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What is Halal?


Halal food refers to any food and beverages that are permissible according to Islamic law, as defined by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The term "halal" means "lawful" or "permissible".

The antonym of Halal is "Haram" which means "unlawful" and refers to unlawful items which Muslims are not allowed to partake in.

Here are some key points to explain halal food:


Sources of Meat:

  • Halal meat comes from animals that are healthy at the time of slaughter. The animal must be slaughtered in the name of Allah, and a specific prayer is recited during the process.
  • The slaughtering must be done by cutting the throat, windpipe, and blood vessels in the neck, causing the animal's blood to be drained out. This method is believed to be more humane.


Prohibited Substances:

  • Certain foods and ingredients are explicitly prohibited (haram) in Islam. This includes pork and its by-products, blood, and animals that were not slaughtered in the name of Allah.
  • Alcohol and intoxicants are also prohibited in any form.


Permissible Ingredients:

  • Foods that do not contain any haram ingredients are considered halal. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and seafood, provided they are not processed with haram substances.


Certification and Labeling:

  • Many food products are certified halal by Islamic organizations. Look for the halal certification label on packaged foods to ensure they meet Islamic dietary laws.


Ethical Considerations:

  • Halal also encompasses ethical considerations, such as the humane treatment of animals, cleanliness, and fair trading practices




Islam is a comprehensive religion guiding Muslims through sets of rules governing every facet of life. Since food is an important part of daily life, food laws carry a special significance.


Islamic philosophy propounds that the food which man consumes affects not only his physical constitution but also his moral character and spiritual upliftment.


In essence, halal food is not just about what is permissible to eat, but it also embodies a broader spectrum of ethical, humane, and spiritual practices that align with Islamic principles.


Halal Food in Guernsey


For Muslims living in Guernsey it it is becoming easier to obtain Halal food with a few retailers having limited halal meat options. There are also a few restaurants on the Island that are either fully halal or that serve halal friendly options. Speak to any local Muslim who will be able to point you in the right direction.


It always remains each Muslim's responsibility to investigate and verify that the food they consume is halal. Individuals must actively ensure their dietary choices meet halal standards and feel confident and comfortable that they are consuming food without any doubt. 

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