"Eat not of that on which Allah's name has not been pronounced" - that he said: "The idolaters argued with them and said: 'Whatever Allah kills you do not eat, and whatever you kill you eat!"
The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 4437
Contextual Explanation
This verse from Surah al-An'am (6:121) establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that consumption is only permissible when Allah's name has been invoked at the time of slaughter. The idolaters' argument mentioned in the narration represents their attempt to mock Muslim practices by creating a false equivalence between divinely ordained slaughter and accidental death.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that the idolaters' statement was a sophistic argument meant to confuse early Muslims. They claimed Muslims were inconsistent by eating what they slaughtered while avoiding what died naturally. However, the distinction lies in the divine permission - Muslims slaughter with Allah's name, making it lawful, while carrion is prohibited by divine command regardless of cause of death.
Imam al-Qurtubi notes that this verse emphasizes the importance of intention and remembrance of Allah in all acts of consumption. The invocation of Allah's name transforms the mundane act of slaughter into an act of worship and acknowledges divine provision.
Legal Implications
This ruling forms the basis for Islamic dietary laws where: 1) Tasmiyah (saying "Bismillah") is required during slaughter 2) Animals not properly slaughtered are considered carrion (maytah) and prohibited 3) The distinction between divinely permitted slaughter and prohibited carrion is absolute, not subject to human reasoning alone.
Spiritual Significance
Scholars emphasize that this commandment teaches Muslims to maintain consciousness of Allah in everyday activities, especially those involving taking life. It serves as a constant reminder that all provisions come from Allah and should be consumed with gratitude and within divinely set boundaries.