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This article provides an overview of ‘Halal’ i.e. permissible or lawful in Islam, and ‘Haram’ i.e. impermissible or unlawful in Islam:Halal and Haram

Halal and Haram

Halal: This Arabic term means permissible or lawful in Islam. It is used to describe actions, practices, and foods that are allowed under Islamic law (Shari’ah). Specifically for food, it refers to the Islamic dietary standards as outlined in the Qur’an and Hadith.
Haram: This term refers to anything that is impermissible or unlawful in Islam. Foods, actions, and practices deemed Haram are explicitly forbidden by Islamic law.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of distinguishing between Halal and Haram. He stated:
“Halal is clear, and Haram is clear. Between them are doubtful matters concerning which people do not know. One who avoids them in order to safeguard their faith and honor is safe, while someone who indulges in them may be indulging in the unlawful...” (Bukhari)

General Guidance from the Qur’an
The Qur’an provides clear instructions about what is lawful and unlawful for Muslims to consume. It emphasizes gratitude for Allah’s provisions while adhering to dietary laws:

“O you who believe! Eat of the good things We have provided for you, and give thanks to Allah, if it is He you worship.” (Chapter II: Verse 172)
However, specific foods are declared Haram, including carrion, blood, swine flesh, and animals not slaughtered in Allah’s name:
- “He has forbidden you only carrion, blood, swine flesh, and that on which any name other than Allah’s has been invoked...” (Chapter II: Verse 173)
- “Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, swine flesh, and that which has been immolated to idols or slaughtered without invoking Allah’s name...” (Chapter V: Verse 3)

Key Requirements for Meat in Islam
Meat is the most regulated food group in Islam. In addition to avoiding forbidden animals like pigs, Muslims must ensure that:

The animal is Halal (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats, or poultry).
It is slaughtered by pronouncing the name of Allah at the time of slaughter:
- “Eat of that over which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you truly believe in His revelations.” (Chapter VI: Verse 118)
- “Do not eat of that on which Allah’s name has not been mentioned, for it is abomination...” (Chapter VI: Verse 121)

Scientific Explanations Behind Prohibitions
Although the primary reason for dietary laws is adherence to Divine commands, some prohibitions have been explained with scientific reasoning:

Carrion and Dead Animals: The decaying process in dead animals produces harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to humans.
Blood: Blood contains toxins, metabolic byproducts, and harmful bacteria, making it unfit for consumption.
Pork: Pigs can carry parasites like Trichinella spiralis and Taenia solium, which can infect humans. Additionally, the fatty acids in pork fat are considered incompatible with human health and biochemical systems.
Intoxicants: Alcohol and other intoxicants impair the nervous system, affect judgment, and can lead to addiction, social issues, and even death.

Underlying Principle
While these explanations provide insights into the health benefits of Islamic dietary laws, the fundamental principle remains submission to Allah’s commands. Muslims view these prohibitions as part of their faith and obedience to Divine guidance.

Islamic Jurisprudence on Halal and Haram Foods
Islamic scholars have derived principles from the Qur’an and Hadith to classify animals and birds as lawful or unlawful. These rulings ensure that Muslims consume pure and clean foods while maintaining ethical and spiritual standards.

By adhering to these guidelines, Muslims aim to foster gratitude, discipline, and mindfulness in their daily lives, ensuring their actions align with their faith.

Halal Animals

The following animals are fit for Muslim consumption:

All domestic birds
All cattle
Sheep
Goats
Camels
All types of buck
Rabbits
Fish
Locusts

The aforementioned animals excluding fish and locusts will only be considered Halal when they are slaughtered according to the following guidelines:

The slaughter man must be a Muslim
Prior to slaughter, the slaughter man must invoke the name of Allah upon the animal to be slaughtered by reciting “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” or at the very least recite “Bismillah”
He must immediately slaughter the animal after the recital without any significant delay
His knife must be extremely sharp in order that the slaughter may be conducted efficiently and easily and the animal suffers minimal agony
He must sever the following arteries:
Trachea (windpipe), Oesophagus (gullet), both Jugular Veins
If it is not possible for the slaughter man to cut all four arteries due to whatever reason then he must sever at least three in order to render the meat Halal.
He must conduct the slaughter manually (i.e. by hand) and swiftly. The knife must not be lifted before the cut is complete and the cut must be below the Adam’s apple

Haram Animals

The consumption of the following animals is against the dietary laws of Islam. Likewise any ingredient or product derived from them or contaminated with them is also prohibited for a Muslim to consume:

Meat of swine (pig) including all it’s by products
Meat of an animal that was not blessed with the name of Allah at the time of slaughter
Meat of dead animals (carrion)
Meat of animals that were strangled to death
Meat of animals that were beaten to death
Meat of animals that died due to falling from a height
Meat of animals that were gored to death by a horn
Meat of animals that were devoured by wild beasts
Animals killed in a manner which prevents their blood from being fully drained from their bodies;
Carnivorous animals with fangs, e.g. lions, dogs, wolves, tigers, etc…
Birds of prey e.g. falcons, eagles, owls, vultures, etc
Reptiles, snakes, crocodiles
Mules and Asses
Pests’ e.g. rats and scorpions
Insects excluding locusts