FAQ-General
What does Halal, Haram, Tayeb and Mashbooh mean?
The word Halal is derived from the Arabic language and means lawful. The requirements of Halal are all encompassing. They attach to the source of the produce, the preparation methods, and the final product. Conversely, Haram means unlawful.
Several verses in the Holy Quran have been revealed to highlight the importance that consumption of Halal food plays in the spiritual and material lives of Muslims.
“O you who believe! Eat of the good things from what we have provided you and render thanks to Allah if it is He whom you worship.” (Al, Qur’an 2:172)
“O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome in the Earth and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.” (2:168)
“O you who believe! Forbid not the good things which Allah has made ‘lawful’ for you and transgress not. Lo! Allah loves not transgressors. Eat of that which Allah has bestowed on you as food ‘lawful’ and good and keep your duty to Allah in whom you are believers.” (5:87-88)
All foods are considered halal except the following (which are haram):
- Swine/Pork and its by-products
- Animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering
- Blood
- Alcoholic drinks and intoxicants
- Carnivorous animals, birds of prey and certain other animals
- Foods contaminated with any of the above products including all meat, fat and biproducts such as emulsifier and gelatin
Halal means allowed or lawful and is normally accompanied with the word Tayeb, meaning pure, nutritious, and wholesome food that is processed and prepared in a clean and hygienic manner.
Haram means prohibited and is just opposite to what is Halal Mashbooh refers to those items which are doubtful or questionable, requiring further information to classify them as Halal or Haram.
Foods containing ingredients such as gelatin, enzymes, emulsifiers, and flavors are questionable (Mashbooh), because the origin of these ingredients is not known.
Is Halal meat slaughtered humanely?
Treating animals humanely and with utmost respect is integral to Islamic teachings. Animals are recognized in Islam as being “nations such as yourselves”. In the context of Halal there are many requirements that advance these objectives. For example, young animals are not to be taken from their mothers too early to minimize their distress and animals must not be subjected to harsh treatment. Muslims are to “lead [animals] in a beautiful way” and as such must not be pushed, pulled, mutilated, or slaughtered in front of each other. They must never be shown the knife to be used for the slaughter. Animals must also be offered a drink of water before slaughter. The instrument must be extremely sharp to ensure one swift, clean cut of jugular veins, trachea, and oesophagus, so as not to cause undue suffering. Islam even specifies the arteries that are to be cut to ensure the maximum convulsion of the muscles and withdrawal of blood to cause the animal to lose consciousness of the pain. Modern scientific principles confirm the efficacy of this technique.
Halal USA recommends its visitors visit its endorsed link to “Mercy Slaughter”. You may also search it from the YouTube video clip. Readers are reminded that Halal USA does not necessarily accept the views of any other links that may not comply with the proper requirements for slaughter based on Islamic law.
Mercy Slaughter Part B [Disclaimer: Viewer’s discretion is advised due to slaughtering footage]
