What is Halal?

In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

What is Halal?

HALAL is an Arabic term which means permissible or lawful in Islam. In reference to food, it is the Islamic dietary standard, as prescribed in the Shari’ah (Islamic Law). On the other hand, HARAM is another Arabic term which means impermissible or unlawful in Islam.

Consuming Halal is a command of Allah and an essential part of the Islamic faith. Allah has repeatedly emphasised the consumption of Halal in the Holy Quran. The following are some examples of such verses:  

“O Messengers, eat from the pure foods and work righteousness” (Holy Quran 23:51)  

“O you who have believed, eat from the pure things which we have provided you” (Holy Quran 2:172)  
 “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth (that is) lawful and pure” (Holy Quran 2:168)  

“So eat of that (meat) upon which Allah's name has been mentioned, if you are believers in His verses” (Holy Quran 6:118)  

“And do not eat that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed it is a grave disobedience”. (Holy Quran 6:121)

It is also mentioned in Hadith about eating halal.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Halal is clear and the Haram (unlawful) is clear. Between the two there are doubtful matters concerning which people do not know. One who avoids them in order to safeguard his deen (religion) and his honour are safe, while if some one indulges in it, he may be indulging in the unlawful……”  (Bukhari)