What is the ruling regarding fat (Shaham) within meat when swearing an oath against eating fat?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Expiations
Primary text
The apparent meaning of Al-Kharqi's statement is that fat is anything animal substance that melts by fire, which is supported by the literal meaning of the Quranic verses and custom, aligning with the views of Abu Al-Khattab, Talhah, Abu Yusuf, and Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan. Under this view, almost all meat contains some fat, even if little, and consuming it breaks the oath. This fat is evident when cooking, as it rises to the surface of the broth.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi defines fat as that found in the interior cavity, such as kidney fat. According to Ibn Hamid, if one consumes red or white muscle meat, the tail fat, liver, spleen, or heart, the oath is not broken as the name 'fat' does not apply to them. This aligns with Abu Hanifa and Al-Shafi'i. However, fat on the back and flanks mixed with muscle meat is considered fat and breaks the oath.