DEFINITION

• Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful. It refers to things or actions permitted by Islamic law without punishment imposed on the doer. It is usually used to describe something that a Muslim is permitted to engage in e.g. eat, drink or use. The opposite of Halal is Haram, which is Arabic for unlawful or prohibited.

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CONCEPT

• In the selection of food and drink, Islam has laid down three very important guidelines :-

1. Whether the consumption of the foodstuff is prohibited by Islam.
2. Whether the foodstuff is obtained through Halal or haram means.
3. Whether or not the material is harmful to health.

• There are several factors that determine the Halal or Haram status of a particular foodstuff. Amongst others, it is dependent on its nature, how it was processed and where it originated from.
• As an example, any pork based product is considered Haram because the material itself is Haram. Whereas beef from an animal that has not been slaughtered according to Islamic rites would still be considered Haram.
• Also Haram is food that has been stolen or acquired through unethical means. Islam also prohibits the usage of any materials that are detrimental to spritual or mental well being of a person, such as alcoholic drinks and drugs.

HALAL STATUS

• To determine the Halal or Haram status of foodstuffs and other material, Islam laid general guidelines on this matter :-

1. All raw materials and ingredients used must be Halal.
2. Naturally Halal animals such as cattle, goat etc., must be slaughtered according to Islamic rites, the ritual specify that the act must be performed by mentally sound Muslim, to sever the blood and respiratory channels of the animals, using a sharp cutting tool such as knife.
3. The Halal ingredients must not be mixed, or come into contact with Haram materials such as pork based products or dog during food preparation, storage, transport, cooking and serving.

CONCLUSION

Halal generally means clean and healty food which has also being proven scientifically. Halal status is important to Muslim as well as to others. It must be understood that the production of Halal food is not only beneficial to muslims, but also to food producers, by means of increased market acceptance of their products.

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