What does halal meat means and why is this topic becoming controversial? We will provide you with the answer to this!
As people are becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware, they are looking for ethical and sustainable options when it comes to their food choices. At the same time, there is also a growing interest in learning about and respecting cultural diversity.
This is where the concept of Halal meat comes in. But what does this actually mean, and why is it becoming increasingly popular in Western countries?
Halal is an important part of faith and culture for Muslims but nowadays non-Muslims are starting to choose halal meat for its vulnerable benefits.
This is why, we are here to explore the meaning of halal meat in more detail, and delve into the reasons behind its growing popularity. So if you’re curious about gaining knowledge on this controversial topic, so read on!
What Does Halal Meat Mean?
Halal is an Arabic word that means allowed or permissible of anything in Islam. Its opposite is Haram which means non-halal. In terms of food, halal refers to the food that is allowed in Islam. It is the food that is prepared and consumed according to Islamic dietary law. This law specifies what type of meat or poultry is allowed to consume by Muslims as well as how the animals should be slaughtered.
All other eatables are permissible to eat except the meat and poultry of many animals like pigs, carnivorous animals, etc. Besides this, Islamic law also specifies specific prohibited food items, like alcohol, and intoxicating items. Here a question might come to your mind about halal animal meat. This is what we will discuss here.
Halal meat is the meat of animals allowed to eat according to Islamic dietary laws. The second condition for halal meat is to slaughter halal animals in a halal slaughtering way.
Conditions Set For Halal Meat
There are two main conditions that specify whether the meat is halal to consume or not, The two conditions are
- The source of meat
- The slaughtering method
The source of meat describes the animal, whether the animal meat is allowed in Islam or not. Animals like goats, sheep, buffalo, cows, camels, and animals that fall in this category are halal like oxen, bulls, lamb, etc. In the case of birds, birds that feed through their beak are permissible to eat like chicken, sparrow, duck, crane, ostrich, etc. On the other hand, the meat of all sea animals is halal except in the case they were caught dead.
Now let’s discuss haram animals that are prohibited in Islam. In the list of animals are carnivorous animals and predatory animals that have canine teeth. The meat of birds with talons is prohibited to eat.
Moreover, the prawn is the only animal in Islam that has disputed claims. According to some scholars, the meat of prawn is approved and permissible to eat while some have disapproved it to be halal.
Consider our detailed blog on the topic – “What Makes Meat Halal or Haram?” to gain comprehensive knowledge on this topic!
Why Is Halal Meat Gaining Popularity Around The World?
Halal Meat is gaining popularity around the world for a variety of reasons. In this section, we will discuss some of these reasons.
This Meat is Ethical and Humane
Halal meat is considered more humane and ethical than normal meat because it requires animals to be treated with respect and care during their lives and during the slaughter process. Islam has always guided us to treat the animal with love and respect.
During the slaughtering process, the animals are first made to drink water and then they are slaughtered by cutting the blood veins all in one. This process is less painful for the animal and kills the animal on the spot other than killing it with multiple whacks. This has led many consumers, regardless of their religious background, to choose halal meat over conventionally sourced meat.
It is Hygienic and Healthier than Conventional Meat
Halal meat is often perceived as being healthier and more hygienic than a normal meal as the slaughtering process removes other harmful substances from the animal’s body.
Moreover, a halal animal is raised naturally without feeding it with any harmful ingredients or hormones which also preserves the quality of its meats.
Increasing Muslim Population
Another main reason for this meat gaining popularity is the increasing Muslim population around the world. This has grown the demand for halal significantly and led to an increase in the availability of halal meat everywhere.
As a result, Halal meat is no longer just a religious dietary requirement but has become a popular and viable food option for people around the world. It has also led it to be more widely available in Western countries with less Muslim population.
Now let’s move to our next section to understand the importance of eating halal meat.
Importance of Eating Halal
Eating Halal is important in Islam and a crucial need of a Muslim. Islam has emphasized a lot on eating halal in the Quran and Ahadiths of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Here are a few for your guidance.
Allah has mentioned in Qur’an;
“So eat of that (meat) upon which Allah’s name has been mentioned, if you are believers in His verses” (Holy Qur’an 6:118)
“And do not eat that upon which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for indeed it is a grave disobedience”. (Holy Quran 6:121)
“O you who have believed, eat from the pure things which we have provided you” (Holy Quran 2:172)
Prophet PBUH has also emphasized eating halal. You can learn it from here.
“Ka’b bin ‘Ujrah relayed that The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “A body nourished with Harām will not enter Jannah.” (Tirmidhi)”
These religious narrations highlight the importance of halal food for Muslims. Hence, it is necessary for Muslims to eat halal.
So, now we have guided you with halal meat meaning, its importance, and its growing popularity around the globe. So Wondering where to find halal meat and grocery in Canada? Worry not! Just follow us to find the best restaurants and stores to fill your appetite with halal food.