Haram is defined as “not permitted, not allowed, unauthorised, unapproved, unsanctioned, unlawful, illegal, illegitimate or illicit”.
When used in relation to food or drink it means that it is not permitted and unfit for consumption by Muslims.
The concept of Haram in Islam has very specific motives, namely:
a. To preserve the purity of religion
b. To safeguard the Islamic mentality
c. To preserve life
d. To safeguard property
e. To safeguard future generations
f. To maintain self-respect and integrity.
A product is considered Haram if it as a whole or in part contains, or if it comes in to contact with:
- Animals not slaughtered Zabihah
- Animals who died by strangulation, a blow to the head (as in clubbing), a headlong fall, natural causes (carrion), or were maimed or attacked by another animal
- Animals having protruding canine teeth such as monkeys, cats, and lions
- Pig, Dog, Donkey or Carnivores
- Amphibious animals such as frogs, crocodiles, and turtles
- Undesirable insects such as worms, flies, and cockroaches
- Birds of prey with talons such as owls, and eagles
- Alcohol, harmful substances, poisonous and intoxicating plants or drinks
- Blood
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Text credit:
Halal and Haram Fact Sheet, compiled by Tasmania Dept. Health and Human Services
References:
- Mouelhy, Mohamed El (2004) www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~waleed/isoc/hh/whatis.htm
- The Australian Federation of Islamic Council (2004) www.afic.com.au/halal.htm
RIAN FARISA 