ISLAMIC GUIDE TO EATING AND DRINKING

 

“Tell me what you eat,

and I will tell you what you are” .

 

Yes, what we eat shapes who we are. That's why Muslims are prohibited from eating pork, one of the reasons is because pigs are dirty, dirty and smelly. His stomach and body were full of sources of disease.

In general, everything, whether in the form of plants, fruit or animals; it is halal to eat, unless it is forbidden by the Koran or hadith. Something is definitely forbidden because there is harm or danger in it. "O people, eat what is lawful and good from what is on earth, and do not follow the steps of the devil; for indeed the devil is a real enemy for you" (Al-Baqarah: 168).

Food that a Muslim may eat must meet two conditions, namely: halal and good (thaib). "Halal" means permitted to be eaten and not prohibited by Sharia law; while "good" means the food is nutritious and beneficial for health.

This means that "halal" matters are related to Islamic law, while "good" is seen from health sciences. In Islam, halal food must include three conditions at once, namely halal substance, halal method of obtaining it, and halal processing. Even though the substance is good, it must be obtained correctly, slaughtered properly, and processed using good and correct ingredients. Rasulullah SAW said: "What Allah has permitted in His Book is halal and what Allah has prohibited in His Book is haram, and what is kept silent (not explained), then that thing is among those things that are forgiven" (HR. Ibn Majah and Turmudzi).

Halal food is all food that is good, not dirty and not disgusting; not prohibited; ...and does not cause harm, pose a danger, or damage one's intellect, morals, or faith. Meanwhile, halal (permissible) beverages are those that comply with Islamic Sharia—specifically, any type of water or liquid that does not harm the body, intellect, soul, or faith. Furthermore, they must not be intoxicating, must be pure (free from ritual impurity), and must be obtained through legitimate means.

Why must our food be halal? There are many benefits to consuming halal food and drink, including greater peace of mind, the preservation of physical and spiritual well-being, divine protection from Allah SWT, increased honesty in life, and the attainment of Allah SWT’s pleasure. Those who are mindful of what they consume will cultivate noble character. All forbidden foods inevitably carry inherent dangers.

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