Haram Food

Haram Food

In Islamic dietary laws, haram refers to foods that are prohibited. These include:

• Pork and any products derived from pork, such as pork sausage or bacon.

• Animals that were not slaughtered in the name of Allah.*

• Blood and blood by-products.

• Alcohol and intoxicants.*

• Carnivorous animals, birds of prey, and certain other animals.

Any food that contains ingredients that are themselves haram.

• It's important to note that these rules apply to Muslims, and different sects may have slightly different interpretations of what is considered haram. It's always best to consult with a local imam or Muslim leader for guidance.

*What is meant by animals slaughtered in the name of Allah?- This means that an animal is properly slaughtered where according to Islamic tradition, the animal is brought to the place of slaughter and laid down gently so as to not injure it. It is sunnah (tradition) but not fard (God's requirement) that the head of the animal be facing the Qibla. The blade must be kept hidden until the very last moment while the jugular of the animal is felt. The conventional method used to slaughter the animal involves cutting the large arteries in the neck along with the esophagus and trachea with one swipe of a non-serrated blade. Care must be taken that the nervous system is not damaged, as this may cause the animal to die before exsanguination has taken place. During the swipe of the blade, the head must not be decapitated, since it is impermissible for the blade to touch the spinal cord. While blood is draining, the animal is not handled until it has died. It is also compulsory that each animal must be slaughtered individually and in seclusion, according to some schools of thought. In a poultry farm or slaughter house, one animal must not witness another animal being slaughtered as it is makruh.

*In Islam, the consumption of alcohol is considered haram (forbidden). The Quran states, "O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." (Quran 5:90)

Many Islamic scholars interpret this verse to mean that alcohol and other intoxicants are prohibited because they can lead to sinful behavior and harm to oneself and others. Additionally, it is believed that consuming alcohol can cloud one's judgement and make them less able to fulfill their religious obligations.