MAINTAINING A HALAL DIET IN A HARAMI WORLD
By Bello Omobolanle .N.
What is halal and haram?
Halal is an Arabic word which translates into ‘lawful or permitted’. According to the Islamic Sharia Law, halal food encompasses all the foods that adhere to the laid out rules. In contrast Haram means ‘forbidden or unlawful’. The halal diet is a holistic approach to living and eating, it focuses on commitment to consuming clean, healthy and well-prepared food with a sense of responsibility towards animal welfare and an eco-friendly environment.
The doctrine of halal eating is deep-seated in Islamic teachings. Surat Al-Baqarah 2:173 preaches ‘He has forbidden you to eat dead animals, blood, pork and meat offered in any name other than Allah; but if one is driven by necessity – neither coveting it nor exceeding his immediate need – no sin shall be upon him. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ Similarly, Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:96 say: ‘Lawful is game from the sea and its food as provision for you and travelers, but forbidden to you is game from the land as long as you are in the state of Ihram. And fear Allah to whom you will be gathered.’
What foods are classified as Halal and Haram?
Understanding the foods considered Halal or not, plays a crucial in maintaining a halal diet that fits into the Moral and Ethical Islamic standards. There is a broad spectrum of Permissible foods which encompasses a balanced and nutritious diet. The categories of Halal foods include:
Fruits and Vegetables: The Prophet (S.A.W) not only spelt out the benefits of eating vegetables, fruits and herbs; he also recommended a vegetarian-rich diet for both its nutritional value as food and its therapeutic value in healing. Qasim Bin Abdul Rehman (R.A) narrates that the Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Seek cure by (using) Fenugreek)” , which is found to be of benefit in treating throat infection, swelling, body pain, stomach pain, diabetes, ulcer and being a powerful tonic and lactogogue i.e. stimulant of breast milk production.
Meat and Poultry: Generally, all wild animals that do not have canine teeth are halal for slaughter and consumption, all schools of Islamic law, including the Ja’fari Shia, are in agreement on this. Excluded from the halal category are beasts of prey having canine teeth, claws and fangs, as they feed on meat, including carrion. Surah Al-An’am 6:18, says: ‘so eat only what has been slaughtered in Allah’s name, if you truly believe in his revelations.’ The Sunnah way of slaughtering animals is known as Dhabihah which results in better meat quality due to reduced stress in the animal prior to slaughter and reduces the risk of food-borne illness, minimizing pain and suffering to the animal.
Seafood: Customarily, all seafood is considered Halal based on verse 5:96 of the Qur’an. Although, some preparation methods may nullify the permissibility of the Fish. Some Islamic scholars consider lobsters haram because they are seen as scavengers of the sea, feeding on dead animals and waste products like excrement, however other scholars point out that this also applies to crabs which are considered halal. Some sea creatures are not entirely haram but might be makruh (disliked).
Equally important is understanding what is not allowed in a halal diet which includes:
Pork and its By-products: Pork is forbidden due to the health risk of fats, toxins and bacteria. The meat and fat of a pig absorbs toxins like a sponge. Their meat can be 30 times more toxic than beef or venison.
Improperly slaughtered animals
Alcohol and intoxicants: The Qur’an talks about the ruling concerning alcohol and intoxicants by using the Arabic word khamr which means concealment because they put a veil or conceal the mind such that it does not function properly.
Blood
What are the benefits of maintaining a halal diet?
The benefits of a halal diet are quite broad, but they include:
Increased food safety
Ethical treatment of Animals
Prohibition of harmful substances
Hygienic food preparation
Healthier meat consumption
Adherence to religious beliefs
Dietary restriction for health benefits
Environmental sustainability
Personal discipline
Peace of mind
Lower risk of food contamination
Cultural connection
Moderation in consumption
Reduced prevalence of environmental diseases
Improved digestion and metabolism
How to identify halal and haram foods
Identifying halal foods and products poses a huge problem in this modern world. A lot of people are now highly conscious of what they eat and the products they use. When shopping for food, look for products that have been certified by a recognized Islamic organization. If you don’t see any labels on the package, check the ingredient list. There are some products that are always not allowed in halal foods, such as gelatin made from pork products. Check for products made with; alcohol (and any ingredient ending with –ol, ex, menthol, butyl alcohol), carmine, animal shortening (lard, suet), gelatin, pepsin, chocolate liqueur, cysteine, enzyme modified soya lecithin, ingredients made from pig fat e.g. Polysorbate 60,65, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Also avoid food additives with E numbers.
Addressing common challenges and solutions
Muslims are not the only ones consuming halal products, non-Muslims also seek halal products for safety, cleanliness and hygiene. Halal diet follows the trend of healthy, sustainably, ethically-sourced food. However, certain problems ensue in maintaining this way of life. The first issue is lack of awareness, many business owners are not familiar with what halal products are and the requirements for producing them. Consequently, there is a lack of understanding on how to comply with the necessary standards and requirements. Another challenge faced is the perceived cost of sourcing halal products. Social gatherings, peer influence, perception of identity, social pressure are all challenges also faced in maintaining a halal diet.
The halal product certification industry faces several challenges, but with the right strategies in place, business can overcome them.
Eating at halal restaurants, opting for more vegan options, preparing meals at home, looking for the halal certification symbol on food packaging and educating oneself about halal dietary laws, including what is permissible are strategies that can be incorporated in effectively navigating the challenges of maintaining a halal diet.
