Halal burgers are made with meat and ingredients that comply with Islamic law, excluding blood and pork. The meat must be from an animal that has been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. The move to halal burgers has sparked controversy in some countries, but they have gained popularity to cater to growing Muslim populations.
Halal burgers are burgers that use meat and other ingredients in line with Islamic law. To be considered halal, the halal burger must not contain blood or pork-related products such as bacon. Aside from these exceptions, the burger may contain the usual variety of ingredients including mustard, ketchup, cheese, and pickles.
Halal means “lawful” in Arabic and covers a wide range of Islamic laws. Those dealing with the massacre are known as dhabiha. The meat used in halal burgers must come from animals that have had their throats cut and have been dedicated to the Islamic god, Allah. The animal is then left tied up to bleed out. This act must be performed by a person of the book, meaning any Muslim, Jew, Christian and few others such as Sabaeans.
The basic composition of the burger remains the same as before. The patty itself is made the same way, but the burger company or individual has gone to the time and expense to ensure that not only is the meat fully sourced and halal, but also that the machines and other products are not contaminated with meat
Consumption of halal food including halal burger is not obligatory in Islam. If there is an option to eat a halal burger instead of the non-halal versions, then Muslims must, according to Islamic law, choose the halal burger. If, however, there are no halal burgers or other halal foods available, then according to the Quran, it is not a sin to eat non-halal burgers.
The move to halal burgers has sparked controversy in a number of countries, including France and Great Britain. First, French public officials have complained about the removal of bacon from menus and its replacement with turkey. This, they argue, is a violation of non-Muslims’ freedom of choice. Secondly, the halal method of slaughtering cattle to make hamburgers is contrary to British beliefs regarding animal rights and fairer means of slaughtering cattle for meat. Animal welfare organizations have pointed out that dhabiha causes immense suffering to animals, but this is disputed by others and no solution has been made in this regard.
Despite such outcry, the halal burger has gained popularity and other fast food products have also become halal friendly. This was done to cater for the growing Muslim populations of a number of cities and avoid calls of discrimination against Muslims. Whether a balance between the two or religious beliefs will trump animal rights remains to be seen.
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