What Haram Is and What Is Considered Haram

Products Considered Haram

Pork meat and all food products derived from pork.

Animals not slaughtered under the required conditions, or animals that died before slaughter.

Animals slaughtered in the name of any deity other than God.

Alcohol and substances that cause loss of consciousness.

Carnivorous animals.

Birds of prey.

Land animals without ears.

Blood and food products derived from blood.

Any food that has come into contact with the products listed above.

Items where the origin cannot be determined, and that therefore cannot be classified as haram or halal, such as gelatin, enzymes, food additives, proteins, and animal fats, should not be consumed while doubt remains.

Halal

Halal refers to what is not forbidden under Islamic rulings, which is what is not prohibited by religious law. Any product that is not prohibited from consumption under Islamic rulings is halal. When God and His Messenger describe a product as halal, or state that its processing does not constitute sin, the product or action is halal. The absence of evidence of prohibition also indicates halal status. Engaging in halal actions does not earn reward per se, and not doing them does not incur sin. With haram, the opposite applies: performing the act is a sin, while avoiding it is rewarded. Because a halal status means the act is permitted, the term mubah (permissible) is also used.

Slaughter Conditions

The person performing the slaughter must be Muslim.

The animal to be slaughtered is laid down straight on the ground without being caused pain.

The three main vessels of the animal's neck are severed with a sharp knife. During this step, the person performing the slaughter invokes the name of God (the takbir).