Islamic food is halal food: food Muslims are permitted to eat under Islamic rules. Pork and alcoholic drinks are forbidden, while meat and chicken must meet halal slaughter requirements. Understanding the terms halal, haram, mashbooh and zabihah helps explain the distinction between permitted food, prohibited food and food whose status is uncertain.
What do halal and haram mean?
Halal means permitted under Islamic rules, while haram means forbidden. These terms apply to food and drink, and other terms describe uncertainty or the method of slaughter.
| Term | Meaning in relation to food |
|---|---|
| Halal | Food or drink that is permitted for Muslims |
| Haram | Food or drink that is prohibited |
| Mashbooh | Food whose status has not been identified as halal or haram |
| Zabihah | The Islamic method of slaughtering animals for food |
These food terms form part of the wider rules of Islam.
Which foods and drinks are forbidden in Islam?
Pork, alcoholic drinks and blood are forbidden, along with certain animals and meat that does not meet halal slaughter requirements. The restrictions include:
- Pork and alcoholic drinks. These are familiar examples of haram food and drink.
- Blood and animals that die before slaughter. The restriction on animals that die before slaughter excludes sea creatures.
- Certain animals. These include domestic donkeys, cats, dogs and monkeys.
- Birds with talons. Examples include falcons, vultures and eagles.
Avoiding pork and alcohol is therefore only part of understanding halal food. For meat and chicken, the way the animal is slaughtered also matters.
What makes meat and chicken halal?
Meat and chicken must come from permitted animals and follow halal slaughter requirements. Zabihah refers to this method of slaughter, which includes care in handling the animal.
The guidance on slaughter includes these points:
- A sharp knife should be used.
- Other living animals should not witness the slaughter.
- The butcher should say Bism-Allah (in the name of God) before slaughtering.
- The animal's neck is cut so that its blood drains.
The distinction is between whether an animal is permitted as food and whether it has been slaughtered according to the required method. Slaughtering an animal does not by itself make every kind of meat halal.
How can families continue learning about Islam?
Families can explore everyday Islamic guidance through one-to-one Islamic studies for kids at Murouj Academy. Parents can book a free trial class with the teacher they choose.
For wider reading, explore Islam and essential needs. If you are reading about food in preparation for Ramadan, see the guide to eating habits that support fasting.
Frequently asked questions
Is halal only about meat?
No. Halal describes permitted food and drink generally. Zabihah refers specifically to the Islamic method of slaughtering animals for food.
Does mashbooh mean a food is definitely haram?
No. Mashbooh means the food's status is uncertain: it has not been identified as either halal or haram.
What does Muslim-friendly food mean on a menu?
Some restaurants use Muslim-friendly to describe food suitable for Muslims to eat. In that usage, it refers to food that follows halal requirements and does not contain prohibited food or drink.
