Of Halal and Haraam

It’s about time I wrote up something on halal and haram. With all the fuss around, it seems to be a necessity of the moment.

It’s ironic that muslims have lived quite a long time in this country (Sri Lanka) and yet most non-muslims and may I say some of the muslims ourselves; are not fully aware of what the terms denote. By definition Halal means ‘allowed’ or ‘lawful’ and Haram (the second As have to be stretched) means ‘forbidden’. These terms are not specifically attached to food alone. Everything we do in life is supposed to be either allowed or forbidden… be it a haircut, a meal at a restaurant, a statement or whatever else. However a common misconception is that most of us identify halal and haram only with regard to food and forget about the rest. There is no such thing as the lesser allowed or the greater forbidden. Everything boils down to the two: either halal or haram. Of course there are the major sins and minor sins which I would delve into some other time. If there arises any doubt as to whether something is halal or not we are to avoid it. However, in circumstances where there is absolutely no other alternative, then what is haram may become halal. Example – if you are in a jungle… starving to death and if only bears are available as food we may eat them provided the bears don’t eat us before that ;).

What’s Halal and what’s not?

Anything vegetarian and fish is Halal. The problem starts when it comes to meat. The animal has to be slaughtered in the prescribed methodology of where the blood is completely allowed to flow out before consumption. Animals that crawl or that have claws prohibited. (So reptiles and amphibians are out). On the other hand everything in the sea is Halal they say. (I have my doubts). There are arguments about crabs and prawns because it lives both on land and water. All forms of alcohol whether medicinal or otherwise is prohibited. There are women who cover their faces and not their feet. It is compulsory to cover feet, while covering the face is only optional.

When it comes to food one should ensure that the entire supplier chain is halal. This is a tough task. The only solution is to completely avoid any food or other material if there be a doubt no matter how slight it may be. The halal certificate issued is often not renewed by many restaurants – again a reason to avoid.

Quran 2:173

"Forbidden to you (your food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah; that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it (in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety. This day have those who reject Faith given up all hope of your religion: yet fear them not but fear me. This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful"

5:90 “O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling and arrows for seeking luck or decision are an abomination in order that you may be successful”

On the other hand if alcohol is included in items that are not consumables it may be used, example ointments, perfumes etc. Since toothpaste may be swallowed, if it contains anything forbidden it should be avoid. Same rule for vaccinations. (Common Sense I suppose). However if any product of the pig is used – whether consumable or not, is forbidden because the pig is not only haram but also considered as ‘najasa’ or among the stuff that is prescribes as ‘impurities’ in the religion. As so is the case for blood, urine, etc. also forbidden are cats, dogs, horses and elephants.

Among other things that are allowed or forbidden

Quran 24:27-28

“O you who believe enter not houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted those in them; that is better for you in order that you may remember.

And if you find no one therein still enter not until permission has been given. And if you are asked to go back, go back for its is purer for you…..”

4:23 “Forbidden to you for marriage are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father’s sisters, your mother’s sisters, your brothers’ daughters and your sisters’ daughters, your foster mothers who gave you suck, your foster milk suckling sisters, your wives’ mothers, your step daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whome you have gone in but there is no sin on you if you have not gone in them (to marry their daughters). – the wives of your sons who (spring) from your own loins, and two sisters in wedlock at the same time, except for what has already passed; verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

I hope that by this article at least a few doubts with regard to the wide usage of the words halal and haram will be cleared. Finally to conclude:

5:87 O you who believe make not unlawful all that is good as regard foods, things, deeds, beliefs, persons which Allah has made lawful to you, and transgress not….

The facts presented above are purely from the understanding of literature and sermons of qualified people in the respective area. They may or may not be entirely correct.

I hope this is informative... Anything good is from Him - the creator and any mistakes are my own! So forgive me and please correct if there are any errors...