Food that’s been offered to the deities

Question:

Assalamualykum,

Is it permissible for us to eat vegetarian food prepared by practicing Hindus, that has been offered to the deities after preparation?

Thank you.

Answer:

`Alaykum as-Salam,
No. The Prophet (upon him blessings and peace) did accept the food or drink of non-Muslims, including other than the People of the Book such as mushriks, as long as they are devoid of meat or alcohol; such as bread, water, milk, condiments; and any votive intent of those non-Muslims, whether known or unknown to the Muslim, is null and void and is not binding upon a Muslim in the least. However, because the partaking of such food appears as a participation in a religious rite and as the endorsement of a certain belief which Islam rejects, then the food is not lawful; i.e. not in itself but because of its context. The eucharist bread, to mention another example, is a mere bread wafer which is in itself halal, but it is patently haram to eat it in the customary context in which it is offered. And Allah knows best.

Hajj Gibril Haddad

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