A Taste of Other Faiths

For progress to be made in the long-standing debate about Jewish ritual slaughter, shechita, a new approach is desperately needed. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Orthodox Jewish community have been uncompromising and fervent in their futile finger pointing, inspiring little hope for a solution. That is, until now.

It may seem unlikely that a Muslim man, a Jain woman, and a plate of food could represent ingredients of hope in this heated debate, but where others have failed in their open-mindedness, they have succeeded.

Mumin is a kind old man with a tenderness that belies his huge proportions. A devout follower of Islam, he is a six-foot-three, 111-kilogram moral yardstick for all those around him. Eating, like everything in life, is a matter of faith for Mumin the Muslim. He only eats meat that is slaughtered in the prescribed Islamic way, and avoids all food that is haram (forbidden). The food Mumin eats is inextricably linked with his obedience to God.

Jamini moves in to the apartment next to Mumin. She is a sprightly woman with an innocent, inquisitive nature and a penchant for reading. A follower of the Jain tradition, she is a five foot two, 44-kilogram writer with an infectious laugh and a boundless love for her family who live in India. As a consequence of her central belief in ahimsa (non-violence), Jamini the Jain is a strict vegetarian. She believes it is wrong to be violent towards any living being.

The perspectives of Mumin and Jamini are a microcosm of the debate between the pro-shechita Orthodox Jews and the anti-shechita animal-rights activists. On one side we have a faith's dietary practice based on divine decrees. On the other side we have an ethical argument against the mistreatment of animals. Our friends Mumin and Jamini may share the same apartment block, but with such contrasting dietary practises and beliefs, it seems unlikely they have anything else in common.

Mumin, in keeping with the tradition of Islamic hospitality, invites his new neighbour to his apartment for dinner. Jamini explains to Mumin that she is a Jain and does not eat meat, fish, root vegetables, eggs, onion, or garlic. Mumin smiles with his inimitable warmth, secretly excited by the challenge of concocting a dish without so many ingredients, and secretly embarrassed for not knowing what a Jain is.

The two strangers dine together before sunset. Mumin cooks a wonderful meal and the conversation and fruit juice flow for several hours. Jamini is touched by Mumin's generosity and empathizes with the way in which his faith impinges on all aspects of his life. Mumin is fascinated by his effervescent guest and respects the way Jamini reflects ahimsa in every facet of her life. The two-part company as friends, their horizons broadened; their faiths infused with a renewed energy and purpose.

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