Is it obligatory for a Muslim to inquire about the method of slaughter and the source of the meat, in light of laws that prohibit Islamic ritual slaughter and mandate stunning before slaughter, and about the permissibility of consuming such meat when invited to a meal?

The permissibility of the meat slaughtered by a Muslim or a person of the Book depends on the Shar'i (Islamically lawful) method of slaughter. If the animal is killed by a bullet or electrocution before slaughtering, it is treated as carrion and is not permissible to eat. A Muslim must inquire about the method of slaughter before buying or eating meat, especially if the one offering it is known for being lenient [in religious matters].

As for the meat slaughtered by a non-practicing Muslim, its ruling varies depending on the nature of their transgression: - If the transgression constitutes disbelief, such as apostasy from their religion, then eating their slaughtered meat is not permissible. - If the transgression is a sin that does not reach the level of disbelief, then there is no problem with the permissibility of eating their slaughtered meat. - One who abandons prayer completely is a disbeliever. However, one who prays intermittently is a fasiq (transgressor) and not a disbeliever, and eating their slaughtered meat is permissible.