Background

The dietary restrictions observed, to varying degrees, by Muslims are called Halal. The term Halal is an Arabic word that is used as an adjective; directly translated, the word means "permissible." In Arabic-speaking countries, the term Halal is a word that describes any behavior that is permissible under Islamic law, including behavior, speech, dress, manner, conduct, and dietary laws. Outside of the Middle East, the term Halal most frequently refers to a specific set of dietary laws. The rules concerning what is acceptable to eat for Muslims are a "fatwa," or an opinion on an official manner according to Islamic law. When a food is forbidden for consumption, it is called "Haraam."

There are many verses in the Koran (Quran), one of the earliest Muslim holy books written by the prophet Mohammed, that emphasize the importance of observing Halal in honor of Allah. These verses are numbered so that the reader can find the specific part of a text (similar to the system used for locating Bible verses) and include Koran 2:173, Koran 5:3, Koran 5:5, Koran 6:145, and Koran 16:115. These citations are frequently cited as Allah's instructions to his people for the importance of observing a Halal diet.

In primarily non-Muslim countries, Halal products are usually purchased at a store specializing in these products. In areas with a large Muslim population, many mainstream grocery stores include meat that has been certified Halal. Every Halal meat product has a symbol on the packaging to designate its acceptability to Muslims. This symbol assists adherents in easily locating products that were prepared in observance of their religious beliefs. People who observe the Halal diet tend to know the non-meat foods (cookies, for example) that are Halal, so the labeling of these is less common.

Halal is observed by most Muslims and in varying degrees. Within the diverse Muslim community, there are differing opinions as to the acceptability of consuming various foods. For instance, Muslims who do not strictly observe Islamic law may find it more acceptable to consume meat and other meat-containing products, which have a questionable Halal status.

Safety Safety definitions

Pregnancy And Lactation: There is insufficient reliable evidence about the safety of the Halal diet in pregnancy and lactation; however, there is no reason to expect safety issues.

Effectiveness Effectiveness definitions

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Dosing & administration

Adverse effects

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

None known.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

None known.

Interactions with foods

None known.

Interactions with lab tests

Interactions with diseases