Halal food is not a cliche or some random product on the market. There’s more to it than meets the eye.
For those who are already familiar with this food, this blog will refresh your memory and enlighten you yet again on the benefits of a halal diet.
If you still don’t know what halal is about, talk more about halal food, this guide is also for you.
So read on to add to your knowledge.
What is halal in Islam?
Halal is an Arabic term that when translated to English will mean permissible or lawful.
Like many religions, these terms provide a guiding principle for people to ensure everyone is working in the unity of the faith.
What is halal food?
It is food that is lawful to eat.
Remember how we defined Halal as lawful or permissible? Absolutely.
There are certain foods in the Islam religion that are lawful to eat and there are some others that are unlawful for people of the religion to eat.
If a food packaging says halal, as you see on many snack packs, it’s a clear indication that it’s safe to eat as a follower of Islam.
Origin of Halal food
Everything we see and experience in our world today has its origin in something tangible or intangible.
The term Halal originates from the Quran and means more than dietary restrictions.
In fact, it has more to do with the way animals are slaughtered and the procedure that follows it.
In preparing halal food, for instance, the animal must only undergo minimal suffering and the name of God will be pronounced as the slaughter is ongoing.
This culture is an integral part of the Islamic religion and though slightly similar to the Jewish Korah practice, there are lots of striking and notable differences as well.
What are the rules for halal food?
Some key rules that apply to halal food include the following:
1. Halal products bear the Halal symbol or have the letter M inscribed on them.
2. An halal-certified food, especially meat is one that was strictly and exclusively slaughtered in a single cut and has been fully separated from pork or other meat products.
These strict rules apply mainly to foods like milk, meat, canned foods, and specific additives.
Failure to comply with these rules makes the food unsuitable for the Islamic community.
What is halal food processing?
Simply put, it refers to how halal food is prepared.
If you’ve been following this guide and read through the rules and certification requirements for halal foods you’ll find the various acceptable methods of preparation and food processing.
As a recap, this includes how the food is made, and the equipment storage techniques, etc that comply with Islamic law.
Why do people eat halal?
There are many reasons why people, young and old, eat halal. These are the most common:
1. Healthy food option: Halal food, especially meat, is often free from additives, growth hormones, and antibiotics. This makes it more healthy for consumption.
2. Ethical standards: The food meets the rules of what’s permissible for the followers of Islam to eat. It, therefore, appeals to the Islamic community.
3. Less blood: Halal meat has less blood, can stay in the fridge longer than regular meat, and makes a more delish and tender dish.
4. Faith: For those in the Islamic community, to eat halal food is to live their lives in obedience to God’s command.
This fosters a deeper connection and adherence to His will.
Can non-Muslims eat halal?
Yes, they can. People who are not followers of Islam are allowed to eat halal for its nutritional benefits and it’s purely voluntary.
What kind of food is halal food?
Halal refers to the dietary guidelines and requirements in Islam.
While the list of halal foods is extensive, here is a general overview of some commonly consumed halal foods:
1. Meat
Halal meat comes from animals that have been slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws.
The animal must be alive at the time of slaughter, and an Islam butcher must recite a specific prayer while cutting the animal’s throat, ensuring it is slaughtered in a humane and swift manner.
2. Poultry
Halal guidelines apply to chicken, turkey, and other fowl, following the same principles as halal meat.
3. Seafood
Most seafood is halal, except for animals that are haram (forbidden) in Islam, such as shellfish and certain types of aquatic animals.
4. Fruits and vegetables
All fruits and vegetables are halal, as long as they are not contaminated with any haram substances or alcohol-based ingredients.
5. Grains and legumes
Common grains like rice, wheat, oats, barley, and corn are halal. Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans are also permissible.
6. Dairy products
Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are halal, as long as they are not derived from haram sources (e.g., pork).
7. Eggs
Eggs are generally halal, provided they come from halal sources.
8. Nuts and seeds
All nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds, are halal.
9. Beverages
Water, juices, tea, and coffee are halal. However, alcoholic beverages and drinks containing intoxicating substances are strictly forbidden.
10. Spices and seasonings
Most spices and seasonings, such as salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon, are halal. This excludes blended spices that contain halal additives.
What food is not halal?
In Islam, there are certain types of food that are considered haram (forbidden) and not permissible for consumption.
Here are some examples:
1. Pork
Pork and pork products, including bacon, ham, and pork sausages, are considered haram in Islam. The consumption of pork is explicitly prohibited in the Quran.
2. Alcohol
All alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, are considered haram in Islam.
The prohibition of alcohol is based on the potential for intoxication and its negative effects on individuals and society.
3. Carnivorous animals
Animals that are considered predatory or carnivorous by nature, such as lions, tigers, wolves, and bears, are generally considered haram.
This is due to the belief that their flesh may contain impurities.
4. Blood
Consumption of blood or food products derived from blood is prohibited in Islam.
The prohibition is based on the idea that blood is a carrier of impurities.
Other not-halal foods
5. Meat from non-halal sources
Meat that is not slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws, or meat that is not certified as halal, is haram.
This includes meat from animals that have not been slaughtered by an Islam follower or have not undergone the appropriate halal slaughtering process.
6. Animals improperly slaughtered
Animals that are not slaughtered in the name of Allah (God) or those that are not slaughtered by cutting the throat and allowing the blood to drain out are haram.
7. Gelatin from non-halal sources
Gelatin, which is commonly served as a thickening or stabilizing agent in many food products, comes from non-halal sources such as pork.
It is considered haram when gotten from non-halal sources.
8. Haram additives
Food products that contain haram additives, such as certain types of emulsifiers, flavorings, or colorings derived from haram sources, are not permissible.
Is halal meat cruel?
No, it’s not. Halal animals are raised specially, in a healthy, clean, and conducive environment.
Remember, the nurture and slaughter of the animals have to be humane for the meat to be halal.
How to find halal food near you
If you’re looking for halal food near you, it should be an easy find.
Sites like TripAdvisor have some of the best reviews of halal restaurants across the world.
You can also look through the menu of your favorite restaurant and find out from the customer service rep if they provide halal food.
More related questions
What is halal chicken?
It means chicken that is permissible. In other words, it’s lawful for consumption.
What makes chicken halal?
Its mode of slaughter. Like meat, chicken has to be reared and slaughtered according to Islamic law for it to be fit to eat.
How can you tell if meat is halal?
The certified halal symbol. This symbol is easy to find on halal food packaging, you can also go through the list of ingredients to be extra sure it’s halal.
Conclusion
Halal foods are prepared under some of the best possible conditions and are deemed fit to eat on the basis of how they are slaughtered.
This guide answers all your questions regarding halal foods and you can go over it again to familiarize yourself with the rules and benefits of eating halal.
Thanks for reading.
