Halal and haram foods are permitted and prohibited foods for Muslims. Halal foods cannot contain certain animal products, while haram foods include pork, blood, toxic substances, and animals that are not slaughtered according to Islamic law. The source of food items is important in distinguishing between halal and haram foods, and seafood, carnivorous animals, and alcohol are also prohibited. The method of slaughter must be in accordance with Islamic law, and blood is also considered haram.
Halal and haram foods refer to types of food that observant Muslims are both permitted and prohibited from consuming. Foods that are considered halal or permitted cannot contain products from certain animals, especially pigs. Meats from animals that are not slaughtered according to halal rules are considered haram or forbidden foods. Food or drinks that contain blood or toxic substances are also considered haram.
Muslims classify foods into two main categories, halal and haram. Halal literally means allowed in Arabic and haram translates to forbidden. The Quran, or the holy book of the Islamic religion, clearly outlines which foods fall into these categories. Some other foods may also be considered objectionable, or mooshbah, and should also be avoided. Not leading a completely halal lifestyle and eating haram foods is considered sinful in the Islamic religion.
The source of food items can be important in distinguishing between halal and haram foods. Plant-based foods, such as greens, are usually allowed. The only exceptions are plants that can cause intoxication, such as marijuana.
Pork and anything containing pork by-products are considered haram foods. The Qur’an clearly states that pig is an unclean animal, and therefore should not be eaten. Bacon and pork chops, along with things like pork rinds, are prohibited foods.
The flesh of some other animals is also considered unclean. Rats, for example, would be considered a haram food if one were so inclined to cook a rat. Insects and worms are also prohibited.
Seafood can also be divided into halal and haram categories, although different branches of Islam sometimes have different beliefs about what can be eaten. Generally, fish with scales are accepted as halal by all sects. Opinions vary widely on other seafood, however, some believe that any animal that can only live in water is allowed, while others argue that only fish with scales should be eaten and no other sea creatures. There are also differences as to whether a fish must be alive when removed from the water to be considered halal.
Many carnivorous animals are also considered haram foods. For example, observant Muslims are not permitted to consume birds of prey. It is also prohibited to consume meat from animals with tusks, including cats.
Another major difference between halal and haram meat is the way the animal is slaughtered. According to the Quran, halal meat must come from an animal that was slaughtered according to Islamic law. This method of slaughter is often referred to as a dhabihah.
Islamic dietary law requires that animals be slaughtered with a very sharp knife. The jugular vein and corotid artery should be cut, along with the trachea, but the spinal cord should not be cut. The tools used during the slaughter must be blessed and the animal must be slaughtered in the name of Allah, or God. All animals slaughtered in the name of any other god are considered haram. Additionally, the animal must be calm and well fed, and must not be slaughtered where other animals might see the deed.
Even blood is considered haram. It is forbidden to drink blood or eat any food made from blood, such as black pudding. Alcohol and other drugs are also considered haram. This includes foods that have been cooked in wine.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
