The choices for food are deeply personal and reflective of our beliefs and core values. For Muslims, the consumption of halal matters a lot. Do you know what is halal meat? Are you familiar with this term?
This topic is gaining a lot of attention nowadays. Most importantly Muslims living in foreign countries are much concerned about this question. So to help you, we are here.
In this article, we will provide you with complete insight into what is Halal meat, its history, and its significance for Muslims. So whether you are a Muslim practicing Islam or concerned about the food you eat or someone who wants to gain extra knowledge regarding this topic, we are here to help you.
So dive in to learn on this topic!
Explore What is Halal Meat in Islam
Halal meat is the meat from the animal that is being slaughtered according to Islamic laws and guidelines mentioned in Islam. The term “Halal” is an Arabic word that is used to refer to things that are permissible or allowed to do in Islam. Muslim’s foremost duty is to follow the Halal and restrict what is said to be not Halal (Haram).
Islam has emphasized a lot on Halal. Muslim culture emphasizes on eating halal food because consuming permissible food is the religious obligation of Muslims.
A Brief History Of Halal Meat
The History of Halal meat and slaughtering animals in a permissible way dates back to the prehistoric time of Prophet Mohammad PBUH. The Prophet Mohammad PBUH taught his followers the proper ways of slaughtering animals and consuming halal meat. Since then, Muslims around the globe have followed the same pattern and rituals for slaughtering animals and consuming halal meat.
Now let us move to the criteria that makes meat halal for Muslims.
Criteria for Halal Meat
Although we all are aware of the animals that are halal to eat. But some improper way of slaughtering the animals make their meat haram for the consumer. This is why, in this section, we will talk about the criteria that make meat halal for consumption.
- The meat of the animals permitted in Islam: The animals that are mentioned in the Holy Quran and by Prophet PBUH as halal like lamb, sheep, buffalo, chicken, and some kinds of seafood and fish. Only such animal meat is considered permissible to consume.
- The meat of a Healthy Animal: Meat of animals that are healthy and free from any sort of disease is halal to eat. Unhealthy, badly injured, or animals suffering from any disease that could affect their meat are haram and forbidden to eat in Islam.
- The animal must be slaughtered with the name of Allah: The animal that is slaughtered by a Muslim and with the name of Allah are halal to eat. Besides this, it is also necessary to follow the correct slaughtering method that is mentioned in Isla.
- The animal should be slaughtered in a humane manner: Islam prescribes slaughtering animals in a humane manner. It should be treated with love and respect. Other than this, use a sharp knife to slaughter them as it will not cause any harm to them. Moreover, the animal should not be subjected to any unnecessary pain or suffering.
- The blood should be completely drained: This is one of the beauties of Islam that emphasizes draining the blood of the slaughtered animals, rather than making it absorbed in the meat. Blood is considered haram in Islam and it must be drained completely soon after slaughtering the animal.
- The meat must be handled and processed in a hygienic manner: This means the meat should be kept away from the haram meat. It should be processed and packed in a clean and hygienic manner.
So, these are some of the criteria that make meat halal for Muslims. In addition to this, there are several benefits of consuming such meat. Let us have a look at some of them.
Health Benefits of Halal Meat
Yes, there are several health benefits to eating halal meat & halal food that make it the right choice for consumption. Some of them are as follow;
- Halal Meat is Free From Harmful Additives: The meat that is certified as “halal” is free from certain chemicals and harmful substances that are used on several meat products for better storage or labeling. Islam also emphasizes eating fresh that’s why the halal mat is free from any unnecessary additives.
- It Lowers the Risk of Foodborne Illnesses: Consuming halal meat means you are safe from several harmful foodborne diseases like salmonella or e-coli. The reason is the complete drainage of blood from the animal’s body during the slaughtering process. This makes it free from contamination and less prone to diseases.
- Low in Saturated Fat: Halal meat is low in saturated fat. High saturated fat levels are linked with heart disease and other health problems.
- High in Protein and Other Minerals: Such meat is high in protein and other essential nutrients that are helpful for building and repairing body tissue much faster. It also results in a healthy body.
Scientific Studies
Several scientific studies conducted on Halal meat have explored its nutritional value, safety, and quality. Here are some results that will shock you and endure you to eat halal meat.
- The meat of the animals slaughtered in the Islamic slaughtering method has a lower level of bacteria than the animal slaughtered in other ways. The reason is Islamic method involves cutting the animal throat rapidly that resulting in a rapid emulsion of blood, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination.
- It contains a lower level of carbohydrates and higher levels of other vitamins and minerals than non-halal food.
- It has a higher PH level and a tender texture. It means the quality of meat is much better than the quality of nonhalal meat. The reason is that less stress or agitation is placed on the animal.
- Scientists believe that halal food is more healthy and more beneficial because of the slaughtering method.
Also Read: What Does Halal Mean? Understand The Concept Of Halal Meat In Islam
Reasons To Eat Halal Even If You Are a Non-Muslim
Do you know, there are several reasons that you should choose to eat halal food, even if you are a nonbeliever? If not, here we are with a few of them. So let’s explore and gain benefits.
- A halal animal is always fed on grass and a vegetarian diet results in meat that is rich in omega-3, essential nutrients, and antioxidants.
- The halal slaughtering method causes less pain to animals.
- The meat of halal animals lacks blood which makes it tastier because blood contains lactic acid that can negatively affect the taste.
- Killing animals other than slaughtering using the halal method can infect the meat with harmful bacteria, viruses, and e-coli poisoning.
These are some of the options that you must choose halal for eating even if you are a non-muslim.
So here you have it, our comprehensive guide on Halal meat. We have provided you with a brief history and health benefits of consuming halal. You can also check the comparison of both types of meat and decide for yourself which meat is beneficial for you!
If you need any further guidance on halal food shops, grocery stores, or restaurants, we are here to help you.
At MyHalalRestaurants, we have a comprehensive library where you can get a complete insight into halal options in Ontario, Canada.