Kosher and halal diets are two common ways to eat that are based on Jewish and Islamic law, respectively. Both diets set strict guidelines regarding which foods are allowed and restricted based on religious teachings.
This article looks more closely at some of the main ways that halal and kosher diets are alike and different.
Kosher is a term used to describe foods prepared in accordance with traditional Jewish dietary laws.
A kosher diet doesn’t allow certain food combinations, and you can only eat certain animal products.
A different word, halal, is used to describe foods that are allowed by Islamic law, which is set out in the Quran, which is Islam’s holy book.
Halal diets set strict guidelines regarding how livestock is raised, slaughtered, and prepared prior to consumption (2).
There are foods that say they are certified kosher or certified halal, which means they follow the rules of each diet.
There are three types of foods on a kosher diet: meat (fleishig), dairy products (milchig), and pareve, which means foods that don’t contain meat or dairy.
Kosher rules say that meat-based foods cannot be eaten with dairy-based foods at the same meal.
Halal diets, on the other hand, do not have any rules or regulations regarding food combinations.
Foods that contain blood, alcohol and foods made with it, and some types of meat, like pork, most reptiles, birds of prey, and carnivorous animals are not allowed on halal diets.
In the same way, people following a kosher diet can’t eat meat from pigs, horses, rabbits, kangaroos, camels, or squirrels.
Both kosher and halal diets allow fish with fins and scales, but they don’t allow birds of prey or scavengers like hawks and eagles.
Additionally, the sciatic nerve and adjoining blood vessels of animals are prohibited in a Kosher diet. In the US, it’s hard to find kosher cuts from the back of cattle, like sirloin and rump roast, because it costs a lot to remove these parts from the animals.
Both halal and kosher diets have guidelines regarding how meat should be slaughtered prior to consumption.
It must be butchered by a shochet, who is trained to follow Jewish law when killing animals, for meat to be considered kosher.
Meats must also be soaked to ensure that all blood is removed before cooking (5).
According to halal rules, animals must be healthy when they are killed and must be killed in a certain way, which involves cutting the jugular vein.
When the animal is killed, the name of Allah must also be called out for the meat to be considered halal (2, 6).
In some cases, kosher-certified meat may be accepted as halal due to the similarities in slaughtering practices.
Following the rules of Jewish and Islamic law, the kosher and halal diets are very strict about what foods can be eaten.
Both diets have specific rules regarding the slaughtering of animals, and both also restrict certain types of meat.
But halal diets don’t allow certain foods, like those with blood or alcohol in them, and kosher diets only allow certain food combinations.
Our health and wellness experts are always keeping an eye on the news, and we update our articles when new information comes in.
What Is Halal Pork? – A Complete Explanation
Eating halal is an important part of life for Muslims around the world Halal refers to foods that are permissible to eat under Islamic dietary guidelines. Pork, specifically, is considered haram – forbidden according to Islamic law This leaves many wondering – what exactly is halal pork? Can pork ever be made halal?
In this comprehensive article we’ll cover everything you need to know about halal pork. We’ll explain what halal means why pork is prohibited in Islam, whether pork can be made halal, and alternatives for halal consumers who want to avoid pork.
Understanding Halal Dietary Laws
Halal is an Arabic word that means “permissible” or “lawful”. When it comes to food, halal refers to items that adhere to Islamic dietary restrictions as dictated in the Quran.
For meat to be considered halal, it must come from an animal that was slaughtered according to Islamic ritual procedure. This includes reciting a prayer to Allah while killing the animal swiftly with a sharp knife. The animal must also be treated humanely during its life.
In addition to the proper slaughter, there are some basic guidelines for halal meat:
- The animal must not be already dead before slaughter
- It must be killed in the name of Allah
- Blood must be completely drained from the carcass
- Certain parts like the hindquarters are considered haram (impermissible)
Beyond meat, any food or beverage containing haram ingredients like pork, alcohol or blood is forbidden. Even animal byproducts like gelatin must come from halal slaughtered animals.
The Prohibition of Pork in Islam
Of all halal dietary restrictions, the prohibition of pork is one of the best known among both Muslims and non-Muslims. Pork is considered haram in Islam.
The avoiding of pork is repeatedly mentioned in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Verse 6:145 states: “Say, “I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure…”
Several verses prohibit consumption of the flesh of swine directly, along with animals dedicated to other than Allah, those which have been killed by strangling or beating, those which fell or were gored to death, and those which are (partly) eaten by wild beasts.
There are a few explanations given for why pork is deemed haram:
- Pigs are viewed as physically and spiritually unclean animals in Islam
- Consuming pork can cause health issues like trichinosis
- Eating habits are a way of submitting to the divine will
Muslims view avoiding pork and other haram foods as part of their obedience to Allah. Consuming halal meat slaughtered according to Islamic rites is part of fulfilling religious duty.
Is “Halal Pork” A Real Thing?
Given the clear prohibition on pork in Islamic law, can it ever be made halal? Is there truly such a thing as “halal pork”?
The short answer is no – halal pork does not exist. Since pork is haram (forbidden) it is impossible to make it halal (permitted) within Islamic regulations.
The term “halal pork” appears to be an oxymoron stemming from misunderstandings about what halal means. Any claim of pork being halal would be highly contradictory.
Despite some marketers using the phrase “halal pork”, it is misleading. No pig meat can ever comply with the Quranic restrictions requiring specific ritual slaughter. Calling pork products halal wrongly implies they are sanctioned for Muslim consumption.
Can Pork Be Made Halal?
Given that halal pork is an impossibility, a common question arises – can regular pork ever be made halal? Is there a way to slaughter or prepare pork accordingly that would make it permissible for Muslims?
According to Islamic scholars, the answer is no. There is no way to slaughter or cook pork in a manner that would make it halal.
One of the conditions for halal slaughter is reciting the name of Allah over each animal. However, Allah’s name can only be pronounced over animals which are permitted to be eaten by Muslims. Since pork is strictly forbidden, it would be meaningless to say a prayer while slaughtering pigs.
The only exceptions are circumstances threatening starvation or death where no other food is available. In such dire situations, Islam allows believers to eat pork if it is the only way to save a life. Outside of that, consuming pork remains haram at all times.
Halal Certification for Pork Products
No pork product could ever receive legitimate halal certification. To be certified halal, foods and products must completely adhere to Islamic dietary regulations.
Since pork itself is prohibited, it is impossible for items containing pork to be certified halal. Any pork products labelled as “halal” are falsely making that claim.
Genuine halal certification requires that foods and products do not contain:
- Pork or pork derivatives
- Intoxicants like alcohol
- Meat from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic rites
- Blood or blood byproducts
Both food companies and consumers should be aware that pork can never be halal certified. Any pork products claiming to be halal are incorrectly labelled as such. Always check for proper halal certification symbols like those issued by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) for verification.
Alternatives for Halal Consumers
Pork is a challenging restriction for halal consumers, as it often appears in food products and cuisines globally. However, viable alternatives do exist.
For those who enjoy the taste of pork, turkey bacon makes an excellent substitute. Beef and lamb varieties of pepperoni and sausage also replicate the flavor of popular pork products.
When a recipe calls for pork as an ingredient, halal consumers can get creative. In soups, stews or stir-fries, opt for chicken, beef or lamb instead. For the smoky flavor of pork, add liquid smoke. In lieu of pork tenderloin, marinate chicken or steak.
Seafood like shrimp, clams and lobster offer lighter alternatives in dishes like pasta. Extra-firm tofu also soaks up flavors effectively in Asian noodle recipes. Halloumi and mole made from chicken or beef can provide meaty textures.
For those with no dietary restrictions, offering halal options demonstrates respect. It also opens up marketing potential among Muslim consumers seeking halal-compliant products.
The Verdict on Halal Pork
Among Islamic dietary guidelines, the prohibition on pork is unambiguous. Swine are considered haram – no preparation or slaughter can render pigs or their meat permissible. Because pork is intrinsically forbidden, there is no such thing as “halal pork”.
Muslims must avoid pork and any products containing pork derivatives. False marketing claims about “halal pork” should never be taken at face value. Always check for proper halal certification symbols to verify the halal status of foods.
While fresh pork is off the table for halal consumers, ample alternatives do exist. Following Islamic regulations surrounding food simply requires mindful eating practices. With creativity and the abundance of permissible options, maintaining a halal diet is very achievable.
Is smoky barbecued pork halal?
FAQ
What is the meaning of halal pork?
What is the difference between halal and no pork?
Is all our pork halal?
What are the rules for halal meat?
Is pork halal?
The consumption of pork is strictly forbidden in Islamic dietary laws and is considered haram. This prohibition is based on the Holy Quran, which explicitly declares pork as a forbidden food. Halal refers to food that is permissible according to Islamic law and includes a set of guidelines for the slaughter and preparation of meat.
Can one eat pork?
A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).
What is halal meat?
Halal designation for meat is an important concept and belief associated with food for this religious community, and foods that are not permitted are called haram. For a meat to be certified halal it cannot be a forbidden cut (such as meat from hindquarters) or animal (such as pork) and it must be slaughtered in a specific way.
What does Halal mean in Islam?
The word “halal” itself means “permissible” or “lawful” in Arabic. These laws are based on the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic dietary laws, all foods are considered halal except for those that are explicitly forbidden or haram.