Halaal & Haraam: An Overview

As Muslims spread worldwide, their beliefs, faith, and way of life also become a part of the non-Muslim world. The concept of halaal and haraam is one of the central beliefs of all Muslims.

Halaal and haraam are separate words integral to how Muslims view the world. Most believe they apply to food items only, but this is untrue. It is a broad concept encompassing all walks of a Muslim’s life.

Read on to look deeper into how the concept of halaal and haraam guides Muslims throughout their life.

What is the Difference Between Halaal and Haraam in Islam?

Halal: This is an Arabic word that means lawful or permissible. Primarily used for food, it also defines many other parameters in a Muslim’s life.

Haram: This is an Arabic word for something forbidden or unlawful in Islam. It is the opposite of Halal.

Allah says in the Quran:

"O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome, and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an avowed enemy of you."  [Qur'an: 2:168]

What is Halal Food in Islam?

You may have heard of many halaal food restaurants around you. Halaal food restaurants serve food, specifically meat, acceptable for Muslims. Additionally, Muslims do not eat pork or any of its by-products. Pork is haraam, along with a few other items.

Zabihah

Halal meat is slaughtered as prescribed by the Qur’an and Hadeeth; this method is called ‘Zabihah.’ Muslims were taught this procedure as the best way to slaughter an animal causing it the least pain.

A few essential criteria must be followed while slaughtering animals in the Islamic way. They are as follows:

• A Muslim must carry out the slaughter of the animal.
• The animal must be alive before slaughtering.
• Animals must not be grouped or allowed to watch the slaughter of other animals in their herd.
• Slaughtering must begin with ‘Bismillah‘, which means “In the name of Allah.“
• Slaughter the animal with a precise cut to its throat, severing its carotid artery, trachea, and jugular veins.
• The slaughter must use a razor-sharp knife to ensure a quick death.
• Hang the animal upside down to allow all the blood to drain.

Moreover, all food is considered halal in Islam unless the Quran or the Hadith expressly prohibits it. By definition, halal foods are free from any component that Muslims are prohibited from consuming according to Islamic law (Shariah).

“He hath forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and swineflesh, and that which hath been immolated to (the name of) any other than Allah. But he who is driven by necessity, neither craving nor transgressing, it is no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful” (2:173).

What is Haram Food in Islam?

To knowingly eat or drink any of the foods Allah has made haraam is a major sin unless it is an extreme case when nothing edible is available. Additionally, if a person is in danger of starvation or for medicinal purposes, they can consume haram foods.

• Meat not slaughtered according to the methods prescribed by Qur’an and Hadeeth.
• Alcohol
• Pork or pork by-products
• Blood
• Food that contains any combination of the above three (gelatin made from Haram meat, cakes with alcohol, etc.).
• Rennet
• Synthetic–rennet obtained from halal slaughtered animals is permissible.
• Tallow (non-Halal species)
• Carnivorous animals, birds of prey, and certain other animals

Allah instructs us in the Quran about haraam food:

“Forbidden unto you (for food) are carrion and blood and swine-flesh, and that which hath been dedicated unto any other than Allah, and the strangled, and the dead through beating, and the dead through falling from a height, and that which hath been killed by (the goring of) horns, and the devoured of wild beasts, saving that which ye make lawful (by the death-stroke), and that which hath been immolated unto idols..." (5:3)

Why Do Muslims Eat Only Halaal Food?

So, what is the secret behind halaal food? Why are Muslims so careful about what they consume? There are two simple reasons Muslims ensure that all food they eat is halal:

1. To ensure that the food we put into our bodies is healthy and clean.
2. To ensure it is slaughtered in the most humane way possible, i.e. Zabihah.

What is the Difference Between Halaal and Kosher Food?

Just as halaal food refers to the Islamic rules for permissible food, Kosher food refers to food permissible in the Jewish religion.

Kosher food limits the consumption of seafood such as lobster, shrimp, and crab, while Islam does not prohibit them.

Additionally, a specific prayer is read before slaughtering animals in the Jewish religion. Kosher food does not limit the intake of alcohol, which is considered a haraam food in Islam.

How Does the Concept of Halaal & Haraam Apply in Other Areas of Muslim Life?

As explained before, the laws of Halaal and Haraam govern a Muslim’s entire life. They help Muslims to lead lawful lives and make them conscious of what Allah has permitted for them and what is unlawful.

Allah mentions many non-edible things which have been made haraam by Him in the Quran:

Say, “My Lord has only forbidden immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed – and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.” (Quran, 7:33)

What is Halaal Banking?

You may have heard of halaal food… but does halaal banking surprise you?

Most commercial banks run on a riba, or interest-based system, which is considered haraam.
However, Islamic banks run on permissible transactions such as selling, buying, profit sharing, partnerships, and other Islamically-acceptable investment forms. Additionally, they charge a fee for various services, such as currency exchange and transfers.

As for investments, one way how Islamic banks invest is to take money from the customer and invest it in a permissible business. For example, setting up a housing project, from which the customers will be provided a share of the profits.

Riba-based and Islamic banks differ in the haraam riba-based loans and Islamically-acceptable profit-sharing in which the customer may lose money. Furthermore, because his investment is not guaranteed protection, this gain is halaal wealth if he makes a profit.

Conclusion

Islam is a complete way of life. The Quran and Ahadith are a Muslim’s complete and in-depth guide to a life mindful of Allah’s commands.

Islam is the perfect combination of physical and spiritual ethics. Allah created humans in such a way that everything they eat and drink affects their body and spirit. In the Quran, Allah has clarified what we can and cannot eat, with meat being the most strictly monitored category.

It is vital that, as conscientious Muslims, we are always careful about the halaal and haram things in our lives.

“O ye who believe! Fulfill your undertakings.The beast of cattle is made lawful unto you (for food) except that which is announced unto you (herein), game being unlawful when ye are on pilgrimage. Lo! Allah ordaineth that which pleaseth Him” (5:1)

FAQ’s

Are shrimps, prawns, and oysters halaal in Islam?

Yes, all types of seafood are halaal in Islam. Some Islamic sects prohibit eating oysters; generally, however, seafood is considered halal. Allah says in the Quran:

“The game of the sea and its food are lawful unto you.” (Surah Al Maidha:96)

Is insurance halaal in Islam?

Most Islamic scholars agree that conventional insurance is unacceptable in Islam because it does not conform to Sharia Laws. All Conventional insurance policies include an element of al-gharar or uncertainty and are based on the practice of charging interest, which is why they are considered haraam.

Is cryptocurrency or Bitcoin halaal in Islam?

Some Islamic scholars believe cryptocurrency or bitcoin are halal because they are tangible digital assets owned, possessed, stored in wallets, and traded on exchanges. Additionally, if the project through which the crypto is earned is halaal, then the earning is halaal too.

Is tattoo haraam in Islam?

All scholars agree that tattoos are haraam in Islam because they change the natural appearance created by Allah. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:

“May Allah curse the women who do tattoos and those for whom tattoos are done, those who pluck their eyebrows and those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification and alter the creation of Allah.” (Al-Bukhari, al-Libas, 5587; Muslim, al-Libas, 5538) 

Is music haraam in Islam?

Music is haraam in Islam because most modern music contains vulgar language, leading to lewd behavior. Moreover, instruments, such as the duff or drums, are allowed.