Halal Food Guidelines
The consumption of Halal foods is required of all Muslims under the Quran. The underlying guidelines of Halal foods is that they be prepared in a hygienic manner and are free from specific types of contamination.
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Definition
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Halal refers to a certain food that is permitted to be consumed under Islamic law and in accordance with the Quran. This food must be free from parts of animals that are forbidden to Muslims and must not contain any substance considered filth (usually referring to pork, blood and carrion). Food processing and preparation must be done using utensils and equipment free of filth, and the food should not come into contact with any food or substance that is considered filthy or otherwise does not comply with the Halal requirements.
Plants
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All types of plants and any of their products are considered to be Halal and are permissible to be ingested so long as they are not poisonous, intoxicating or otherwise toxic to humans.
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Slaughtering of Animals
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Most land and water animals are permitted to be consumed, with a few notable exceptions. These exceptions include pigs, dogs, carnivorous animals that kill (ie: tigers, bears), birds of prey or scavengers, animals which are considered repulsive (ie: lice, maggots), as well as any permissible animal which has not been slaughtered according to Islamic laws.
Halal animals are slaughtered in a very specific manner, in order to give thanks to Allah for providing the animal as a gift. The Islamic laws of slaughter ensure that the animal feels minimal pain and produces a clean and healthy food. The slaughter must be performed by a Muslim of sound mind, and the animal must not appear to be in any type of stress prior to slaughter. All devices must be sharp and not made of bones, teeth or nails and the respiratory tract, esophagus and jugular vein of the animal must be severed to ensure maximum blood removal and reduced suffering to the animal.
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References
- Photo Credit holy quran image by palms from Fotolia.com
