Re: Eating Jhattka...
In my opinion, the top three most discussed topics amongst muslims are
- Eating meat by non-muslims - Halaal or haraam ?
- Bank interest - Halaal or haraam?
- Music/pictures - Halaal or haraam?
I am sure, each of these three (or four) topics are very dear to many muslims. Unfortunately, though, it is extremely hard, nay impossible, to have a consensus on any of these topics. Islam, by its very nature, is a de-Pope-ifyed religion, meaning there is no one source of rulings, and thus it gives free hand to all "scholars" to come about with different opinions.
Your best approach, therefore, is to read all the opinions and then make up your own mind, based on the evidence presented, and not worry about what others say or believe. The discussion is never-ending. Alternatively, many muslims just make up the rules as they go along to suit their personal liking as well as convenience. After being exposed to so many discussions on these topics, no one can claim to be ignorant of all the various opinions. Please do not expect consensus. Sadiyah's post and Rasheed Ahmed's post (despite some glaring "hain ji!!!" in the bullet point list) is evidence of how the same script can be understood in different ways.
One thing is certain, for sure. These discussions keep us busy, warm and fuzzy; as we feel we are participating in a life-changing topic with far reaching potential where it is extremely important that we get to a conclusion. And we do, for two days, before another thread on the same topic pops up, with yet another view.
Cheers! :)