POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN HALAL INDUSTRY

Transcription

1 ( ( O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of the Evil One, for he is to you an avowed enemy.( Al Baqarah: 168) POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN HALAL INDUSTRY MODULE 1 BASICS OF HALAL Simply the best Automated Learning Solution Introduction to Halal Foods & Halal Industry

2 RESEARCH COUNCIL How should ye not eat of that over which the name of God hath been mentioned, when He hath explained unto you that Which is forbidden unto you unless ye are compelled thereto. But lo! many are led astray by their own lusts through ignorance. Lo! thy Lord, He is Best Aware of the transgressors. (Quran 6:119) MODULE # 1 BASICS OF HALAL

3 RESEARCH COUNCIL C ONTENTS PGD-HI: 401: Concept of Halal Course Contents: Understand the definition of Halal? Concept of Halal in Islam? How we describe the Halal? What is the rationale for the prohibition of Haram food in Islam?

4 04 CONCEPT OF HALAL WHAT IS HALAL? Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful. It refers to things or actions permitted by Shariah law without punishment imposed on the doer. It is usually used to describe something that a Muslim is permitted to engage in e.g. eat, drink or use. The opposite of Halal is Haram, which is an Arabic word for unlawful or prohibited. The word Halal is derived from the verb Halla to be or become lawful, legal, licit, legitimate, permissible, permitted, allowable, allowed, admissible, unprohibited, unforbidden. For a non-speaker of Arabic, the word Halal usually refers to food that is permissible according to Islam. However, in Arabic, it refers to permissible behavior, speech, dress, conduct, manner and dietary. In western countries, the term is usually used in the context of just Muslim food laws, especially where meat and poultry are concerned. In Muslim's life, every aspect of life is regulated by Islamic law therefore, the Halal-Haram dichotomy almost always applies to everything. Concept of Halal in Islam? Halal is that which Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have allowed to be done in a lawful manner. The concept of Halal has traditionally been applied to food. But it now appears to expand to the extent that virtually all goods and services including cosmetics, clothing, pharmaceuticals, financial services and even tour packages can be certified Halal. TIP Halal Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful. It refers to things or actions permitted by Shariah law. This discussion is about the things which are Halal and Haram according to the concepts and teachings of Islam. Many things which are declared Haram by Quran and Hadith, they are prohibited for Muslims. It is proved by science; all these Haram things are dangerous and flabby for human body. Dichotomy is any splitting of a whole into exactly two non-overlapping parts, meaning it is a procedure in which a whole is divided into two parts.

5 05 Mainly pork, alcohol, blood, dead animals and animals slaughtered while reciting a name other than that of Allah Almighty, all these things are considered Haram in the light of Quran and Hadith. The Halal guidelines compiled by the Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia or JAKIM), the country's central Islamic authority, are based on Quranic interpretations by the Maliki, Hambali, Shafie and Hanafi sets. In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: Halal (lawful) is clear and Haram (prohibited) is clear; in between these tw o are certain things which are suspect or shubha. Many people may not know whether those items are Halal or Haram (but) who so ever leaves them, is innocent towards his religion and his conscience. Anyone who gets involved in any of these suspected items may fall into the unlawful and prohibited. (Muslim) Under JAKIM's guidelines, Halal is defined as food not made of, or containing parts of animal origin which Islamic law forbids to be consumed. Food is Halal if it does not contain or come into contact with anything regarded as filth e.g. carrion, alcohol, pork, blood, feces, and urine. It must also be prepared, processed or manufactured using equipment untainted by anything unclean. TIP Food is Halal if it does not contain or come into contact with anything regarded as filth. Alcohol a colorless volatile flammable liquid, CHOH, 2 5 synthesized or obtained by fermentation of sugars and carbohydrates are widely used, either pure or denatured, as a solvent and in drugs, cleaning solutions, explosives and intoxicating beverages. Carrion the decaying flesh of dead animals. Filth disgusting garbage or refuse. Shubha means doubt, obscurity which refers usually to arguments against or criticism of Islam.

6 06 CONCEPT OF HALAL WHAT IS HALAL? Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful. It refers to things or actions permitted by Shariah law without punishment imposed on the doer. It is usually used to describe something that a Muslim is permitted to engage in e.g. eat, drink or use. The opposite of Halal is Haram, which is an Arabic word for unlawful or prohibited. The word Halal is derived from the verb Halla to be or become lawful, legal, licit, legitimate, permissible, permitted, allowable, allowed, admissible, unprohibited, unforbidden. For a non-speaker of Arabic, the word Halal usually refers to food that is permissible according to Islam. However, in Arabic, it refers to permissible behavior, speech, dress, conduct, manner and dietary. In western countries, the term is usually used in the context of just Muslim food laws, especially where meat and poultry are concerned. In Muslim's life, every aspect of life is regulated by Islamic law therefore, the Halal-Haram dichotomy almost always applies to everything. Concept of Halal in Islam? Halal is that which Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have allowed to be done in a lawful manner. The concept of Halal has traditionally been applied to food. But it now appears to expand to the extent that virtually all goods and services including cosmetics, clothing, pharmaceuticals, financial services and even tour packages can be certified Halal. This discussion is about the things which are Halal and Haram according to the concepts and teachings of Islam. Many things which are declared Haram by Quran and Hadith, they are prohibited for Muslims. It is proved by science; all these Haram things are dangerous and flabby for human body. TIP Halal Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful. It refers to things or actions permitted by Shariah law. Dichotomy is any splitting of a whole into exactly two non-overlapping parts, meaning it is a procedure in which a whole is divided into two parts.

7 07 Mainly pork, alcohol, blood, dead animals and animals slaughtered while reciting a name other than that of Allah Almighty, all these things are considered Haram in the light of Quran and Hadith. The Halal guidelines compiled by the Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia or JAKIM), the country's central Islamic authority, are based on Quranic interpretations by the Maliki, Hambali, Shafie and Hanafi sets. In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: Halal (lawful) is clear and Haram (prohibited) is clear; in between these tw o are certain things which are suspect or shubha. Many people may not know whether those items are Halal or Haram (but) who so ever leaves them, is innocent towards his religion and his conscience. Anyone who gets involved in any of these suspected items may fall into the unlawful and prohibited. (Muslim) Under JAKIM's guidelines, Halal is defined as food not made of, or containing parts of animal origin which Islamic law forbids to be consumed. Food is Halal if it does not contain or come into contact with anything regarded as filth e.g. carrion, alcohol, pork, blood, feces, and urine. It must also be prepared, processed or manufactured using equipment untainted by anything unclean. TIP Food is Halal if it does not contain or come into contact with anything regarded as filth. Alcohol a colorless volatile flammable liquid, CHOH, 2 5 synthesized or obtained by fermentation of sugars and carbohydrates are widely used, either pure or denatured, as a solvent and in drugs, cleaning solutions, explosives and intoxicating beverages. Carrion the decaying flesh of dead animals. Filth disgusting garbage or refuse. Shubha means doubt, obscurity which refers usually to arguments against or criticism of Islam.

8 SHARIAH LAW Instructions and standing orders which have been revealed to Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon Him) in the form of Wahi-e-Jali (The Supreme Revelation) which is The Holy Quran and in the form of Wahi-e-Khafi (The Secret Revelation) which is The Holy Hadith HALAL IN QURAN Islam is a religion of mercy and compassion. It only commands and prohibits that which is in the best interests of the human being. The human mind however, due to it being very limited and restricted, may not be able to understand the logic behind every ruling. It may not be able to comprehend properly why a particular ruling is given, but Allah Most High- the Merciful and All-Knowing is the best to decide what is beneficial and harmful for us, for He is the one who created us. There are many verses which throw the light on the Halal and Haram things. Quran provides the obvious guidelines about all the Halal and Haram things More Translated verses of the Quran: TIP Wahi-e-Jali is the Supreme Revelation described in The Holy Quran. Wahi-e-Khafi is the Secret Revelation described in The Holy Hadith. O ye who believe! Eat of the good things where with We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He whom ye worship. (2:172) 08

9 09 He hath forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and swine flesh, and that which hath been immolated to (the name of) any other than Allah. But he who is driven by necessity, neither craving nor transgressing, it is no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (2:173) Forbidden unto you (for food) are carrion and blood and swine-flesh, and that which hath been dedicated unto any other than Allah, and the strangled, and the dead through beating, and the dead through falling from a height, and that which hath been killed by (the goring of) horns, and the devoured of wild beasts, saving that which ye make lawful (by the death-stroke), and that which hath been immolated unto idols. And (forbidden is it) that ye swear by the divining arrows. This is an abomination. This day are those who disbelieve in despair of (ever harming) your religion; so fear them not, fears Me! This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you and have chosen for you as religion Al-Islam. Whoso is forced by hunger, not by will, to sin (for him) lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (5:3)

10 O ye who believe! Fulfill your undertakings. The beast of cattle is made lawful unto you (for food) except that which is announced unto you (herein), game being unlawful when ye are on pilgrimage. Lo! Allah ordaineth that which pleaseth Him. (5:1) They ask thee (O Muhammad) what is made lawful for them. Say: (all) good things are made lawful for you. And those beasts and birds of prey which ye have trained as hounds are trained, ye teach them that which Allah taught you; so eat of that which they catch for you and mention Allah's name upon it, and observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is swift to take account. (5:4) Abomination anything greatly disliked. Beast any four-footed animal, that may be used for labor, food, or sport. Pilgrimage a religious devotee who journeys to a sacred place. Swine any of various omnivorous including pigs, hogs and boars, having a stout body with thick skin, a short neck, and a movable snout. Flesh the soft substance consisting of muscle Fat are triglycerides of fatty acids and glycerols 10

11 11 This day are (all) good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who received the Scripture before you (lawful for you) when ye give them their marriage portions and live with them in honor, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoso denieth the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter. (5:5) And eat not of that whereon Allah's name hath not been mentioned, for lo! it is abomination. Lo! the devils do inspire their minions to dispute with you. But if ye obey them, ye will be in truth idolaters. (6:121) Keep in Mind According to verses of Quran (all) good things are made Halal for you. And those beasts and birds of prey which have trained, teach them that which Allah taught you; so eat of that which they catch for you and Allah's name has been mention upon it. Scripture is the sacred writings of Christianity contained in bible.

12 HALAL IN HADITH Food and drink, being the basic needs of human beings, have been addressed in detail and clearly explained in the Holy Quran and Hadith. This is especially true regarding the issue of Halal and Haram meat which is discussed quite extensively. There are many Hadith which describes the value of Haram and Halal things in the Islamic society. -On the authority of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah said, Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good. Allah has commanded the Faithful to do that which He commanded the Messengers, and the Almighty has said, O ye Messengers! Eat of the good things, and do right. (Quran 23:51). s And Allah the Almighty has said, O ye who believe! Eat of the good things Where with We have provided you. (2:172). s Then he mentioned (the case of) a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky (saying), O Lord! O Lord! while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can he be answered! (Muslim). -On the authority of Abu Ya'la Shahddad ibn Aus, the Messenger of Allah said: Verily Allah has prescribed proficiency in all things. Thus, if you kill, kill well; and if you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters. (Muslim). -In an incident narrated by Rafi' bin Khadij: The Prophet told Muslims who wanted to slaughter some animals using reeds Use whatever causes blood to flow, and eat the animals if the Name of Allah has been mentioned on slaughtering them. (Bukhari). -Narrated Abu Thalaba: Allah's Messenger forbade the eating of the meat of beasts having fangs. (Bukhari). Ahadiths are the sayings reported to the Prophet Mohammed (May Peace Be Upon Him). 12

13 13 -Narrated Ibn Umar: The Prophet cursed the one who did Muthla to an animal (i.e. cut its limbs or some other part of its body while it is still alive (Bukhari). Keep in Mind In favor of the Quran its also mention in Ahadiths that only those animals are halal for muslims which have been slaughter well and Name of Allah has been mentioned on slaughtering them. And forbade the eating of the meat of beasts having fangs. Fangs a large, sharp tooth, esp. a canine tooth of a dog or wolf by which poison is injected. Prohibition a law or regulation forbidding something.

14 14 WHAT ARE THE RATIONALES FOR THE PROHIBITION OF HARAM FOOD IN ISLAM? HARAM (NON-HALAL) Non-Halal', also traditionally known as 'Haram', means unlawful or unallowable. As the name implies, any food or drink which is classified as non-halal is prohibited for consumption. In general, all harmful things are non-halal. Examples of these include the meat of dead animals and birds, flesh of swine, intoxicating drugs and alcoholic beverages. Basis for prohibitions of Haram In Islamic faith, first of all the Muslims must have a strong faith that Allah is the almighty Lord. He has no partner. The first requirement to become a Muslim is to declare there is no God but Allah. So everything has to be dedicated to Allah Almighty only. There is no room for negotiation on this faith. It is obligatory for all the Muslims. nd rd 2 imperative thing is the Holy manuscript of Allah. And 3 obsession which has most value in Islam is the sayings, teachings and Hadith of Allah's prophet Hazrat Mohammad (SAW). However, some scientists have attempted to explain or justify some of these prohibitions based on their scientific understanding as follows. Carrion and dead animals are unfit for human consumption because the decaying process leads to the formation of chemicals which are harmful to humans. (Awan, 1988). Blood that is drained from the body contains harmful bacteria, products of metabolism and toxins. (Awan, 1988; Hussaini and Sakr, 1983) TIP Haram is an Arabic term meaning "forbidden". In Islam it refers to anything that is prohibited by the word of Allah (God) in the Qur'an or the Hadith Qudsi. Metabolism the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. Reference: Awan, J.A Islamic food laws. I. Philosophy of the prohibition of unlawful foods, Sci. Technol. Islam. World, 6(3), 151. Hussaini, M.M. and Sakr, A.H Islamic Dietary Laws and Practices, Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, Bedford Park, IL

15 15 Keep in Mind The difference between Halal and Haram is that in Halal there is no sin in doing it and no sin in not doing it, but if a person intends to enhance his obedience to Allah by doing it, then he will be rewarded for this intention while Haram is that for which the one who does it will be punished and the one who abstains from it will be rewarded. Swine serves as a vector for pathogenic worms to enter the human body. Infection by Trichinella spirals and Taenia sodium are not uncommon. Fatty acid composition of pork fat has been mentioned as incompatible with the human fat and biochemical systems. (Awan, 1988; Hussaini and Sakr, 1983; Sakr, 1993). Intoxicants are considered harmful for the nervous system, affecting the senses and human judgment. In many cases they lead to social and family problems and even loss of lives. (Al-Qaradawi, 1984; Awan, 1988). Although these explanations may or may not be sound, the underlying principles behind the prohibitions remain the divine order, which appears in the Quran and Hadith in several places. TIP The food items which are declared Haram in Islam are dangerous and unfit for the health of human body proved by medical science. Biochemical systems the chemical process takes place in living organism. Fat a natural oily or greasy substance occurring in animal bodies, esp. when deposited as a layer under the skin or around certain organs. Fatty acid a carboxylic acid consisting of a hydrocarbon chain and a terminal carboxyl group, any of those occurring as esters in fats and oils. They are the building blocks of fats in our body. Pathogenic worms disease causing micro-organisms. Reference: Al-Qaradawi, Y The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam, The Holy Quran Publishing House, Beirut, Lebanon. Sakr, A.H Current issues of Halal foods in North America, Light, May/June, 3(3),

16 16 Keep in Mind The first requirement to become a Muslim is to declare there is no God but Allah. It's obligatory for all Muslims. Second imperative thing is the Holy rd manuscript of Allah. And 3 obsession which has most value in Islam is the sayings, teachings and Hadith of Allah's prophet Hazrat Mohammad (SAW). THEPROHIBITION OF EATING DEAD ANIMALS AND ITS WISDOM The first thing mentioned in the verses concerning prohibited foods is the flesh of "dead animals" that is, the beast orfowl which dies of natural causes, without being slaughtered or hunted by men. There are obvious reasons for this prohibition: Eating the flesh of a dead animal is repugnant to civilized taste and is considered by thinking people in all societies to be contrary to human dignity. It is a danger for health. The significance of slaughtering, which is a purposeful act, the intention of which is to take the life of the animal in order to use it as food, is to remove the slaughtered animal from the category of "dead animals." Allah Almighty does not desire that man should eat of what he did not intend or think of eating. If the animal died a natural death, it is quite likely that it died of some acute or chronic disease, through eating a poisonous plant, or other similar causes; hence eating its flesh would probably be harmful. The same is the case when the cause of death is old age or starvation. Chronic disease a disease that persists for a long time. Fowl any other domesticated bird kept for its eggs or flesh, e.g. hen. Starvation a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients (needed to maintain life) over a prolonged period.

17 17 Concerning this, Ibn 'Abbas narrated: The freed maid-servant of the Prophet's wife, Maymunah, was given a sheep, and its died. The Prophet (peace be upon him) passedcarcass and said, 'Why did you not take its skin to be tanned and use it'? They replied, But it is dead. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, 'What is prohibited is eating it'(muslim) Keep in Mind In the conformation of verses of Quran and Hadith it's scientifically proved The food items which are declared Haram in Islam are dangerous and unfit for the health of human body that Carrion and dead animals are unfit because it leads to the formation of chemicals which are harmful for human life. Blood contains harmful bacteria, Swine serves as a vector for pathogenic worms and intoxicants are harmful for nervous system. Types of Dead Animals The preceding are the four principle categories of prohibited animal foods. As revealed in the verse of Surh al-maidah (5:4 (3)), to these added five more categories which pertain to further classifications of the "dead animal," as follows: i. The strangled: an animal which has been strangled, for example, by a rope around its neck, or suffocated, as for instance by putting its head into something which produces suffocation. ii. The beaten: an animal which has been beaten to death by a club or similar object. The fallen: an animal which dies as a result of a fall from a high place, or by falling into a gully or ravine. Carcass the dead body of an animal. Gully deep cut on earth after heavy rainfall. Suffocated to die from lack of oxygen.

18 18 iv. The gored: an animal which dies as a result of being gored by the horns of another animal. v. That which has been (partly) eaten by wild beasts: an animal which has been partially devoured by wild animals and dies as a result. Keep in Mind The prohibition concerning the dead animal is limited to the eating of its flesh. In fact, one should make use of its skin, horns, bones and hair, for throwing them away is a waste, and waste is not permitted. Five major categories of prohibited animal foods are: The strangled, The beaten, The gored, The fallen and that which has been eaten by wild beasts. Ravine small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon and that is usually worn by running water.

19 19 THE PROHIBITION OF FLOWING BLOOD The second prohibition relates to flowing or liquid blood. (It is not prohibited to eat the blood which remains in the flesh of the slaughtered animal after one has done his best to remove it. (Trans.)) Ibn Abbas was asked about the spleen and he replied, "You can eat it." The questioners said, "But it is blood." (In early times the spleen was believed to be congealed blood. (Trans.) He answered, "Only flowing blood is prohibited to you." The reason for this prohibition is both that the drinking of blood is repugnant to human decency and that it may likewise be injurious to health (Musnadh Al-Rabeeh Bin Al-Habib). Thus, since piercing the flesh of a living animal injures and weakens it, Allah Ta'ala prohibited such a practice. THAT WHICH IS DEDICATED TO ANYONE OTHER THAN ALLAH The third prohibited category refers to an animal which is dedicated to anyone other than Allah, that is to say, one which is slaughtered with the invocation of a name other than the name of Allah for example, the name of an idol. In this case the reason for the prohibition is entirely related to faith, to safeguard the belief in the Oneness of Allah, to purify worship and to fight shirk and polytheism in whatever form they may be expressed. Indeed, it is Allah who created man and gave him control over everything on the earth, subjecting the animal to his power and permitting him to take its life for food on the condition that His name is pronounced at the time of slaughter. Shirk is the deification or worship of anyone or anything other than the singular God. Polytheism the belief in or worship of more than one god.

20 20 Keep in Mind Islamic method of slaughtering based on two important principles: Tasmiya and Tazkiyah.Tasmiya refers to invoking name of Allah means slaughter being done with His permission while Tazkiyah means purification, cleaning meat of blood by slaughter that it may likewise be injurious to health. Pronouncing the name of Allah while slaughtering the animal is a declaration that one is taking the life of this creature by the permission of its Creator, while if one invokes any other name, he has forfeited this permission and must be denied the use of its flesh. The Significance of Mentioning Allah's Name Mentioning the name of Allah to purify the act of slaughtering has a subtle significance which we would do well to ponder. First, this practice is in opposition to the practice of the idolaters and the people of jahiliyyah, who mentioned the names of their non-existent deities while slaughtering animals. Since the polytheist mentions the name of a false deity, how can the Believer fail to mention the name of the true God? Second, these animals like human beings, are creatures of Allah, and like them they have life. How then a man can take control of them and deprive them of life unless he first obtains permission from his, and there, common Creator, to whom everything belongs? Mentioning the name of Allah while slaughtering the animal is a declaration of this divine permission, as if the one who is killing the animal were saying, "This act of mine is not an act of aggression against the universe nor of oppression of this creature, but in the name of Allah I slaughter, in the name of Allah I hunt, and in the name of Allah I eat. Jahiliyyah the state of ignorance of the guidance from God.

21 21 PROHIBITION OF PORK, INTOXICANTS, DRUGS, MEAT AND POULTRY'S Pork Pork is forbidden in Islam according to the text of the Quran, where Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): He hath forbidden you only carrion, blood, swine flesh and that which hath been immolated to (the name of) any other than Allah. But he who is driven by necessity, neither craving nor transgressing, it is no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful (2:173) Someone inquired about the prohibition of pork, saying : " It's meat is not good for the health of human because it has a high cholesterol content, but surely this cannot be the only reason since smoking, which is deadly for you too, is not "Haram". As far as health reasons are concerned, there are a number of things that are not entirely good for the health of a man (such as fatty food, even beef in large quantities) but they have not been declared Haram. Plus, the animal is no longer "dirty" since the pig breeding farms are kept extremely clean these days. So what is it about the pig that makes it so revolting and has been specifically mentioned in the Quran as the forbidden animal". TIP Pork is not good for health as it has high cholesterol contents. Firstly, it should be clarified that the existence of definite harm is a cause for prohibition in Islam, based on the generality of Quranic and Hadith texts prohibiting contributing to one's own destruction, and harming oneself or others. Divine means relating to God, An example of divine is the nature of Jesus. Pork is the culinary name for meat from the domestic pig. Craving a powerful desire for something.

22 Hence, the correct view is that smoking is indeed prohibited, due to its scientifically proven harmful effects. Beef when used in large quantities is harmful. Keep in Mind Smoking is not Haram but Islam prohibits those things which is harmful for our self and for others and beef when used in large quantities its harmful and in this case we may comment that: Excessiveness is prohibited in Islam. If the beef is used in fair manner it is not harmful f or health. Now as for pork's prohibition, The Qur'an clearly prohibits pork, and informs us of its uncleanness. As believers, we believe and affirm, with conviction and submission Allah's knowledge is greater and deeper than ours and perfect and all-embracing whereas, science is incomplete and constantly changing, new discoveries are made, old theories are abandoned. Hence, even if we cannot discover the wisdom behind a particular divine injunction. Science proved that pigs contain viruses 'built into' their genes, and such viruses would not disappear merely through clean breeding conditions and the like. Beef the flesh of a slaughtered full-grown steers, bull, ox, or cow. Breeding the mating and production of offspring by animals. Theories a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based. Virus an infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat. 22

23 23 The following was stated in the Los Angeles Times of 06/15/97: "Genes from an animal virus could mingle with those of a human virus in an organ recipient, creating a hybrid virus with unpredictable behavior. Keeping animals isolated from infection may not be enough. Some viruses aren't caught; they're inherited represents a complex task." It has also been reported that pork has a high likelihood of containing trichinae worms, and that it can bear microbes which lead to meningitis. In addition to this, there are also some scholars who say that eating pork frequently diminishes the human being's sense of shame in relation to what is indecent. It is not permissible for a Muslim to consume it under any circumstances except in cases of necessity where a person's life depends on eating it, such as in the case of starvation where a person fears that he is going to die and he cannot find any other kind of food based on the shar'i principle, In cases of necessity, Haram things are permitted. Intoxicants The Arabic word khamr signifies any alcoholic drink which causes intoxication. We would be stating the obvious if we were to discuss the harmful effects of drinking on the individual's mind, his health, his religion and his work; or if we discussed the disasters which he brings upon his family by neglecting their needs and by not fulfilling his Gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It's a name given to some stretches of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic acid) that code for a polypeptide or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. TIP Khamr refers to drink containing Alcohol usually beer. Alcoholic drinks are forbidden in Islam. Hybrid any offspring resulting from the mating of two distinctly homozygous individuals. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord it can be caused by a number of infectious agents including viruses and bacteria. Trichinae Trichinosis is a disease caused by a roundworm (nematode) called Trichinella spiralis. An individual worm of this species is called a trichina, Trichinae can be readily avoided by proper handling and cooking of certain meats, particularly pork products. Homozygous refers to having identical alleles for a single trait. Allele One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome

24 Obligations, as the head of the family toward his wife and children; or if we elaborated on the spiritual, material and moral evils which proliferate in societies and nations due to the widespread consumption of alcohol. A researcher in this area has rightly stated that: Mankind has not suffered any greater calamity than that brought about by the use of alcohol. Allah says: O you who believe! Truly, intoxicants and gambling and divination by arrows are an abomination of Satan's doing; avoid it in order that you may be successful. Assuredly Satan desires to sow enmity and hatred among you with intoxicants and gambling, and to hinder you from there membrance of Allah and from salat. Will you not then desist? (5:90,91) In these two verses, Allah strictly prohibited wine and gambling, linking them to idols and seeking omens by means of divining arrows, and declared them to be Nijis (abominable or filthy), a term which the Qur'an reserves for extremely indecent and evil things. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) blessed as he was with the best of speech said succinctly, "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamar is Haram. TIP Nijis means abominable or filthy things which are Haram. Disasters an occurrence causing widespread destruction and distress. Gambling to bet on an uncertain outcome, as of a contest. Intoxicants substance which when taken into a body by one mean or another produces a condition of diminished mental and physical ability. Omens an event regarded as a portent of good or evil. Satan the profoundly evil adversary of God and humanity, often identified with the leader of the fallen angels; the Devil. Salat the ritual prayer of Muslims, performed five times daily.

25 25 Drugs "Khamr is what befogs the mind. These are the words spoken by Umar ibn al-khattab from the pulpit of the Prophet (peace be upon him) providing us with a decisive criterion for defining what falls under the prohibited category of khamr. Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opium, and the like are definitely included in the prohibited category of khamr. It is well known that the use of such drugs affects the sensory perceptions, making what is near seem distant and what is distant seem near. And His Messenger (peace be upon him) said: Do not harm yourself or others.'' (Ahmad and Ibn Majah). When we recall the principle that, impure and harmful things have been made Haram there can be no doubt in our minds the Consumption of Harmful Things is Haram. A general rule of the Islamic Shariah is that it is Haram for the Muslim to eat or drink anything which may cause his death, either quickly or gradually, such as poisons, or substances which are injurious to health or harmful to his body. It is also Haram to eat or drink large quantities of a substance if large quantities of it cause illness. For the Muslim is not entirely his own master; he is also an asset to his religion and his ummah and his life, health, wealth and all that Allah has bestowed upon him are a trust with him which he is not permitted to diminish. Says Allah Almighty: And do not kill yourselves; indeed, Allah is ever Merciful to you. (4:29) Ummah the Muslim Nation.

26 He also says: And do not be cast into ruin by your own hands. (2:195) Meat and Poultry's First of all meat and poultry higher constraint is observed here. First of all, animals must be Halal. One cannot slaughter a pig according to the Islamic way and call it Halal. nd 2 object is that animals must be slaughtered after pronouncing the name of Allah. It is slaughtered by the sane Muslim. A sharp knife must be used to sever the jugular veins, carotid arteries, trachea, esophagus and blood must be drained out completely. Islam stresses on the good human behavior with animals. So dismemberment (cutoff) must not be taken place before the animals is completely deceased. Fish and seafood There are different conventions for the different types of animals. All Muslims accept fish with scales however; some groups do not acknowledged fish without scales such as catfish. Some differences are found among Muslims about the seafood such as mussels and crustaceans. One must comprehend the requirements in various regions TIP Meat should be of Halal animal and must be slaughtered after the name of Allah. Keep in Mind Essentials of slaughtering is that give quick incision using very sharp knife in front of the neck to severe jugular veins, carotid arteries, trachea, esophagus and blood must be drained out entirely. Do not cutoff the animal or remove its skin while it is still alive. Meat the flesh of animals as used for food. Poultry domestic fowls, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese, rose for meat or eggs. 26

27 27 of the world, for instance for exporting products containing seafood flavors. Milk, Eggs, Fruits and Vegetables Milk and eggs from the Halal animals are also Halal. The grand resource of milk in the west is the cow, and the dominant resource of eggs is the chicken. All further resources are required to be labeled accordingly. There are assortments of products made from milk and eggs, cheese, butter and cream are the foodstuffs of milk. Most of the cheeses are made with various enzymes which could be Halal if made with microorganisms or Halal slaughtered animals. The enzymes could be Haram if extracted from porcine source or questionable when obtained from nonverbal slaughtered animals. Similarly, emulsifiers, mold inhibitors, and other functional ingredients from non specified sources can make milk and eggs product doubtful to consume. Fresh fruits and vegetables are all considered Halal. Processed fruits and vegetables may be unacceptable if they are produced in processing plants using non-halal oils, fats, preservatives, flavorings, colorings, etc. The procedures used in producing these items do not require onsite Muslim supervision. However, a prudent producer will work with its Halal-supervising organization to ascertain that the supplier uses procedures to assure that the Halal status of the fruits and vegetables has not been compromised. In addition, ingredients or processing aids used in production or filling packages should be evaluated for Halal status. Both the suppliers and the products must be approved by the Halal-supervising organization. However, in modern-day processing plant, vegetables and meat might be processed in the same plant and on the same equipment, increasing the chance of cross-contamination. Certain functional ingredients from flora and fauna sources might also be used in the processing of vegetables which make the products doubtful. TIP All fresh fruits and vegetables are Halal. Processed fruits and vegetables may be unacceptable if they are produced in processing plants using non-halal oils, fats and Cheese a food made from the pressed curds of milk. Mold inhibitors fungicides are chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores. Porcine usually refers to pork/pigs/swine. Prudent acting with or showing care and thought for the future.

28 28 Halal status of food of plants origin could be established if processing aids and production method have to be carefully mentioned. From this conversation on laws and regulations all the divergences between Halal and Haram are obvious. Halal and Haram standing depends on its nature. How it is processed and how it is obtained? For instance, any merchandise from pig would be considered as Haram because the material itself is Haram. Likewise, the meat from Halal animals that has not been slaughtered according to Islamic privileges would also be deplorable. A stolen foodstuff or any product that is required through means that are incompatible with Islamic teachings would also be Haram. Food and drinks which are intoxicating or poisonous are obviously Haram even in small quantities because they are harmful to health. Keep in Mind Enzymes extracted from porcine source and non-verbal animals could be Haram. Similarly flora and fauna sources used in the processing of vegetables make the products doubtful. Halal status of food of plants origin could be established if processing aids and production method have to be carefully mentioned. Vegetables and meat might be processed in the same plant and on the same equipment, increasing the chances of cross-contamination. TIP Functional ingredients from flora and fauna sources might also be used in the processing of vegetables which make the products doubtful. Cross-contamination indirect bacterial contamination (infection) of food, caused by contact with an infected raw food or non-food source such as clothes, cutting boards, knives. Deplorable shockingly bad in quality. Divergences a difference or conflict in opinions, interests, wishes. Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous native plant life. Fauna all the species of animals found in a particular region, period, or special environment. Privileges a special right, advantage available only to one person or group of people. Processing aids substances that are added to a food during the processing of such food but are removed in some manner from the food before it is packaged in its finished form.

29 29 Summary Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful. It refers to things or actions permitted by Shariah law without punishment imposed on the doer. It describes the things e.g. drink, use, and e at. The opposite of Halal is Haram. In western countries it's mandatory for Muslims food laws mainly concerned with meat and poultry. Basically the term Halal has been applied to food but now it appears to expand to the extent that virtually all goods and services including cosmetics, clothing, pharmaceuticals, financial services and ev en tour packages can be certified Halal. Things which are declared Haram by Quran and Hadith, they are prohibited for Muslims. Its proved scientifically that Haram things are dangerous for human body mainly pork, alcohol, blood, deceased animals and animals slaughtered while reciting a name other than that of Allah Almighty are considered Haram. According to JAKIM'S Food is purely Halal if it does not contain or come into contact with anything regarded as filth e.g. carrion, alcohol, pork, blood, feces and urine. It must also be prepared, processed or manufactured using equipment untainted by anything unclean. There are many verses of Quran and Hadith which throw light on the Halal and Haram things. According to these good things are made lawful for you the food, clothing and drink should be lawful. The beast of cattle is made lawful while carrion, blood, swine-flesh and which has been dedicated to any other than Allah, the dead through beating, falling from a height killed by (the goring of) horns are forbidded. Many scientists proved that carrion and dead animals are unfit for human consumption because the decaying process leads to the formation of chemicals which are harmful to humans. Blood that is drained from the body contains harmful bacteria and toxins. Swine serves as a vector for pathogenic worms to enter

30 the human body while pork fat has been incompatible with the human fat and biochemical systems. Intoxicants are considered harmful for the nervous system. Islam prohibited eating of dead animals which without being slaughtered or hunted by men because of many reasons it may be died of some acute or chronic diseases, through eating a poisonous plant or other causes. Eating its flesh is injurious to health while its skin, horns, bones and hair can be used. Secondly there is prohibition of blood it's repugnant to human decency and likewise injurious t o health. The third prohibited category refers to an animal which is dedicated to anyone other than Allah for example, the name of an idol. It's entirely related to faith to safeguard the belief in the Oneness of Allah. Pork has high cholesterol level and its meat is not good for the health of human. Besides there are number of things that are not entirely good for the health of a man (such as fatty food, even beef in large quantities), but they have not been declared Haram. According to the rules Excessiveness is prohibited in Islam. Smoking is also prohibited as it's harmful for your health and also for the others. The Qur'an clearly prohibits pork we believe and affirm that Allah's knowledge is greater and deeper than ours, and perfect whereas science is incomplete and constantly changing. Science proved that pigs contain viruses built into their genes, and such viruses would not disappear through clean. 30

31 Discussion Questions Define Halal. What are the provisions regarding Halal in Qur'an and Ahadiths? What are the rationales for the prohibition of Haram foods in Islam? Also discuss the prohibition of Haram food on the basis of science. What types of animals are considered Haram in Islam? Discuss the significance of mentioning Allah's name during slaughtering. Books: Supplement Material For further study, you can consult our CD or e-library by getting log-in to your account. You would get: Guide to Understanding Halal Foods by Toronto Public Health. Halal Certification: an international marketing issues and challenges by Shahidan Shafie & Prof. Dr. M. Nor Othman. Procedures for appointment of foreign Halal certification bodies by JAKIM Special Report on Halal logistics Code of Practice For Halal Slaughter (Dhabh /Zabiha) Food Safety Drives Growth in Kosher & Halal Foods by Thomas R. Cutler The concepts of al-halal and al-haram in the Arab-Muslim culture by Nader al- Jallad Understanding Halal & Halal Standards by Muhammad Saeed Bhombal Shariah Principles in Halal Products by Dr. Aznan Hassan