Halal Food And Its Presence The World Over

Islam As Holistic Religion:

Islam imparts education with respect to not just worship but also taking care of yourself. It focuses on physical well-being as much as it does on spiritual health. That is why ablution is obligatory five times a day. It keeps a person clean and healthy. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory.

Today science proves that fasting for a month helps in detoxification of the body. Likewise, there are many examples that indicate that the teachings of Islam are for your own best interest.

Read also:  THE HISTORY OF ISLAM

Meaning Of Halal:

According to Islamic law, anything that is permissible is known as Halal. On the other hand, things that are forbidden in Islam are known as Haraam. With respect to food, Halal foods are those that are allowed to be consumed as per Islamic law.

Haram food and drink are those that are not only forbidden but have been proven by science to have severe health hazards if consumed.

On the other hand, Halal food is healthy and is prepared in the most hygienic way. Not only you get rewarded by obeying Allah’s command when consuming Halal food, but you also ensure a healthy life.

A physically fit mind and body are crucial for accomplishing your life goals and perform your duties responsibly. So, enjoy countless of Allah’s blessings in the form of milk, meat, fruits, vegetable grains and everything that is Halal and good for your health.

Food And Drink Forbidden In Islam:

Consumption of the following food and drink is not allowed in Islam:

• Pork and anything including the flesh of a pig
• Blood
• The meat of dead animals
• Alcohol
• The meat of animal (be it halal animal) from which a wild animal has eaten
• The meat of an animal that has not been slaughtered in the Islamic way
• The meat of an animal that has been slaughtered in the name of some person, idol or any other religion.

Islamic Way Of Slaughtering Animals:

Islam preaches welfare not only for humans but for animals as well. It commands Muslims to be merciful towards animals and plants as well. The Islamic way of slaughter called zabiha is absolutely necessary for meat to be called Halal.

Muslims are commanded to slit the animal’s throat quickly while reciting, “In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.” In this manner, the animal feels the least pain. It is the most merciful way of slaughtering animals as blood flows out of the body instantly when the throat is cut.

The animal is slaughtered instantly hence feeling least pain. On the other hand, animals that are slaughtered through electrocution or strangulation die very painfully over a long period of time. Apart from this, as most of the blood flows out, it makes the animal safe and healthy for consumption.

By reciting Allah’s name while slaughtering, you signify that every life, even that of animals is sacred. You seek Allah’s permission before slaughtering a life.

Before slaughtering it must be ensured that the animal does not see the blade so that he does not fear what is coming to it. It must not also see other animals being slaughtered. Place the animal in a comfortable position. The blade must be sharp so that slaughter is completed swiftly.

It should be clean from the blood of any previously slaughtered animal.  Let the animal bleed out completely before progressing further. The slaughterer must be a Muslim adult in a sound mental state.

Islam is extremely considerate about the sanctity of life even of animals. The Islamic way of slaughter sets an excellent example as to how humane and tolerant Islam is. So, consume all of Allah’s Halal blessings that are nourishing and tasteful for a healthy life.