Halal Encyclopedia

The word "halal" is perhaps the most common concept associated with Muslims. It represents the social face of their religious beliefs and practices, enriching Australia's multicultural society. However, many non-Muslims lack a deep understanding of what halal means. As we have seen in the past, ignorance and misunderstanding of halal can lead to xenophobic attitudes toward Muslims. Understanding its true meaning can enhance mutual respect between Muslims and non-Muslims and strengthen social harmony. Here's a look at the meaning of the term and its origins.

What is the definition?

Halal is an Arabic word that essentially refers to everything that is permitted or lawful according to Islamic teachings. Its antonym is haram, which refers to everything that is forbidden in Islam. Scholar Yusuf Qaradawi defines halal as "permitted without any restrictions" and halal as "that which is absolutely forbidden by the Lawgiver [Allah]." In Islam, the scope of halal is usually limited. In contrast, the scope of halal is very broad. Anything that is not declared haram and is beneficial to humanity is halal. Islamic scholar Mohammad Hashim KamaliReferencesA saying of the Prophet Muhammad:

Halal is what God has permitted in His Book and haram is what God has forbidden in His Book. As for the things about which He chooses to remain silent, there is no sin in that.

Therefore, Islam does not describe it as illegal, but rather as halal.

Who decides what is halal?

Halal and haram are the preserve of God and cannot be determined by humans. The Quran advises believers to "accept the good things that sustain them." What is permitted in Islam is considered beneficial to humanity, while what it prohibits is harmful to humanity. The Quran refers to halal foods as "good." However, if a halal food is harmful to health, it may be haram. For example, sugar is halal, but if consumed in excess, it may become haram if it is life-threatening. Haram foods can also be halal when there is life-threatening hunger. The meat of certain animals and birds, including cattle, goats, kangaroos, chickens, and ducks, is only permitted if they are consumed in the following ways:Islamic wayHalal is only halal if it has been slaughtered. However, pork and dog meat, carnivorous animals, and most reptiles are haram. Common fish and seafood are halal, although opinions vary on certain items, such as crab and squid. According to the Quran, intoxicants (such as smoking and alcohol) and gambling are haram in Islam because they "sow enmity and hatred" between people and keep them away from prayer.

More than just food

Islamic life cannot be understood without the rules of halal and haram. These rules cover every aspect of a Muslim's life, including food and drink consumption, clothing, verbal and nonverbal behavior, financial transactions, sexual relations, social interactions, and entertainment. For example, Muslim women are prohibited from wearing typical male clothing and vice versa. Men are prohibited from carrying gold, jewelry, and silk clothing, butWomen allowedCarrying. Usury (lending money at unreasonably high interest rates) is illegal, but making money through fair trade and business practices is legal. Manufacturers and marketers are increasingly catering to Muslim customers by promoting halal brands. However, ignorance or only a partial understanding of halal remains common among Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

When dining out in mainstream restaurants, Muslims check the menu to see if the meat is halal. Occasionally, we hear grocery store employees say, "Beef and chicken are halal, but I'm not sure about pork."

Others asked whether Muslims were allowed to eat fish, questions that betrayed both curiosity and misunderstanding.

A meaningful and moral life

An unhelpful approach is that halal has been taken beyond its true meaning and linked to political and ideological issues. Sometimes halal is weaponized toAnti-Muslim propaganda。In most cases, there may be no physical, chemical, or nutritional difference between halal and non-halal foods. It is only religious or spiritual.

This knowledge can also help identify commonalities between Muslims and non-Muslims, ensuring inclusiveness and social connection. Halal practices among Muslims can benefit society. Halal food obtained through illegal means becomes haram. For example, deception, corruption, and concealing product information can render income or business transactions un-Islamic.

Making excessive profits by harming customers is also against the spirit of halal. Therefore, halal is more than just avoiding certain foods and drinks. It is also about living an ethical and meaningful life, both for yourself and for others.