Halal and Haram Fact Sheet
Australia is a multicultural and multi-religious country with a diverse population withvaried traditions. Of particular significance to Muslims is the consumption of Halal“lawful” and avoidance of Haram “unlawful” food and drink. Quite often, Australianmanufacturers and food outlets are either unaware of Halal and Haram food and drink requirements, or they are unfamiliar with the significance of such food as held byMuslims.In the context of daily food intake, any foodstuff that causes or has the potential tocause any negative effect to the mind, spirit, integrity and health, is Haram. The habitualconsumption of Haram foods may be manifested by the exhibition of impure spirit,unsound mind, impairment of personal character and unhealthy body. The followingFact Sheet provides a brief introduction to Halal and Haram.
Halal
Halal can be translated as "permitted, allowed, authorised, approved, sanctioned, lawful,legal, legitimate or licit”. In the Holy Koran, Allah commands Muslims and allmankind to eat Halal food or drink. Halal food or drink must conform to the Islamicdietary laws as specified in the Koran.For a product to be Halal it must be as a whole and in part:1. Free from any substance or ingredient taken or extracted from a Haram animal or ingredient;2. Made, processed, produced, manufactured and/or stored by using utensils,equipment and/or machinery that has been cleansed according to Islamic law; and3. Free from contact with, or being close to a Haram substance during preparation,making, production, manufacture, processing and/or storage.The following products are Halal:
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Halal animals slaughtered according to Islamic Rites
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Milk (from cows, sheep, camels, and goats)
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Honey
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Fish
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Plants, which are not intoxicant
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Fresh or naturally frozen vegetables
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Fresh or dried fruits
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Legumes and nuts like peanuts, cashew nuts, hazel nuts, and walnuts
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Grains, such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, and oats.
Haram
Haram is defined as "not permitted, not allowed, unauthorised, unapproved,unsanctioned, unlawful, illegal, illegitimate or illicit”. When used in relation to food or drink it means that it is not permitted and unfit for consumption by Muslims.The concept of Haram in Islam has very specific motives, namely:a. To preserve the purity of religion b. To safeguard the Islamic mentality.c. To preserve life.d. To safeguard property.e. To safeguard future generations.f. To maintain self-respect and integrity.A product is considered Haram if it as a whole or in part contains, or if it comes in tocontact with:1. Animals not slaughtered Zabihah2. Animals who died by strangulation, a blow to the head (as in clubbing), aheadlong fall, natural causes (carrion), or were maimed or attacked by another animal.3. Animals having protruding canine teeth such as monkeys, cats, and lions4. Pig, Dog, Donkey or Carnivores.5. Amphibious animals such as frogs, crocodiles, and turtles.6. Undesirable insects such as worms, flies, and cockroaches7. Birds of prey with talons such as owls, and eagles.8. Alcohol, harmful substances, poisonous and intoxicating plants or drinks.9. Blood
The Zabihah Procedure (Slaughter according to Islamic Rites)
The animal is put down on the ground (or held it if it is small) and its throat is slit witha very sharp knife to make sure that the 3 main blood vessels are cut. While cutting thethroat of the animal (without severing it), the persons must pronounce the name of Allah or recite a blessing, which contains the name of Allah, such as "Bismillah Allah-u-Akbar”. The Halal ingredient must not be mixed, or even come into contact withHaram materials. The act of slaughtering is to ensure the quality of meat and to avoidany microbial contamination. For example, a dead but un-slaughtered animal isnormally associated with disease. Most disease originated or is carried in the animal's blood. Therefore, slaughtering is mandatory to ensure the complete drainage of bloodfrom the animal's body, thus minimising the chance of microbial infection. Zabihah iscompatible with the overall concept of cleanliness that is always emphasised in Islam.
Department of Health and Human Services, Multicultural Health and Wellbeing3
rd
Floor Peacock Building 90 Davey Street, Hobart, 7001GPO Box 125, Hobart Tasmania, Australia 7001
www.dhhs.tas.gov.au
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