Is Halal and Kosher the Same? Let’s Find Out

Both Halal and Kosher are religion-specific terms. Many people question: is halal same as kosher? Due to the dietary laws and religious restrictions. Religious people never get confused between these two terms. What do you think is halal and kosher the same? Just make a wild guess. Read this blog and find out if your answer was correct or not. So, are you ready to find out if halal and kosher are the same? Stay tuned.

What is Halal and Kosher?

In modern times, some people still follow religion. Both halal and kosher are religious beliefs. Do you have Muslim and Jewish friends? If yes, you must have some idea what these terms are. Don’t worry if you haven’t come across these terms before. Learn the similarities and differences between halal and kosher in the following paragraphs.

Halal

Halal is an Arabic term. It means “permissible” or “lawful”. Halal indicates the actions that are permissible according to Islamic laws. Anything that deviates from Islamic laws is referred to as haram or forbidden. Islam provides a complete guideline on how to spend your life. This is why all Muslims are taught about permissible and prohibited foods from childhood. 

Muslims can not eat pork or consume alcohol. These are strictly prohibited in Islam. Muslims can eat lamb, beef, chicken, mutton, fish, etc. Also, read our dedicated guide on what is halal meat

Kosher

Kosher, on the other hand, is used for the Jewish dietary guidelines. It is derived from the Hebrew word “Kasher.” The meaning of this word is fit or proper. So, when a Jew talks about Kosher, they are referring to their dietary laws. The Jewish dietary laws are known as “Kashrut”. Also, these laws are from the Torah, which is their religious Judaic tradition. 

So, what do you say? Is halal and kosher the same? You must be shaking your head because they are not the same. A Muslim will follow a Kosher, and similarly, a Jewish will never ditch his religious belief. So, both Muslims and Jews follow their dietary guidelines. They plan their meals according to these guidelines.

Similarities Between Halal and Kosher

Similarities Between Halal and Kosher

Both halal kosher are from different origins. But an astonishing fact about halal and kosher is they have a few similarities. Continue reading to learn more about how halal and kosher are the same.

Prohibited Ingredients

Is halal same as Kosher? This question can be answered as a Yes. But they are similar for a few things only. For example, some ingredients are prohibited in both religious guidelines. Pork is a perfect example of this. Eating pork is strictly forbidden for both Muslims and Jews. They can not consume a dish with by-products or pork additives, not just meat. They can not eat pork even in small amounts. Another striking similarity is that blood is impermissible in both religions. 

Slaughtering Process

Another thing that makes people ask, “Is halal and kosher the same?” is the slaughtering method. One of the key similarities between them is the animal slaughtering process. Both practice slaughtering by a trained professional or butcher who uses a sharp knife to cut the throat in one go and wait till the blood drains. This process is considered more humane. Also, it aligns with many religious principles. Also, see what does halal meat mean.

Differences

What makes answering the question “Is halal same as kosher?” hard is the noticeable differences between the two. Here is a list of differences between halal and kosher. This will help you better understand if halal and kosher are the same. 

Prayer While Slaughtering

This is the significant difference between kosher and halal. Saying Allah’s name before slaughtering is what makes meat halal. There is no such concept in Jews. They have their blessing that they say before cutting the throat of the animal. For Muslims, even if the meat source is halal but it is not slaughtered according to Islamic laws, it is not halal. 

Certification

Certification

Many people are conscious of halal and kosher food. You must have seen Muslims and Jews asking about halal and kosher. Considering the demand, local authorities provide certification for halal and kosher meals. It proves that a restaurant’s meal is according to religious laws. However, both certificates are different.

The symbol, authority, and points on which the certificate is rewarded differ significantly. Local Islamic authorities and organizations grant halal certification. At the same time, a Kosher certifying agency or rabbi awards Kosher certification. 

Seafood Considerations

If you are a Muslim, you must know all seafood is halal for Muslims. But there are certain exceptions, like turtles, crocodiles, frogs, etc. Kosher does not permit Jews to consume any seafood. Only a fish with scales and fins passes the Kosher guidelines. Considering the limitations, both religions have restrictions. 

Conclusion

Halal and Kosher are a part of religious dietary guidelines for Muslims and Jews. They have a few similarities, like prohibited ingredients and animal slaughtering methods. Halal and Kosher are not 100% the same as each other. Besides the surprising similarities, their religious roots are different. Understanding the differences between the two is essential to follow your religious guidelines accurately.

FAQs

Can a kosher person eat halal?

From a religious perspective and expert’s point of view, a Kosher person can not eat halal. However, no such ingredient in halal meat is considered impossible. Due to religious restrictions and dietary guidelines, a kosher person can not have halal food. 

Is haram the same as kosher?

No, haram and kosher are two different terms. Haram means unlawful or prohibited. Kosher is a Hebrew word that means proper or fit. Kosher is a dietary guideline for Jews, whereas Haram is referred to as the food Muslims are prohibited from eating.

Is kosher meat halal in the Quran?

According to the Quran, Muslims can eat from the people who follow holy books. But be careful about haram and halal. All muslims follow the same dietary guidelines. If pork is haram, you can not eat it in any situation. 

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