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Islamic law separates food into two categories: clean and lawful (halal) or unclean and unlawful (haram). Halal and haram are terms that exist outside the sphere of food as well for example they are also applicable to earning a living, dress code, and interactions with others. Another third category known as mashbooh or mustabahat describes foods that are questionable or doubtful. These distinctions come from the Quran and other religious doctrines based on what the Prophet Muhammad reportedly said and did.
There are strict rules surrounding halal foods, concerning what Muslims can and cannot eat. The reasons for prohibition are mainly impurity and harmfulness. The adherence to these food laws for followers of Islam is a matter of obeying God. The foods that are explicitly forbidden include animals that die themselves, blood, swine and carnivorous animals, as stated in the following excerpt:
“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine…” (Surah al-Ma’idah, V: 53)
Fasting is another way in which Muslims can earn the approval of Allah. Muslims ritually fast on certain days and during certain months, such as the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, Ramadan. It is also a way to control appetite since excessive consumption is considered a sin.
All intoxicants are also considered haram, specifically alcohol. Many Muslims will not eat foods containing vanilla extract or soy sauce because these products contain alcohol and also do not eat foods cooked with alcohol.
In addition to these forbidden foods, other rules dictate the methods by which the meat can be slaughtered. The focus is on gentle and humane practices. An animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim, while simultaneously mentioning the name of God or Allah, and this meat is then called zabiha or dhabiha meat. For example, the Quran states:
“O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah, if it is (indeed) He whom you worship. (Chapter II, Verse 172)
In non-Islamic countries these food rules would obviously be difficult to adhere to, and concerns of cross-contamination are often an issue. For example, foods like gelatin in fact contain pork products although it is seemingly meat-free. However, halal markets are popping up worldwide. Especially in major cities there are many food trucks and carts serving primarily halal foods. Organizations exist which can certify these markets and companies to accommodate growing Muslim populations in North America and Europe.
VPR reports that there are more than 2,000 Muslims living in Vermont. Here in Burlington are two businesses that provide halal foods: Community Halal Store and Global Markets, which used to be Halal Vermont. These are some of the only providers of certified halal foods around, especially meats.
Riaz, Mian N., and Muhammad M. Chaudry. Halal Food Production. Boca Raton, FL: CRC, 2004. Print.
“VPR: Vermont’s Muslims.” VPR: Vermont’s Muslims. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013.