January 18, 2020halal
What is Halal Meat?
You must have heard the terms ‘Halal’ and ‘Haram’ at some stage of your life. But did you know what these terms actually mean and why you should prefer Halal meat over Haram alternatives? Here’s a breakdown of what these terms actually mean and why you should eat Halal meat even if you’re a non-Muslim.
What is Halal Meat?
The word ‘Halal’ is an Arabic word which means ‘permissible’. Noticeably, this word doesn’t just refer to food that is lawful and permissible for Muslims to eat but also includes everything allowed in a Muslim’s life. The opposite of ‘Halal’ is ‘Haram’ which means ‘forbidden’ or unlawful. While Islamic faith strictly restricts Muslims to adhere to Halal food, it is also preferred by many non-Muslims because of the benefits that come handy with the process of Zabiha.What is the Difference between Halal and Non-Halal Meat?
You might have wondered what Halal meat is, after all, it looks exactly the same as meat acquired from other traditional procedures. The answer is that it entirely depends on the way the animal is raised and killed. Halal meat is basically the flesh of the animal acquired by following the slaughtering procedure mentioned in the Quran and Hadeeth. This process is believed to cause the least amount of pain to animals and must be performed by an adult with respect and compassion.What are some of the Requirements for a Product to be Considered Halal?
Halal is a broad term that incorporates more than just meat. For the meat to be considered Halal, the farmer must opt for pure and clean farming habits and raise an animal in accordance with Islamic guidelines. The animal must be fed and treated well and should be sacrificed with an open heart and dignity. The kind of food and treatment are given to an animal plays a crucial role. Ideally, the animal that is meant to be sacrificed must not be mistreated or abused. They should be kept at the place which is well-ventilated and allows for free and comfortable movement of animals. Also, they should be fed clean and fresh feed and water that is suitable and healthy for them. The Halal slaughtering procedure also encompasses numerous important aspects. For instance, the Zabiha should never be done in front of any other animal. One should use a sharp knife to expedite the process and lower down the pain suffered by the animal. Since blood is the major source of toxins and bacteria, it must be fully drained from the animal after the slaughtering procedure is done. All of these steps contribute to making Halal meat very healthy and beneficial. Also, the final cooking result is tender and delicious. Treating our bodies with toxin-free healthy meat is not something desired by the Muslim community only, but it’s a desire and common right of overall humanity.Types of Halal and Haram Food
The general belief is that everything that is not forbidden is Halal. Here are some of the food types that are considered to be Halal:- Meat slaughtered by following a particular ‘Zabiha’ method
- Fish and other sea creatures that don’t need slaughtering
- Fruits, vegetables, and grains
- Dairy products
- Meat that is not slaughtered following the Islamic Zabiha procedure
- Alcohol or its byproducts
- Pork or its byproducts
- The meat of animals/birds that eat the flesh of other animals
- Animals not slaughtered in the name of Allah