Why Is Halal Food Important to Muslims?
Halal is an Arabic word that means permissible. Muslims believe that some foods are considered "halal" and some are considered "haram," or forbidden. All foods are considered to be halal except for those substances specified in the Qur'an, the holy book in Islam, and in the hadiths, or traditions of the Prophet Mohammad.
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Types
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Muslims believe that halal requirements were revealed in the Qur'an. According to verse 2:173 in the Qur'an, God has forbidden Muslims to consume swine, meat that is dead before slaughter and meat that has been slaughtered without the remembrance of God beforehand. The Qur'an says that alcohol is Satan's handiwork, and that Muslims should avoid to be successful (5:90). Muslims consider all foods except the aforementioned to be halal.
Significance
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Muslims abstain from consuming foods that are not permissible primarily because they believe they are commanded to do so by God. In addition, Muslims believe that eating swine/pork is harmful to their health due to its uncleanliness and disease-carrying properties. Muslims also abstain from from drinking alcohol and consuming drugs because these may change their state of mind. In addition, Muslims only eat meat from animals that were living when slaughtered to ensure that there is no blood in the meat when it is eaten.
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Identification
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There are several organizations that monitor halal foods and determine whether common foods have ingredients that are forbidden. The Muslim Consumer Group is a nonprofit organization that provides halal information and certification. The MCG uses an "H" in a triangle to indicate products that have been determined to be halal. Another organization, Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of North America, also provides certification for halal foods, using a crescent with an "M" to indicate halal.
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