Food Control Department
Halal Food
Technical and Linguistic Supervision
Department of Corporate Marketing and Relations
INDEX
Introduction
4
Chapter 1
“Halal” Foods:
Halal Food Definition
5
5
5
Chapter 2
6
Chapter 3
Condition of “Halal” Foods
7
7
Chapter 4
Prohibited Foods
Justification for the prohibition:
Based on this, Islam had prohibited the
following foods:
8
8
9
Chapter 5
Condition of “Halal” slaughtering
The animal
The slaughterer
Slaughtering Tool
Slaughtering
Preferable actions and “Sunnan”
13
13
13
13
13
13
14
9
Chapter 6
Additional Condition and Regulations
15
15
Chapter 7
Halal Foods
17
17
Chapter 8
Towards Healthy and “Halal” food
18
18
Chapter 9 19
Chapter 10
22
Reference
25
Contact Numbers
INTRODUCTION
Halal Food
Allah the Exalted had said in the Holy Quran in a verse the
meaning of which is: “They ask you (Mohammad) what
is lawful for them (as food).Say: “lawful unto you are AlTayyibat [all kinds of Halal (lawful-good) foods which Allah
has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk
products, fats, vegetable and fruits]. And those beasts and
birds of prey which you have trained as hounds, training and
teaching them (to catch) in the manner as directed to you by
Allah, so eat of what they catch for you, but pronounce the
Name of Allah over it, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Swift in
reckoning.(1) { Al Maidah, verse 4} When Allah The Exalted allowed human beings to enjoy
good and dainty foods and prohibited harmful foods, He
intended good for human beings in this life and in the
hereafter. Anything that Allah prohibited had many harms
that are known only by Allah. Likewise, anything that Allah
allowed had many benefits for mankind in this life and in the
hereafter. Eating and drinking are of utmost importance for
human beings. So, it is incumbent on the Muslim to choose
“Halal” foods and drinks. Bodies that are built of prohibited
foods, are worthy of getting burnt by Hell Fire. Anybody
who eats good foods, his prayers shall be answered.
(1) { Al Maidah, verse 4}
“Halal” Foods:
Chapter 1
Halal Food
Allah that Exalted has said in the holy Quran in verse that
meaning of which is: They ask you (Mohammad) what
is lawful for them (as food). Say: “lawful unto you AlTayyibat.(1) {Almaidah,verse4}
Allah that Exalted has said in the holy Quran in verse the
meaning of which is : Forbidden to you (for food) are: AlMaitah (the dead animals-Cattle-beast not slaughtered)
blood, the flesh of swine , and that which Allah>s Name
has not been mentioned while slaughtering (that which has
been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah, or has
been slaughtered for idols) and that which has been killed
by strangling, or by violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by
the goring of horns and that which has been (partly)eaten by
a wild animal- unless you are able to slaughter it ( before its
death) – and which sacrificed ( slaughtered) on An-Nusub
(stone altars). (Forbidden) also is to use arrows seeking luck
or decision; (all) that is Fisqun ( disobedience of Allah and
sin ).(2) { Al Maidah, verse3} Halal Food Definition.
Halal food is the food which is allowed according to the
“Sharia`a”. This is following the commands of Allah the
exalted had said in the Holy Quran in a verse the meaning
of which is: He allows them as lawful Al Tayyipat ( i. e .all
good and lawful as regards things , deeds, beliefs , persons
and foods ), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Kahabbaith
( i. e. all evil and unlawful as regards things , deeds , persons
and foods ).(1) { Al –Araf, verse 157).
(1) {Almaidah,verse4}
(2) { Al Maidah, verse3}
(1) { Al –Araf, verse 157}
A comprehensive definition for Halal food which is fit for
human consumption , should be nutrition , and should be
allowed according to the “Sharia`a”
Halal Food
The United Arab Emirates had decreed strict regulation, laws
and provision to ensure that only” Halal “food are allowed
and should not be mixed with Prohibited “Non-Halal “foods.
This is in conformance to what Allah had said in the Holy
Quran in a verse the meaning of which is O mankind! Eat of
that which is lawful and good on the earth.(2) { Al – Baqarah
, verse 168}
To implement these laws and regulations, the following
conditions were put into practice:
- Ensuring that the sources of imported meats and products
thereof are preapproved, in addition to tightening the
control at all ports of entry and local markets.
- Conduct laboratory tests to ensure that these foods or
products are free from prohibited ingredients such as
pork products or alcohols.
Chapter 2
Current Status and future prospects of “Halal”
food:
Continuing increase in the Muslim population that
constitutes about 20% of the world population, growth
in the international food trade (which is estimated to
about U$60 billion per year), scientific and technological
progress, in addition to increased awareness among the
Muslims regarding the health advantages of “Halal” foods
(2) { Al – Baqarah , verse 168}
Halal Food
had resulted in great interest in the “Halal” foods. So, great
care is being taken recently to know the sources of Halal
foods and their processing & preparation methods. Hence
it became extremely important to enlighten the consumer
about “Halal” & “Prohibited” foods as well as explaining
the measures taken by the United Arab Emirates to ensure
that “Halal” foods are produced according to the approved
standards. Also, it is important to inform the consumer about
how to choose “Halal” foods through the following:
Knowing the source of the foods.
Knowing different food ingredients. This is because food
additives could be obtained from “Non-halal” sources. Also,
some prohibited ingredients could be used such as certain
enzymes, hormones, pork products and alcohols, as they are
used widely by many food manufacturers.
Chapter 3
Requirements of “Halal” Foods:
1. The meats or any products thereof are obtained from
animals which were slaughtered according to the Sharia’a
principles.
2. The food should not contain any ingredient that is
prohibited “Non-halal” according to the “Sharia`a “.
3. The food should not be mixed with any prohibited
“Non-halal” foods during the preparation, storage,
manufacturing or transportation.
4. Prohibited “Non-halal” foods should not be mixed
with “Halal” foods during preparation, manufacturing,
storage and display.
Halal Food
5. If the establishment manufactures non-halal foods, the
equipment and utensils used in preparing “Halal” foods
should be separated completely from those used for”
Non- Halal” foods.
6. It is not allowed to prepare, manufacture, transport, or
store “Halal” foods at establishments which were used
to produce “Non – Halal “foods unless under strict
conditions.
Chapter 4
Prohibited Foods:
Allah the Exalted had said in the Holy Quran in verse the
meaning of which is: Forbidden to you (for food) are: AlMaitah (the dead animal –Cattle- beast not slaughtered)
blood , the flesh of swine , and that on the which Allah Name
has not been mentioned while slaughtering (that which has
been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah, or has
been slaughtered for idols).(1) { Al-Maidah, verse 3}
Allah the Exalted had said in the Holy Quran in verse the
meaning of which is: O you who believe! Intoxicants (all
kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansab,
and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck for decision) are
abominations of Shaitan`s (Satan`s) handiwork. So, avoid
(strictly all) that (abominations) in order that you may be
successful. (2) {Al-Maidah , verse 90}
(1) { Al-Maidah, verse 3}
(2){Al-Maidah , verse 90}
Justification for the prohibition:
Halal Food
Allah did not prohibit anything for the mankind unless He
intends to prevent mankind from harm. The reasons behind
this might be clear for human beings. However, in some
cases such reasons might not be clear. That is because Allah
had created human beings and He knows what would benefit
them in this life and in the hereafter. That is why Allah had
allowed good and dainty foods and prohibited impure foods
to allow human beings to satisfy their needs and protect them
against harmful things that may endanger their health, body,
and mental wellbeing. Based on this, Islam had prohibited the following foods:
1- “The dead”:
It is defined as “any animal that died unwillingly”
without being slaughtered according to the “Sharia`a”.
Allah the Exalted had said in the Holy Quran in verse
the meaning of which is: Forbidden to you (for food)
are: Al-Maitah (the dead animals –cattle – beast not
slaughtered) (1) {Al-Maidah, verse 3}. Seafoods are
exempted from this.
2- “The blood”:
The justification of its prohibition is that it could work
as a reservoir for microbes and harmful materials. Allah
wanted to honor and respect human beings and do not
want them to indulge in the animally behaviors. Liver
and spleen are exempted as indicated in the Prophet>s
saying, “two bloods and two deads are allowed for us: fish
and grasshoppers, liver and spleen”. Narrated by Ahmed
and Bin Majah and Al Dar Qutni. This is also indicated
Halal Food
in the Prophet’s saying about the sea, “its water is pure
& abluent and its dead is allowed” Narrated by Malik
in “Al Muatta”. The prohibited blood is the blood which
flows out of animal as a result of an injury of as a result
of the slaughtering process. The other blood, which
remains between the meat tissues, is not prohibited.
3- Pork and products:
The wisdom behind prohibiting pork is that it lives on
filth. Furthermore, its flesh, blood, and guts contain
very dangerous worms.
4- Animals which are not slaughtered for Allah`s
sake:
These are the animals that are slaughtered as a sacrifice
for reasons other than Allah`s sake, and where Allah`s
name is not uttered when slaughtering them, or the
animals slaughtered by people other than the Christians
or Jews.
5- The Strangled:
these are animals that are killed by strangling. 6- “Al Mawgootha”:
these are the animals that die as a result of being hit by
a violent blow
7-“Al Mutaridya”:
these are animals that get killed by falling from a high
place.”
8- Al Nateeha”:
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these are animals that are killed as a result of getting hit
by the goring of a horn of another animal.
9- Animals eaten by lions:
These are the animals that die as a result of getting bitten
or killed by lions.
10- “Animals slaughtered at stone idols” :
These are the stones around the Holy Kaa`ba where the
Arabs were Slaughtering their animals. These include
the animals that are slaughtered for the idols and the
graves, even if the name of Allah is mentioned when
slaughtering them
Halal Food
11- Animals with canines and birds with claws:
“The Prophet (PBUH) has prohibited eating any lion
with canines and the birds with claws”. Narrated by Abu
Dawood and others.
These animals include the following:
Predators (meat eaters) with canines and claws: These
include tame and wild animals such as lions, bears and
other similar animals.
Wild birds: these are birds which have claws such as the
falcons, eagles and similar birds.
12- Filthy animals:
These include rats, scorpions, snakes, and insects. This
is because some of them are poisonous and the others
indulge in dirty behaviors.
13- Domestic donkeys:
These are prohibited according to the Prophet’s saying
which was narrated by Jabir (on the Day of Khaybar, the
Prophet prohibited eating domestic donkeys and allowed
eating hours meat) . An authentic saying by the prophet.
11
14- Scavengers:
Halal Food
These are animals which live on filth and dirt. This is
prohibited according to the saying which was narrated by
Ahmed and Abu Dawood (Eating scavengers and their
milk are prohibited). If “Halal” animals and poultry eat
filthy, they became prohibited till they are confined for
three days during which they have to be fed clean foods
only.
15- Cross Breeds between Halal and prohibited
animals:
An example of this is mule which is breed between
donkeys and horses.
16- Animals that eat dead bodies:
An example of these is the crow.
17- Animals that Islam ordered or prohibited
their killing.
Prohibited Plants:
- Harmful poisonous intoxicating, and narcotic plants.
Prohibited Drinks:
1- Alcoholic drinks and their products which are used in a
wide variety of food , such as: Cider, Champaign, Saki,
beer, Liquor, Wine, Rum, Spirits (Do not include spirit
vinegar).
2- Poisonous and narcotic drinks.
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Chapter 5
Condition of “Halal” slaughtering:
The animal:
Halal Food
1- Should be an animal which is allowed to be eaten by
Muslims.
2- Should be alive at the time of slaughter.
The slaughterer:
1- Should be a Muslim, as atheists and idol worshipers
are not allowed to slaughter. “People of the book”
Christians & Jews “could slaughter under condition
that are difficult to be met nowadays.
2- Should be an adult. Mature adolescent boys and women
may also slaughter.
3- Should be prudent, as intoxicated or mad people are not
allowed to slaughter.
Slaughtering Tool:
1- Any sharp article from iron or stone or any other
materials except tooth, nail, and bone.
2- If the animal dies as result of a shock, anesthesia ,
injection or hit, it becomes prohibited “Non- Halal “
Slaughtering:
1- The animal should be slaughtered at the neck and from
the chest position (front).
2- Camels are slaughtered at the lower neck.
3- Slaughtering should be very fast. The slaughtering article
should not be removed during cutting the throat.
4- The slaughterer should utter the phrase “In the name
of Allah”. The slaughtering will not be “Halal” if the
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slaughterer deliberately elected not to utter the said
phrase. It is “Sunnah” to utter the phrase “Allah is
Great”.
Halal Food
5- It is not allowed to conduct slaughtering by means of an
automated knife, as one of the conditions of slaughtering
is that the knife should be moved by the slaughterer`s
hand.
6- The slaughterer is not allowed to reach the spine while
cutting the throat.
7- Slaughtering is carried out by means of cutting the two
jugular veins, esophagus, and the trachea. If this is not
possible, three of these should be cut.
8- Skinning is not allowed before the animal is completely
dead.
9- It is prohibited to take off the neck immediately after
slaughtering, as it should be left till after the animal is
completely dead.
10- The pharynx should be part of head and not the body,
i.e. slaughtering should be below the pharynx.
Preferable actions and “Sunnan”
during slaughtering:
1- The animal should be given water before being
slaughtered.
2- Slaughtering should not be conducted in presence of
another animal.
3- The knife should be sharpened before slaughtering and
should be sharpened in front of the animal, and slaughtering
should be swift to make it easy for the animal.
4- Camels are slaughtered while sitting with its front left leg
tied.
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5- The animals should be laid down on their left side.
6- Slaughtering of birds, goats, cows should be at the upper
neck, following the head.
Halal Food
7- Goats, sheep and cows are laid down on their left side
with their legs tied except for the rear left leg to enable
the animal to move it freely. The slaughterer should hold
the knife with his right hand and hold the animal’s head
with his left hand to prevent the animal from moving
during slaughtering.
8- The neck of the animal should be directed towards the
Holy city of Mecca. Also , the slaughterer should face
Mecca whenever it is possible.
9- Violating these preferable actions and “Sunnan” will not
render slaughtering prohibited, if the conditions set in
previous chapters were followed.
Chapter 6
Additional Conditions and Regulations:
1- Animals should undergo veterinary inspection before
and after slaughtering to ensure that they are healthy
and free from any disease.
2- “Halal” certificates should be issued by Islamic
organizations or representatives of Islamic countries in
the countries where meat is produced.
3- To cope with industrial development, it is allowed to
conduct automatic cleaning, skinning and packaging
under hygienic condition, which conform to the Islamic
“Sharia`a”.
15
Halal Food
4- Hunting “Halal” animals is allowed if it is meant for
eating the animals. Allah the Exalted had said in the
Holy Quran in a verse the meaning of which is: so,
eat what they catch for you (1) {Al-Maidah, verse 4}.
Hunting will become prohibited if the hunted animals
are themselves prohibited, or the hunter is prohibited
from hunting, as Allah the Exalted had said in the Holy
Quran in a verse the meaning of which is: you who
believe! Kill not the game while you are in the state of
Ihram [ for Hajj or Umrah (pilgrimage) ] (2) { Al-Maidah,
verse 95}.and when He said in the Holy Quran in verse
the meaning which is: But forbidden is (the pursuit of )
land-game as long as you are the state of Ihram(for Hajj
or Umrah(pilgrimage).(3){Al-Maidah, verse 96}.in all
cases, the hunter should utter the phrase “In the Name
of Allah “when hunting with an arrow or with any other
hunting tool such as falcons As Allah Exalted had said
in the Holy Quran in the meaning of which is: Eat not
(believers) of that (meat) on which Allah`s Name has
not been pronounced .(4) {Al-Maidah, verse 121}.
5- Foodstuff package: the source of the materials used for
packaging foods should be “Halal” and hygienic. Skins,
fibers and other by-products of “Non - Halal” animals
should not used in these packaging materials. Materials
that are harmful or poisonous to human beings are not
allowed.
6- Cross Breeding and Cloning: it is prohibited to eat any
animal or any animal product from any material or from
a gene of a “Non- Halal” animal.
7- Eggs: eggs of prohibited “Non -Halal” animals are
prohibited and should not be eaten. Eggs of ” Halal”
birds and fish may be eaten.
(1) {Al-Maidah, verse 4}
(2) { Al-Maidah, verse 95}
(3) {Al-Maidah, verse 96}
(4) {Al-Maidah, verse 121}
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Chapter 7
Halal Foods:
The source of foods and animals should be checked , when
using the following foods:
Source
Milk
Liver
Milk-eggs
Animal bones
Meats and bones
Meats
Glycerin
Milk-bones
Meats-fish
Meats
Meats
Meats –eggs – milk
Liver- meats
Meats- fish – milk
Internal lining of
the stomach
Internal lining of
the stomach
Animal type
Halal animals
Halal Food
Food item
Lactose sugar
Lactose sugar
Proteins
Gelatin
Fibers
Fats-oils
Glycerin
Calcium
Phosphate
Potassium
Magnesium
Sodium
Iron
Vitamins
Pepsin enzyme
Rennet
Halal Animals & birds
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Plant & Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
Halal animals
17
Chapter 8
Towards Healthy and “Halal” food:
Halal Food
After learning about the “Halal” foods and their sources,
actions should be taken so the Muslims will not indulge in
doubtful and prohibited actions. The responsibility is both
individual and collective. This could be summarized as
follows:
1- Tightening control regarding the source of foods (especially
meats and products thereof) while taking samples from
suspected foods may contain non-Halal products.
2- Countries are advised to be careful when sending any
foods to this region and ensure that these foods are free
from suspicious products which may be Non- halal.
3- It is necessary to submit official documents indicating that
the sent foods do not contain any prohibited substances
and its source should be “Halal”. These documents
should be issued from authorities and organizations that
are approved by U.A.E Embassies abroad.
4- The consumer should be careful when buying any
imported food item and should study the label and
inform the concerned authorities if he / she discovers any
violations.
5- Taking the necessary actions against companies and
individual who import prohibited foods without any
permission from the food control authorities.
18
Chapter 9
Parameters for approving Islamic Organizations which are
responsible for monitoring the Halal Slaughtering (abroad)
for U.A.E Halal Food
The United Arab Emirates adopts a procedure for controlling
sources of animal products to ensure that the entities that
issue Halal Certificates for these products are approved
organizations (societies, centers, union, establishments,
etc). Hence an approval scheme for these entities is followed
by General Secretariat of Municipalities of UAE (GSM),
provided that such entities adhere to the following conditions
and regulations:
1- The organization should monitor the slaughtering
process directly and should be approved by the General
Secretariat of Municipalities in UAE.
2- The organization should have permanent headquarters
at the country of origin, an organizational structure
specifying the responsibilities of each employee, the
name & position of the authorized signatory on the
Halal certificates and name of the person replacing him
during his absence, and official papers bearing the logo
of such organization.
3- The organization should have all technical and personnel
requirements for ensuring effective monitoring of
abattoirs, which conduct Halal slaughtering at the
country of origin.
4- The organization should apply all hygienic and
19
“Sharia`a” rules & standards which are followed in UAE
with regards to slaughtering animals.
5- The Halal certificates should be issued according to the
format which is approved in the UAE. Such certificates
should follow serial numbering system.
Halal Food
6- The organization should have a special section that
deals with Halal slaughtering at the abattoir which has a
system that documents the following:
- Supervisors’ register.
- Slaughters’ register.
- Abattoirs’ register.
- A register for Halal certificates.
Such documents should be available upon the request
by the concerned authorities at the General secretariat
of Municipalities of UAE.
7- The organization should assign supervisors or inspectors
in order to monitor the abattoirs. The number of the
abattoirs supervised by each inspector or supervisor
should not exceed three abattoirs in the area.
8- The organization should not choose or subcontract
trading agencies or companies or individuals to monitor
the Halal slaughtering for the UAE.
9- The organization should have a system to choose the
inspectors or slaughterers and should issue labor cards
for them.
20
10- The organization should have a training system for the
inspectors and slaughterers in order to upgrade their
skills and abilities.
Halal Food
11- The organization should have a register of the benevolent
activities conducted by organization such as: building
schools, mosques, cemeteries for Muslims, teaching
Arabic language and Quran, helping the needy etc..
12- The organization should have a system for issuing the
certificates, storing stamps and approved signatures.
13- The organization should send a copy of the signature
of the authorized person to the General secretariat of
municipalities and the signature of the person who
replaces him during his absence.
14- The organization should submit an annual report to
the general Secretariat of Municipalities indicating its
activities, achievements, and the number of certificates
issued by the organization.
15- No organization shall be approved before agreeing on the
above – mentioned standards and procedures.
21
Chapter 10
Procedures of Approving the Islamic Organization to monitor
Halal Slaughtering for UAE
Halal Food
1- The Islamic organization intending to get an approval
for monitoring Halal Slaughtering for UAE should
submit an application through the official channels to
the General secretariat of Municipalities
2- The application should be accompanied with all
documents that prove the compliance of the application
to the requirements and specifications. The organization
should submit an undertaking to cover the travel
expenses of the delegation of the General Secretariat
of Municipalities to ensure that such requirements are
met.
3- The application of the organization shall be reviewed
by the concerned committee at the General Secretariat
of Municipalities to decide whether or not to grant the
approval for the organization.
4- If the concerned committee approves the organization,
the matter shall be referred to the council of General
Secretariat of Municipalities to approve the organization
or send a delegation to visit the organization for
ensuring its compliance with the requirements and
specifications.
5- If the organization is not approved based on the
recommendations of the committee (article 3 above)
or as a result of the visit by delegation (article 4), the
22
Islamic organization shall be notified through the official
channels of decision and justifications. If company
complies with the requirements and specifications, it
may submit its application to get the approval.
Halal Food
6- The approval decision shall be distributed by the General
Secretariat of Municipalities to all UAE Municipalities.
The organization shall be included in the list of approved
Islamic organizations.
May Allah help us for the goodness of Islam and Muslims…
Amen
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Pork meat and fat derivatives used in food industry:
Halal Food
TERM
The bone of pigs
Gammon
Smoked pork thigh
Rasher
The grilled or fried pork
Ham
pork thigh meat
Lard
pork fat
Fish Ham
A Japanese meal which has pork fat
Chymase
A name of rennet enzyme with unspecified source
Lardine
Margarine made from pork fat
Margarine
Vegetable oil with 10% added animal fat
Saveloy
Pork frankfurters
Bone Broth
pork soup
Animal Fat
Animal fat (unspecified source)
Gel
Gelatinic material (unspecified source)
Belly
Part of the pig`s guts
Pepsin
An enzyme extracted from animals stomach (especially pigs)
Bacon
Salted pork meat
Rennin
An enzyme extracted from calves and pigs
Pepperoni
Some sort of sausage made from unspecified meat
Haslet
Foods made from pig`s liver and guts
Bone Charcoal
Bones from which fats are Brawn
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Meaning and source
Bath Chap
removed and cut into small pieces
Marinated pork meat
Reference:
1- Slaughtering principles in Islam. Dr. Mohammed
Abdelgadir Abu Faris.
Halal Food
2- Basis of food nutrition in Islam. Dr. Abderlgadir
Mohammed Abdelgadir.
3- Abattoirs and meat inspection. Dr. Mohammed Sabri.
4- The Permitted and the Prohibited in Islam. Dr. Yousif
Alqaradhawi.
5- Fiqh Abstract Shiekh Saleh Bin Fawzan AlFawzan.
6- Islamic Fiqh and proofs. Shiekh Wahba AlZuhali.
7- Interpreting the verse of Ahkam. Shiekh Mohammed
Ali Alsabooni.
8- Islamic and hygienic conditions for slaughtering
livestock. General Secretariat of Municipalities.
9- Islamic Dietary Concepts & Practices. Mohammed M.
Huddain.
Contact Numbers
Food Control Department- Dubai Municipality.
P. O. Box 67, Dubai- U.A.E.
Tel: + 971-a-2064201
Fax: +971-4- 2231905
Email: [email protected]
25
February 2009