General
What does Halal, Haram, Tayeb and Mashbooh mean?
The word Halal is derived from the Arabic language and means lawful. The requirements of Halal are all encompassing. They attach to the source of the produce, the preparation methods and the final product. Conversely,Haram means unlawful.
Several verses in the Holy Quran have been revealed to highlight the importance that consumption of Halal food plays in the spiritual and material lives of Muslims.
“O you who believe! Eat of the good things from what we have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is He whom you worship.” (2:172)
“O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome in the Earth, and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.” (2:168)
“O you who believe! Forbid not the good things which Allah has made ‘lawful’ for you and transgress not. Lo! Allah loves not transgressors. Eat of that which Allah has bestowed on you as food ‘lawful’ and good, and keep your duty to Allah in whom you are believers.” (5:87-88)
All foods are considered halal except the following (which are haram):
- Swine/Pork and its by-products
- Animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering
- Blood
- Alcoholic drinks and intoxicants
- Carnivorous animals, birds of prey and certain other animals
- Foods contaminated with any of the above products including all meat, fat and biproducts such as emulsifier and gelatin
Halal is normally accompanied with the word Tayeb, meaning pure, nutritious and wholesome food that is processed and prepared in a clean and hygienic manner.
Mashbooh refers to those items which are doubtful or questionable, requiring further information to classify them as Halal or Haram.
Foods containing ingredients such as gelatin, enzymes, emulsifiers, and flavors are questionable (Mashbooh), because the origin of these ingredients is not known.
