What is the ruling on eating meat available in Lebanon, whether it is imported from countries where the majority of their people are Muslims, or from non-Muslim countries and bears the word "halal," or if it comes from the slaughtered animals of local companies that claim it is halal, considering the absence of government oversight and the varying religions of the owners and workers of the slaughterhouses? Is it obligatory to inquire about the source of the meat and the religion of its owner when eating in restaurants?

The default ruling for slaughtered animals is prohibition. It is not permissible for a Muslim to eat anything unless its slaughter according to Islamic law has been confirmed. The mere statement "halal" is not sufficient unless it is a report from a trustworthy Muslim or from the slaughterer himself, provided he is among those whose slaughter is valid. The slaughter of a People of the Book is permissible if nothing is heard from them that contradicts the naming of Allah. The slaughter of people of innovation is permissible unless their innovation is an act of disbelief. As for local companies, their slaughtered animals are permissible if they are Muslims or People of the Book and claim to have performed the Islamic slaughter. Regarding restaurants of unknown religious affiliation, the ruling is based on the predominant situation; if permissibility is predominant, then eating is allowed without inquiry. Otherwise, it is not permissible except after inquiring and confirming.