For Malaysians Aina Fazlin Ibrahim Bajunid and Faisal Mansor, observing a plant-based only diet is not just an option – it’s their way of life.

Speaking to FMT Lifestyle, Aina, a vegetarian since her teenage years, recalled the moment that made her question eating meat.

“I’ve always had a love for animals. I remember during Eid al-Adha, when I saw a cow being slaughtered. I looked into its eyes, and while everyone around me was celebrating, I felt fear and sadness,” she revealed.

She shared that her grandfather, an Imam for over 70 years, assured her that her feelings were perfectly valid.

“I asked him, ‘Is it wrong if I don’t eat meat as a Muslim?’ He told me that if I connect with an animal and feel pity for it, then it’s okay not to eat it.”

That was a revelation for Aina. “Later in life, I realised what the Quran actually says. Being vegetarian doesn’t make me any less of a Muslim.”

From then on, Aina gradually stopped eating meat, and as she grew older and pursued veterinary studies, she adopted a fully vegan lifestyle.

Her husband, Faisal, took a different path, becoming vegetarian almost by accident while studying in the US.

“It was just really hard to find halal food, so I naturally stopped eating meat,” he explained. But the turning point came when they had their first child.

“Our son was three when we noticed he had severe allergies and asthma. We were in the hospital at least once a month – it became our second home,” Faisal shared.

By then, both Aina and Faisal had transitioned into careers in wellness consulting and training, having completed professional diplomas in diet and nutrition.

“Our families were against it at first. They worried our children wouldn’t get enough nutrition,” Aina admitted. “But we used our knowledge to craft a nutritionally balanced plant-based diet.”

And the results spoke for themselves.

In 2018, Faisal attended a vegan festival where he was struck by the sight of a hijabi woman on stage, advocating for veganism.

“That moment solidified everything for me, that I was on the right path,” he said.

Since then, the couple has become active committee members of the Malaysian Vegetarian Society.

In October 2020, they founded the Facebook group “Muslim Veg Malaysia”, a space for like-minded individuals to share experiences and ask questions about navigating vegetarianism and veganism as Muslims.

“The first reaction we usually get is shock,” Faisal laughed. “‘You’re Muslim – how can you be vegan?’ is a question we hear all the time. The second most common question? ‘What do you do during Raya Haji?’”

Their response is simple: they respect the religious significance of the sacrifice while choosing not to participate personally.

“We have nothing against people who observe it – it’s part of our faith,” Faisal explained. “But we don’t feel it’s necessary for us to take part.”

Aina added: “We realise that if we can help someone go 99% plant-based for the rest of the year, that’s already a huge win.”

Navigating social settings as a vegan Muslim can be challenging, especially during open houses. But Aina and Faisal have found a simple yet effective approach.

“We always bring at least one dish we can eat, which also gives the host an opportunity to try plant-based food,” Aina shares. Their signature jackfruit rendang is always a hit!

Interestingly, Faisal pointed out that traditional Malay cuisine was once more plant-based than many realise.

“When I asked my mother, she told me they only had chicken twice a year and beef maybe once – usually during Raya. Most meals were cassava, green vegetables, and other plant-based ingredients,” he said.

Their advocacy extends beyond personal choices. The couple actively organises events promoting plant-based eating, such as the “Green Iftar”, which in 2024 brought together over 100 people from all backgrounds and races for a fully plant-based breaking of fast.

With the event returning this year, it’s an opportunity for all Malaysians to step outside their comfort zones – who knows, it might just change the way you eat.

For more details, follow the Muslim Veg Malaysia Facebook page.