What makes meat "halal"?

A lot of people have heard of halal meat, which is the only kind of meat that Muslims will eat. Not many people know however what "halal" means and what constitutes meat as being as halal - or the opposite - haram. The concept is very similiar to "kosher" that Jews abide by.

The following provides a very clear introduction to what actually constitutes halal slaughter.

The following conditions are required for halal slaughter:

1. It is not permissible to eat any animal until it has been properly slaughtered, with the exception of fish.
2. It is unlawful to eat meat slaughtered by a Zoroastrian, someone who has left Islam after accepting it or an idol worshipper.
3. It is permissible to slaughter with anything that has a cutting edge: this does not include a tooth, bone, claw or the like.
4. The gullet and windpipe of the animal must be cut. Cutting of the carotid arteries is not compulsory to validate the slaughter.
5. Should the slaughterer neglect to cut any part of either the windpipe or gullet and the animal passes away, it is haram to eat.
6. The slaughterer must cut swiftly.

The following are considered as recommended only:

1. To make the animal face Makkah towards the Qiblah.
2. To sharpen the knife.
3. To cut rapidly (meaning very, very fast).
4. To mention the name of God - "Allah" by saying "Bismillah".
5. To send blessings on the Prophet (s.a.w).
6. To cut the blood arteries that are found on both sides of the neck.

Article Source: http://www.exclusive-article.com

Areeb Bajwa writes articles to inform the public of various Islamic issues. He lives in Mississauga in Canada and recommends this resource for halal food in mississauga

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