>I was a vegetarian for about
>2 years. This was because
>I refused to eat the
>meat of an animal that
>is tortured the way that
>they are by the average
>"farm." Places that keep animals
>locked up most of their
>lives, seperate them from their
>offspring, and when they do
>slaughter the animal they do
>it in very painful ways.
>I've seen footage of animals
>being hung by their backs
>and being cut open while
>still alive.
>
>I began eating meat again when
>I accepted Islam. The farm
>that we (the local Muslim
>community) get our meat from
>allows the animals to roam
>around and live a natural
>life. Also, the Islamic way
>of slaughtering an animal is
>the most painless way to
>do it. It is done
>by slicing the neck at
>the arteries in the neck.
>This instantly makes the animal
>go unconscious while the blood
>drains, which makes the meat
>more beneficial.
>
>I still drink soy milk and
>eat meatless "buffalo wings" and
>boca burgers though! Don't hate
>without trying them!
>
>Yusuf Abdus-Salaam

So you essentially believe that killing an animal is alright, just as long as there is a minimal amount of suffering? This would particularly make sense with you're only drinking soy milk because the dairy industry causes about the most suffering possible. Is this a common belief among Muslims? These are two different reasons for so called animal rights, one: to not kill, and two: to not cause suffering. I myself am vegan because I don't want to do either. I am just curious what made you decide that the suffering was bad but the killing was ok? I hope I dont sound like I am attacking because I dont intend to.