What Is Halaal?

Understanding Halaal, Haraam and Islamic dietary principles

What Is Halaal

Halaal means lawful or permissible. Muslims are instructed to consume food that is lawful and wholesome. Halaal principles guide food production, preparation and consumption according to Islamic teachings.

What Is Haraam

Haraam means unlawful or prohibited. Certain foods and ingredients are not permissible and must be avoided according to Islamic dietary requirements.

Examples Of Halaal Foods

  • Milk
  • Honey
  • Fish
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Fresh fruits
  • Grains
  • Legumes and nuts
  • Permissible animals slaughtered correctly

Examples Of Haraam Foods

  • Pork and by-products
  • Alcohol and intoxicants
  • Blood products
  • Dead animals
  • Improperly slaughtered meat
  • Birds of prey
  • Certain reptiles and insects
  • Foods contaminated by prohibited ingredients

Zabihah Requirements

  1. The slaughterman must be Muslim
  2. Allah's name must be invoked before slaughter
  3. The slaughter must happen immediately
  4. A sharp knife must be used
  5. Required vessels must be severed properly
  6. The slaughter must be conducted manually
  7. Animal suffering must be minimised

What Is Mashbooh?

Some ingredients are doubtful or questionable and require investigation before being classified as Halaal or Haraam. Examples may include ingredients like gelatin, enzymes and emulsifiers where origin is unknown.

"Eat of that which is lawful and good."
A term from the Quran referring to Christians and Jews who received Divine Scriptures.
The proper name of GOD, The Creator. ALLAH is a single being with no partners.
Compounds that delay or prevent oxidation of foods. Examples are BHA, BHT and citric acid.
Butylated Hydroxy Anisole. An antioxidant. BHA is Halaal.
Butylated Hydroxy Toluene. An antioxidant. BHT is Halaal.
Extract from Irish Moss forming a gel in foods. Carrageenan is Halaal.
Major milk protein used in cheese manufacture. Halaal status depends on enzyme source.
Sweet chocolate syrup used in foods. Not alcoholic. Halaal unless Haraam ingredients are added.
Chemical compounds used in liquid foods to remove cloudiness.
White crystalline chemical called potassium bitartarate.
Bacteria and microbes used in fermentation for cheese, milk and meat products.
Emulsifiers from animal or vegetable fats. Vegetable sources are preferred.
Substances keeping fats mixed with water. Source determines Halaal status.
Proteins used in food production. Microbial enzymes are preferred.
Animal derived protein used in desserts and foods. Unless certified Halaal it should be avoided.
Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted.
Arabic word meaning prohibited or unlawful.
Fat derived from pork. Lard is Haraam.
Emulsifier from soybeans, eggs or fats. Vegetable lecithin is preferred.
Questionable items where source is unknown.
Emulsifiers from fats. Vegetable sources preferred.
Enzyme extracted from animal stomachs. Pepsin is Haraam.
Divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Source of guidance and law for Muslims.
Enzyme used in cheese production. Microbial rennet is Halaal.
Blend of fats and oils used in baking. Vegetable shortening preferred.
Fatty acid used in food applications. Vegetable sources preferred.
Animal fat from cattle, sheep or goats. Must come from Halaal slaughter.
Milk liquid remaining after cheese production. Depends on enzyme source.