Golden Words of Allah

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Allah says concerning; Guidance on Diet (Halal and Haram)

The Quran provides clear guidance on what is permissible (halal) and impermissible (haram) for Muslims to eat and drink. This guidance serves to ensure the purity, health, and spiritual well-being of individuals. Here are the key points related to diet from the Quran:

1. Permissible (Halal) Foods:
The Quran specifies that most foods are lawful for consumption, especially those derived from wholesome sources. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat from animals slaughtered according to Islamic law. Allah says:
Quranic Reference: O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” (2:172).
Hadith Reference: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “O people, Allah is pure and He accepts only that which is pure…” (Sahih Muslim 1015).

2. Prohibited (Haram) Foods:
The Quran also explicitly prohibits certain foods, which are considered harmful or impure. The primary categories of prohibited food include:
Dead meat (carrion): Animals that die of natural causes or are not slaughtered properly are forbidden to eat.
Quranic references: “Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah…”(5:3).
– Blood: Consuming blood or blood products is not allowed.
“… and [forbidden is] blood …” (5:3).
– Pork: All forms of pork or pig-derived products are strictly prohibited.
“… the flesh of swine, for indeed, it is impure …” (6:145).
– Animals sacrificed to other than Allah: Meat from animals that have been sacrificed in the name of idols, gods, or anything other than Allah is forbidden.
“…and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.” (5:3).
Hadith reference: Carrion (Dead Animals) – The Prophet (PBUH) said: “It is forbidden to eat the flesh of animals which have died by themselves, except fish and locusts.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3218).

3. Proper Slaughtering (Dhabihah):
Meat is only permissible if it comes from animals that are slaughtered in the name of Allah. The method of slaughter (dhabihah) requires that the name of Allah be invoked at the time of killing the animal, and that the blood is drained completely from the body. This ensures the meat is clean and lawful to consume:
Quranic reference: “So eat of that [meat] upon which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you are believers in His verses.”(6:118).
Hadith reference: The Prophet (PBUH) said “If the killing tool causes the blood to gush out and if Allah’s Name has been mentioned, then eat of the slaughtered animal.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5503).

4. Intoxicants:
The Quran also prohibits the consumption of intoxicants, such as alcohol, which impair judgment and cloud the mind:
Quranic reference: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” (5:90).
Hadith reference:  The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whatever intoxicates in large quantities, a small quantity of it is also forbidden.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1865).

5. Moderation and Avoiding Excess:
The Quran encourages moderation in eating and warns against wastefulness. Believers are instructed to avoid gluttony and to eat in moderation as part of their duty to maintain good health:
Quranic reference: “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (7:31).
Hadith reference: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going. If he must do it (i.e., fill his stomach), then one third for his food, one third for his drink, and one third for air.”(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2380).

Conclusion:

In Islam, both the Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on diet, emphasizing lawful consumption, prohibiting harmful or impure foods like carrion, blood, pork, and intoxicants, and mandating that animals be slaughtered in Allah’s name. In times of necessity, exceptions are allowed to preserve life. Moderation in eating and avoiding excess are also strongly advised. Additionally, expressing gratitude for sustenance is a central teaching. Together, these guidelines promote both physical well-being and spiritual purity, reflecting a mindful approach to living in accordance with divine principles.

And Allah knows best…

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