Why did Salman Khan’s father never eat beef?

WEB DESK: In a candid recent interview with The Free Press Journal, actor Salman Khan‘s father and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan revealed a longstanding and deeply held family practice: they have never consumed beef!

Despite coming from a Muslim background, Salim explained that this choice was deliberate and rooted in values, not convenience. “From Indore until today, we have never had beef,” he stated, pointing out that, although beef is considered the “cheapest meat” and commonly consumed, even sometimes fed to pet dogs, his family has avoided it entirely. In recent times, beef consumption has been a highly political issue in the region.

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Salim further highlighted that his decision stems from religious respect and cultural sensitivity. Salim Khan claims that the Prophet (S) discouraged the slaughter of cows, viewing milk as a “beneficial” substitute for mother’s milk and promoting the idea that cows should not be killed, although that cannot be verified. Salim interpreted teachings his way which contribute to the family’s enduring abstention from beef.

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But the story goes beyond mere dietary preference. Salim’s outlook has always embraced interfaith harmony. Raised in Indore amid Hindu neighbours, he absorbed inclusive values early on. His interfaith marriage to Sushila Charak, who became Salma Khan after their union, further reflects this ethos. The Khan household actively celebrates a spectrum of festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas, underscoring their commitment to religious pluralism and mutual respect.

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His remarks may also offer insight into a family culture that transcends religious boundaries. By rejecting beef, despite its affordability in their region, and embracing rituals from multiple faiths, the Khan household exemplifies an enduring philosophy: living by compassion, tradition, and inclusive values.

Since the Modi government took over, there has been a strong disdain towards beef consumption in India because cows are kept on an elevated status in Hinduism. The opposition is so severe that Muslims in India have also been lynched for consuming beef.