Is Beef Kidney Halal? A Comprehensive Guide to the Islamic Ruling

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Packed with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, beef kidney is a nutrient-dense food often sought after by those looking to add variety to their diet. For Muslims, however, its permissibility depends on Islamic jurisprudence, with the overwhelming majority of scholars confirming its status as lawful.

Quick Summary

Beef kidney is permissible to eat if the animal is slaughtered according to Islamic law, representing the consensus among Sunni schools of thought. Some Shi'a jurists, however, consider its consumption makrooh (discouraged), though not haram (forbidden).

Key Points

Permissible for Consumption: According to the consensus of the four major Sunni schools of thought, beef kidney from a properly slaughtered animal is permissible (halal) to eat.
Makrooh Ruling: Some Shi'a jurists consider eating beef kidney makrooh (discouraged or disliked), but not haram (forbidden).
Distinction between Halal, Makrooh, and Haram: It is important to understand the difference between these classifications. Permissible (halal) is fully lawful, discouraged (makrooh) is better to avoid but not sinful, while forbidden (haram) is unlawful.
Based on Source Animal: The permissibility of the kidney is contingent upon the animal it comes from being slaughtered in an Islamic manner (dhabihah).
Universally Haram Parts: All Islamic schools agree that certain parts, such as flowing blood, the bladder, and genitals, are forbidden to consume.
Nutritional Content: Beyond the religious ruling, beef kidney is nutritionally rich, containing high levels of vitamins and minerals like iron and B12.
Significance of the Slaughter: The process of dhabihah is crucial as it ensures the animal's blood is properly drained, addressing concerns about consuming blood, which is forbidden in Islam.

The Majority Sunni View: Permissible (Halal)

Across the four major Sunni schools of Islamic thought, the consensus is that all parts of a lawfully slaughtered animal are permissible for consumption, with a few specific exceptions. These exceptions include items like flowing blood, the bladder, and genitals, which are explicitly forbidden (haram). The kidney is not among these prohibited parts. Therefore, if the animal was slaughtered according to the prescribed Islamic method (dhabihah), its edible organs, including the kidney, are considered lawful.

This view is supported by the general principle in Islamic dietary law that everything is permissible unless explicitly forbidden in the Qur'an or Sunnah. There are no explicit texts prohibiting the kidney. Additionally, scholars note that the kidney's function does not make it impure, similar to the liver, which also contains residual blood and is considered lawful.

The Minority Shi'a View: Discouraged (Makrooh)

Some Shi'a jurists hold a different view, considering the consumption of beef kidney makrooh, or disliked. It is important to distinguish makrooh from haram; makrooh means it is preferable to avoid, but not sinful to consume. This perspective is often based on certain traditions (hadith) suggesting that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) disliked certain parts of an animal, possibly due to cleanliness or personal preference.

Parts That Are Haram for All Schools

While opinions differ on the status of the kidney, there is universal agreement among all Islamic schools regarding certain parts of a halal animal being strictly forbidden (haram). These prohibited items include:

Flowing Blood
Bladder
Gall Bladder
Genitals
Glands
Spinal Marrow (considered makrooh or haram by some)

A Comparative Look at Islamic Rulings on Beef Kidney

The table below outlines the key differences between the majority Sunni view and the Shi'a view held by some jurists:


Feature	Majority Sunni View	Shi'a View (per some jurists)
Islamic Status	Halal (Permissible)	Makrooh (Discouraged)
Basis for Ruling	General permissibility of lawfully slaughtered animal parts, no explicit prohibition in Qur'an or Sunnah.	Traditions (hadith) stating the Prophet disliked certain organs.
Consequence of Consumption	Permissible act.	Permissible but considered less virtuous.
Universally Haram Parts	Same universal prohibitions as Shi'a Islam.	Same universal prohibitions as Sunni Islam.
Final Verdict	Consumption is fully permissible.	Consumption is permissible but discouraged.

Proper Preparation and Considerations

Regardless of which scholarly view is followed, proper preparation is crucial when consuming beef kidney. The animal must undergo dhabihah to ensure the draining of flowing blood. The kidneys should be thoroughly cleaned before cooking. While those adhering to the makrooh view may choose to abstain, consuming it is not sinful. For followers of the Sunni position, there are no religious restrictions on eating it.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of whether beef kidney is halal is largely answered with a yes according to the majority of Islamic scholars, particularly within the Sunni tradition. Its permissibility is contingent on the animal being slaughtered according to Islamic law (dhabihah). While some Shi'a jurists consider it makrooh, this classification denotes a discouraged act rather than a forbidden one (haram). Understanding these differing perspectives, all rooted in Islamic jurisprudence, allows individuals to make informed decisions based on their adherence to specific schools of thought. The core principle for the permissibility of beef kidney and other organ meats lies in the lawful slaughter of the animal and avoiding universally prohibited parts.

This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified Islamic scholar.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the kidney is not considered impure. While it filters waste, its flesh is not impure, and any residual blood after slaughter is not the forbidden 'flowing blood'. It is perfectly acceptable for consumption according to the majority of Islamic scholars.

No, makrooh means disliked or discouraged, not forbidden. It is a ruling that suggests it is better to avoid, but it is not a sin to consume. This nuance is specific to some Shi'a interpretations regarding beef kidney.

Yes, regardless of the school of thought, certain parts are universally forbidden (haram), including flowing blood, the bladder, genitals, and certain glands.

Yes. Sunni scholars generally hold that beef kidney is fully permissible (halal), while some Shi'a jurists view it as makrooh (discouraged) but not haram.

Some traditions (hadith) suggest that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) disliked certain organs of the animal due to personal preference or a perception of uncleanliness. This is the basis for the makrooh ruling among some scholars.

If you follow the Sunni school of thought, you do not need to be concerned with the makrooh ruling for beef kidney, as the consensus among Sunni jurists is that it is fully permissible.

To ensure it is halal, the animal must be slaughtered according to dhabihah, and the flowing blood must be drained. The kidney should then be thoroughly cleaned before cooking. The permissibility stems from the lawful slaughter of the animal.

No, eating organ meat like kidney does not go against Islamic dietary principles. Organs like the liver and heart are widely consumed, and the kidney is in the same category of permissibility according to the majority view.