Halal is an Arabic term designating any object or an action that is permissible to use or engage in according to Shariah (Islamic law). This term is widely used to certify food items seen as permissible according to Islamic law. In contrast to Halal, Haram means forbidden. Haram designates prohibited objects such as food products and actions. The following food products or nutritional elements are considered to be Haram: Pork meat and all food products which contain elements of pork meat Alcohol and food products with alcoholic components Meat from animals that died of natural causes Meat from carnivorous animals Blood and its by-products Meat from animals that have not been slaughtered according to the Islamic norms Meat and meat products from predators with fangs Meat and meat products from raptors with claws

No. The concept of Halal and Haram is very comprehensive. It can be applied to nearly every aspect of life. Haram, for example, applies to certain behaviors, such as adultery, abuse, or abstention in general elections. Furthermore, Haram also applies to wealth obtained through sins. Examples include money earned through cheating, stealing, corruption, murder, or any means that involves harm to another human being. It is prohibited in Islam for a true Muslim to profit from such Haram actions.

The base of these commandments and interdictions is the holy Quran and the Sunnah (sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad).

The Hanafi. Built upon the teachings of the Persian scholar Abu Hanifa and also named after him, the fiqh with the largest number of followers, predominant in the countries of the former Ottoman Empire, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and also the Balkans. The Maliki. Predominant in North African and West African countries, named after the Medinese jurist Malik ibn Anas, whose work named Al Muwatta (The frequently confirmed) is held as the foundational text of the Maliki school. The Hanbali. The smallest Sunni Islamic school, based on the teachings and works of Ahmad ibn Hanbal, an Islamic scholar. His most known work, named Al-Musnad, is a collection of approximately 30,000 Hadiths; the school is predominant in Saudi Arabia and some countries in the Persian Gulf area. The Shafi'i. Predominant in South-East Asia and East Africa, based on the Islamic jurist Muhammad ibn Idrīs asch-Schāfiʿī, whose most important work named Risala, analyses the methods of the jurisprudence and the principles of the school.

No. Contrary to many speculations, the concept of Halal does not exclude any non-Muslims from the consumption of ethically produced, high-quality Halal goods. Taking a closer look at the Halal standards, it is not surprising that there are customers who don't profess Islam but still buy and consume Halal-certified goods because they have to meet higher standards of hygiene.

There are certain things and actions which tend to be Haram but are not explicitly forbidden. These things are referred to as Mashbooh. The term is representative of the grey area between Halal and Haram and literally means undesirable. As a precaution, this area should be avoided because its boundaries are not clear.

Yes. Foods or food products that are made from herbal raw materials are considered to be Halal, as long as the Halal requirements are adhered to during the production. Fish, Fruits, and vegetables in their natural state are also considered to be Halal. However, the Halal status can be questioned if ethanol is being used during the processing or if the alcoholic fermentation is already in process.

Cow's milk is considered to be Halal. However, the dairy industry uses some raw materials which have been classified as critical, such as the additives or aromas which are being used during the production of yogurt or even flavor enhancers and preservatives.

The aim of the Islamic regulations regarding slaughter is to end the animal's life in a sympathetic, quick, and painless manner. The slaughter always has to be held in the name of Allah since the animal is also God's creature. The knife needs to be sharpened. During the slaughter, the cervical arteries, the jugular veins, and the trachea of the animal have to be cut through with one incision. The aim is to let as much blood as possible flow out of the body. Every practicing Muslim, who is trained in the slaughter and knows the Islamic law, can carry out the slaughter. Muslims are required to treat animals with respect and dignity.

While there are many similarities and overlaps, there are still some significant differences between the two concepts. The Jews, for example, are allowed to consume wine if the wine is produced by a Jew or the production is overlooked by one, whereas Muslims are not allowed to consume nor to sell or possess alcohol or any other foods with elements of it. Another difference is the way they slaughter and process the meat. Jewish people sprinkle the slaughtered animal with gritty salt in order to draw out the remained blood. Also, Jewish people are not allowed to consume milk and meat at the same time. This kind of restriction does not exist in Islam.