Halal and Haram Food in the Quran and Hadith

Religion Islam is a perfect system of physical and spiritual values. By practicing these laws Muslims not only attain spirituality but the greatest of all other glories and gain the wealth of health. Allah Almighty has created man in a way that whatever he eats and drinks effects his soul, mind, and body. Therefore, Allah (SWT) stated certain edible things as prohibited (Haram) and others permissible (Halal) that we have to follow and forbid for the sake of Allah Almighty. Allah (SWT) said in the Noble Quran: “O believers eat of the good things We have provided for you and give thanks to Allah.” (Quran, 2:172) Allah says in the Holy Quran: “He hath forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and swineflesh, and that which hath been immolated to (the name of) any other than Allah. But he who is driven by necessity, neither craving nor transgressing, it is no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran, 2:173) Allah Almighty also mentioned Halal food in the Holy Quran in these words: “They ask thee (O Muhammad) what is made lawful for them. Say: (all) good things are made lawful for you. And those beasts and birds of prey which ye have trained as hounds are trained, ye teach them that which Allah taught you; so eat of that which they catch for you and mention Allah's name upon it, and observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is swift to take account.” (Quran, 5:4) Muslims are not allowed to eat that food on which Allah’s name is not mentioned: “And eat not of that whereon Allah's name hath not been mentioned, for lo! it is the abomination. Lo! The devils do inspire their minions to dispute with you. But if ye obey them, ye will be in truth idolaters.” (Quran, 6:121) The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said in one of His hadith about the slaughtering of animals: “Verily Allah has prescribed proficiency in all things. Thus, if you kill, kill well; and if you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.” (Muslim) In another hadith Prophet Muhammad (SAW):  “forbade the eating of the meat of beasts having fangs.” (Bukhari)

Haram Food

In the light of above Quranic verses and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) below is the list of Haram foods that we all should know about:

• The flesh of swine
• The meat of any dead animal which is not slaughtered
• The food on which any name other than Allah Almighty has been invoked
• The Messenger of Allah Prophet (PBUH) forbade the believers to eat the meat of any bird which hunts with its claws
• Blood
• Flesh of pork
• Alcohol

Halal Food

Below mentioned food is considered the Halal for the believers:

• All vegetables are Halal
• All animals and birds that are not listed in the Haram food list are Halal as food for the believers provided they fulfill the requirements of slaughter
• The food and drink that is pure, clean, nourishing and pleasing to the taste
• We can eat all fish and seafood but not frogs nor crocodiles as crocodiles have fangs

May Almighty Allah help us to follow the teachings of Quran and Sunnah! Ameen