In Arabic terminology, Halal means permissible. When you come across a food item described as Halal, you should know it is something the Islamic laws have approved for the consumption of those who follow the religion. Most of the time, a restaurant that specializes in serving Halal food puts up a board or signage outside its premises stating that it is a Halal restaurant.
When you search for ‘halal food near me’ and the search engine directs you to a Halal restaurant, you must check whether there is any such board or signage outside being displayed. The presence of a board or signage gives you the assurance that when you enter the restaurant you will only be served halal meat.
What Constitutes Halal Meat?
When somebody mentions the term ‘halal meat’ to you, you might wonder what it is and how it is different from the meat that you buy and consume. The Islamic dietary laws clearly mention the processes involved in slaughtering animals. Several other things, pertaining to halal meat, are referred to. Those who sell or prepare halal meat are expected to be well aware of these regulations.
When the meat has been certified as halal, you should know that it was slaughtered in a way that is often referred to as dhabiha. In this particular slaughtering process, an animal is cut through its carotid artery, jugular vein and windpipe to ensure all the blood is drained out from the carcass.
There is a pertinent reason Islamic dietary laws make it mandatory for animals to be slaughtered in such a manner. Islam forbids its followers from consuming the blood of any living being. In regular slaughtering methods, blood does not get completely drained out from the animal. Because of this, those who follow the Islamic faith are asked only to consume Halal meat.
In Islam, there are a few other important guidelines pertaining to slaughtering an animal. It is not permitted to slaughter or consume an animal that died because of illness or some other natural cause. During the slaughtering process, the animal ought to be alive, conscious and healthy.
Which Animals Cannot Be Slaughtered?
Even if you adhere to the rules pertaining to slaughtering an animal, it is important to remember that Islam does not give its followers the right to slaughter any animal that is out there. Slaughtering certain animals, even while following Islamic guidelines, would be considered to be haram or a sin.
If you are planning to consume pork, then you must know that it is strictly forbidden under Islamic laws. The consumption of reptiles, too, is considered to be haram. Some of the other animals that are forbidden from being slaughtered or consumed are donkeys, horses, mules, cats, bears, dogs, monkeys and birds of prey.
If you are a vegetarian, then you don’t have much to worry about. Most vegetarian items are permissible under Islamic dietary laws. Some dairy products, however, are not allowed. Sometimes, non-halal animal rennet is found in cheese. If you want to try authentic Halal food at a restaurant in your city, you must check out the website myhalalrestaurants.com.
