What is Halal Meat - A Guide for Non-Muslims

In Arabic, the term ‘Halal’ stands for permitted or lawful. Halal food directly follows the conditions in Islamic law, exactly as it is defined in the holy script of Quran. The opposite of Halal however is Haram, which mean prohibited.  Everyone is the Islamic community is only allowed to consume Halal meat which has been slaughtered in accordance to the Islamic law.

 The animal that is going to be slaughtered must be healthy and all the blood must be drained from the carcass. During the time of slaughter, the Muslims generally recite a dedication for the animal, which is known as Shahada.

What meat is considered Halal?

On standard, all the consumable food is considered halal especially meat products in UK, unless it is prohibited in the Quran.  So in the poultry food category, animals such as chicken, cows, sheep, goat, turkey, ducks etc., are considered to be halal. However, they must be prepared completely adhering to the Islamic laws, so the meat is suitable for consumption.

Marine life, such as fish and other kinds of seafood are generally considered to be halal. The seafood should not be prepared with alcohol or any other alcoholic beverages since alcohol is strictly prohibited in the Quran. 

How are Halal meats prepared?

Muslims believe that the Islamic law on killing animals was designed in a manner that reduces distress and pain to the animal while being slaughtered. This is because the animal’s throat is being slit in one swift motion with a sharp knife on the jugular vein. The animal will be unconscious in a matter of seconds and death will occur as the blood drains from the body.

To summarize

Islam is a religion and a way of life for billions of people who follow strict rules, protocols and manners that is used to overlook every aspect of a Muslim’s life. Since the consumption of food is very important for human survival, the laws that govern the preparation of food bear exceptional significance within the community. You can buy halal meats in the UK easily from Tariq Halal.

As humans, Muslims also must consume food to maintain good health and survive. Since Islam conceives eating to be a sacred act that is looked in the same light such as praying, eating and alms-giving, the Quran looks into it deeply.