Definiton of Halal
Halal means justified. The opposite is haram which means prohibited, or not justified according to Islamic law. Meanwhile, thoyyib means quality and does not endanger health.
We are required to eat food that is halal and thoyyib, meaning that we must eat food that is in accordance with religious guidance and quality, not damaging to health.
The definition of halal food and drinks includes:
- Halal in substance
- Halal how to process it
- Halal how to get it, and
- Drinks that are not halal
I. Substantially halal food
Allah
is Most Gracious, Most Gracious. Too much and even almost all types of
food are halal and can be consumed. On the other hand, there are too few
types of forbidden foods that should not be consumed. The wisdom of
this prohibition is clearly Allah, the All-Knowing. As for the goodness
of the prohibition, it is clear for the benefit and good for humans
themselves. Among other things, as a test of spiritual obedience through
food and drink and so that people know / want to be grateful.
Blood and pigs are strictly forbidden by Allah. Furthermore, all dead animals that do not go through the process
of slaughtering are haram, they are equated with carcasses. Including
animals that die in transportation even though it has only been a short
time, they are not allowed to be slaughtered and consumed by humans.
II. Halal food according to the process
Halal food, but if it is processed in a way that is not halal, then it becomes haram. Processing in an illegal manner if it is carried out:
- Slaughter of animals that is not done by a Muslim, without mentioning in the name of Allah and using a sharp knife.
- Slaughter of animals that are clearly intended or offered to idols (offerings).
- Because blood is forbidden, in slaughter, the blood of the slaughtered animal must come out completely, and the veins and airways must be cut off and must be done politely, using a sharp knife.
- Halal animal meat is contaminated by haram or non-halal substances, it becomes not halal. The definition of contamination here can be through mixing it with non-halal materials, in the form of raw materials, spices or other auxiliary materials. It could also be because the places and tools used to process non-halal materials are not separated.
- As for the fish, both those that live in fresh water and those that live in sea water, are all lawful, even though they are not slaughtered, including all types of animals that live in water.
- Apart from those mentioned above, there are several types of animals that are forbidden by the opinions of scholars, but the basis is still inviting differences of opinion.
III. Halal how to get it
A devout Muslim is very concerned about the food he consumes. Islam provides guidance so that Muslims only eat and drink that is halal and thoyyib, which means spiritually healthy and hygienic food.
Consuming food obtained in a manner that is not halal means that it is spiritually illegitimate and will have a very negative effect on one's spiritual life. The blood flowing in his body became frightening, it was difficult to find peace, his life became violent, he was never satisfied, never knew gratitude, his worship and prayers were difficult for God to accept.
In Islamic teachings, all types of food and drink are basically halal, except for a few which are forbidden.
IV. Drinks that are not halal
All kinds of intoxicating drinks are haram. Including drinks tainted by intoxicating substances or non-halal materials. What is widely circulating now is in the form of alcoholic drinks.
It seems that the habit of getting drunk by drinking alcohol has been around for a long time and has become a habit by almost all nations in the world. At the time of the prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, Arab society also had this custom. The Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ eliminated this bad habit gradually.
First, it prohibits people from praying while they are still drunk (QS 4:34). Next, state that khamar or liquor is the sin or ugliness of which is greater than the benefit or goodness (QS 2: 219). Finally, there is an explicit prohibition, stating that liquor is a heinous act, as an act of Satan, so that it is really shunned (QS 5:90)