Food & Dining
OTHER THAN MEATS
There are several categories of products which are not permissible to consume according to Islamic Law.
ALCOHOL – All forms of alcohol are not permissible to consume by Muslims, regardless of the quantity. The Prophet( SAS) said:“ Whatever intoxicates in large amounts, a small amount of it is unlawful” reported by Nasa’ Some alcohol and alcohol-containing products which are not permissible include:
• Spirits including beer, wine, vodka, rum, whiskey, liqueuretc.
• Drinks containing a small amount of alcohol such as shandy carib, some“ non-alcoholic” beers etc.
• Fermented products which still contain alcohol such as many de-alcoholised wines and some balsamic vinegars
• Additives containing alcohol such as vanilla extract
There are some products which contain small amounts of alcohol such as essences, artificial and natural flavourings. In products in which heating occurs, these products will be permissible due to the evaporation of these small amounts of alcohol.
CHEESE AND RELATED PRODUCTS Cheese is made from the coagulation of milk with rennet, which is obtained from the stomachs of domesticated animals. In order for chesses’ to be halaal, the following types of rennet must be used:
• Rennet obtained from the stomach of permissible animals such as calves and sheep as long as these animals are slaughtered according to Islamic rites.
• Microbial or plant-derived rennet
• Enzymes are also used in cheese production and these must also come from the above mentioned sources.
The following are some of the cheeses and products which would be halaal given the above considerations:
• Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, blue cheese, mozzarella, feta cheese, gouda, brie and cream cheese
• Whey
• Lactic Acid
• Sour Cream
GELATIN
This is a product that is made mostly from the skin of animals such as pigs and cattle although there are other sources. Gelatin is used in a variety of products especially pharmaceuticals, confectionery, yogurts etc. Products containing gelatin will only be halaal if:
• The gelatin obtained from cattle which are slaughtered according to Islamic rtes.
• Obtained from fish
• Gelatin substitute such as carneegan or agar is used
OTHER INGREDIENTS
There are many other ingredients we look for in determining whether a product is halaal. Some of these are:
• Carmine or cochneal
• Magnesium stearate
• Stearic acid
• Mono and Di-glycerides
• Glycerol
• L-Cysteine
• Bone meal
PRODUCTS FROM THE PIG
Allah( SWT) has called the pig‘ Najis al ain’ meaning impure in its entirety. As such products made from any part of the pig are not permissible such as:
• Pork
• Bacon
• Processed meats such as sausages, salami etc.
• Paint brushes, tooth brushes from pig hair
• Gelatin from pig skin
• Furniture, shoes, jackets, gloves from pig skin
CONCLUSION
The Prophet Muhammad( SAS) said in a hadith:“ The lawful is clear and the unlawful is clear and between that are matters that are doubtful. Many of the people do not know whether it is lawful or unlawful.”( Tirmidhi)
This hadith underscores the importance of trying to understand that which is halaal and to seek guidance in this regard. In this way we can protect our Imaan and our good deeds and ensure that our Dua’ s are accepted.
52 | Ihsaan | Issue 1