Are giant pandas halal?

Question

A friend and I are debating whether pandas are halal (he is Muslim, I am not). I know that generally speaking, carnivores are not, but in nature pandas--although they have a carnivorous digestive system--only eat bamboo. Yet there is another rule of halal which states that animals with fangs are automatically not halal. Pandas have enlarged molars, but also some sharp teeth, which help them tear bamboo. Do 'sharp teeth' equal fangs, or is the meaning of 'fang' in this case more specific?

(This is a serious question. I do not mean it in any way as an offense to Islam, although I know panda lovers may not be happy with it.)

Answer 1

Haram Animals

The consumption of the following animals is against the dietary laws of Islam. Likewise any ingredient or product derived from them or contaminated with them is also prohibited for a Muslim to consume:



Meat of swine (pig) including all it’s by products

Meat of an animal that was not blessed with the name of Allah at the time of slaughter

Meat of dead animals (carrion)

Meat of animals that were strangled to death

Meat of animals that were beaten to death

Meat of animals that died due to falling from a height

Meat of animals that were gored to death by a horn

Meat of animals that were devoured by wild beasts

Animals killed in a manner which prevents their blood from being fully drained from their bodies;

Carnivorous animals with fangs, e.g. lions, dogs, wolves, tigers, etc…

Birds of prey e.g. falcons, eagles, owls, vultures, etc

Reptiles, snakes, crocodiles

Mules and Asses

Pests’ e.g. rats and scorpions

Insects excluding locusts



pandas have fangs so its not halal

Answer 2

Hahahahaha...wow...that is a good question. I'd like to see some serious answers here. Sure, I don't want to eat pandas either...oh wait.



Islam is concerned with the welfare of animals. So, assuming that endagered species should be protected, one can say that to eat them is to unduly burden their entire species. So from the respect for animal life perspective, one could say that pandas are not permissible as food.

Answer 3

Oh leave the pandas alone, they have enough problems just trying to survive with their evolutionary bizarre bodies.

Answer 4

why would you want to eat a panda?