Is it strange to choose vegetarianism as a Muslim? Salaam

Assalamu alaykum, I’ve been dealing with something lately and wanted to share. I’m Muslim, and I’ve been getting increasingly uneasy about eating meat. Not because I think Islam bans it, and not because I want to leave the faith - it’s more an emotional and moral thing: I don’t feel comfortable with animals being killed for food. To me, animals feel like companions, not just meals. ❤️ Yes, I know meat can be halal and that Allah permitted eating animals. But to me halal isn’t just a ritual phrase - it also means: - No cruelty - No needless suffering - Kindness - Respect - Dignity for the animal The problem is that a lot of meat today comes from large-scale farming and rushed slaughter where those things aren’t respected, even when it’s labeled halal. That sits wrong with me. So I decided: I won’t eat meat unless I can personally confirm the animal was raised with care and slaughtered with the respect Islam teaches. Until I can be sure, I’m choosing to be vegetarian. When I say this out loud, people often react defensively or even upset. I’m not judging them - I don’t care what others eat - this is just my personal choice. But some people take it as if I’m criticizing them or their level of faith, which isn’t my intention at all. It makes me wonder: - Am I overthinking this? - Is it wrong to follow my conscience when it’s rooted in compassion? - Or do people get uneasy because it makes them question their own habits? Maybe all of the above. But I do feel that Islam teaches rahma - mercy and compassion - toward all creatures. For me, avoiding harm when I can is an act of worship, not rebellion. Curious if any fellow Muslims here are vegetarian or thinking about it. How did your family and friends respond? Did they come around eventually? Thanks for reading. 💚