمُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَإِنَّهُ لَفِسْقٌ وَإِنَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰ أَوْلِيَائِهِمْ لِيُجَادِلُوكُمْ وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ

If we imply that 6:119-121 is in reference to the dietary prohibitions, then this would mean that there is a contradiction as the four verses regarding the dietary prohibitions all state not to eat upon which "uhilla" to other than God, but under this understanding then 6:119 and 121 would imply that if no name was mentioned, it would also be prohibited to eat. Therefore, 6:119 and 121 only inform us that before we eat any food, we must mention God’s name. This does not imply that the food itself is prohibited for eating, but only that it is our responsibility to mention God’s name upon that food before we eat it.