We will discuss Halal and haram with reference to the foods and drink in our normal life in Islam including scientific reasons for these and the benefits they provide.
Also Read: Islamophobia Anti Muslim Sentiments
What is Halal:
This is an Arabic word that means lawful or permissible. Firstly, It does not just refer to things that a Muslim; is allowed to eat but also encompasses everything lawful in a Muslim’s life. Nevertheless, it is most often uttered in reference to food. In reference to food, it is the dietary standard, as prescribed in the Qur’an (the
Muslim scripture).
What is Haram:
Haram is the Arabic word that is opposite to Halal; it means something is forbidden or unlawful for Muslims to consume; use or do. The opposite of Halal is Haram, which means unlawful or prohibited. Halal and haram are universal terms that apply to all facets of life. Secondly, these terms are commonly used in relation to food products; meat products, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and food contact materials. Furthermore, many things are clearly Halal or haram, there are some things that are not clear. Such items are often
referred to as mashbooh, which means doubtful or questionable.
| Alcoholic drinks | Lard | Port/bacon and ham |
| Enzymes | Gelatine | L-cysteine |
| Non Halal animal fat | Unspecified meat broth | Carnivorous animals |
| Food contaminated with the above product | Rennet | Lipase |
Halal & haram in light of Quran:
Here are some of the verses in the Qur’an which refers to Halal and haram, in particular to food. In the words of Allah (SWT):
| Verses | Qur’an: Surah : Ayat |
| O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome, and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an avowed enemy of you.” | [Qur’an: 2:168] |
| “They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, “Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah.” Indeed, Allah is swift in account.” [Qur’an: 5:4] | [Qur’an: 5:4] |
| “O, messengers! Eat from what is good and lawful, and act righteously. Indeed, I fully know what you do.” | [Qur’an: 23:51] |
Conditions / Definition:
Moreover, In general, every food is considered Halal in Islam unless it is especially prohibited by the Qur’an or the Hadith. By official definition, Halal foods are those that are; Free from any component that Muslims are prohibited from consuming; according to Islamic law (Shariah). Processed, made, produced; manufactured and/or stored using utensils; equipment and/or machinery that have been cleansed according to Islamic law. In conclusion, we should make sure what we should intake.