Maria Chiorando,
PlantBasedNews.org
May 2018
The Vegan Muslim Initiative seeks to promote a vegan message!
Vegan Muslim founders have faced criticism over their anti-sacrificial
stance
Veganism is relatively unheard of in most Muslim communities beyond the
west and parts of Europe, according to Elysia Ward and Sammer Hakim - the
two founders of The Vegan Muslim Initiative (FACEBOOK,
WEBSITE).
The Initiative - which is a global organization based out of Canada and
Australia - aims to 'educate Muslim communities worldwide about the benefits
of veganism'.
Its founders told PBN: "We aspire to change attitudes, deep-seated
traditions and many cultural beliefs surrounding the consumption of meat,
the treatment of animals and how these changes can benefit health and the
environment."
Meat and Islam
According to Ward and Hakim: "The general consensus, if one was to ask,
would be that eating meat is important, necessary and even an obligation in
Islam....which of course is completely untrue.
"There is nothing at all in Islam that mandates the consumption of ANY
animal products.
"With the internet and general spreading of veganism becoming mainstream,
there is definitely a growth, and with the younger generations being more
aware and curious and eager for change, we feel somewhat optimistic that it
will grow within our communities just as in the general public.
"We know we are fighting a huge uphill battle, but we are committed and will
keep pushing!"
Taking root
The organization was born of the founders' mutual desire to make change.
That desire has now grown into a community boasting around 3,600 members
from around the world.
It's important to Ward and Hakim to reach new people with the message -
those who may not otherwise have heard about veganism, or its benefits.
They do this through a number of platforms, saying: "Along with our group
(The Vegan Muslim Community) and page (The Vegan Muslim Initiative) we also
have a growing website (veganmuslims.com).
"We are working continuously to put out information, looking for individuals
who are willing to contribute to the cause whether it be by writing
articles, donating time in developing materials, media etc."
Pushback
As with anyone fighting to make change, Ward and Hakim have come up against
negative pushback.
"We have encountered many, many individuals who are clearly against what we
are trying to do," they told PBN.
"Most claiming that one can never be a vegan and a Muslim at the same time.
A great part of the hate and negativity has come to us surrounding our
stance on NOT sacrificing animals during Eid.
"That alone has stirred things up very much, but we take it all with a grain
of salt because we realize that what we are trying to do is going against so
many generations of tradition and culture."
Success
But their success so far has outweighed any negative pushback.
"We are grateful to have managed to at least open up the discussion with
those who may never have thought of leaving meat off their plate," they say.
"We are happy that we can offer support and help those wanting to change.
"Offer them a community where they can feel empowered to learn and in turn
educate those around them as a vegan Muslim."
The future
The founders plan to keep growing the platform and spreading awareness.
They are looking to increase their number of contributors, and also want to
add to their resource materials, including making printed media for
distribution.
Importantly, Ward and Hakim will continue to maintain the organization's
atmosphere of inclusivity, saying: "Although we are Muslim, we are open and
accepting of all faiths.
"A small peek into our group will show that we have a very diverse group of
people following us. We all are working towards the same goal."