What Can Muslims Not Eat? Guide to Islamic Dietary Laws

Islam dietary guidelines have clear and precise rules about what Muslims cannot eat.

With over 2 billion Muslims worldwide, understanding these restrictions is a significant factor in global food production and consumption.

Do You Know: The global Islamic population is expected to rise to 30% of the global Muslim population by 2030. The Islamic faith is prevalent in the Middle East and South Asia, but many western countries including the United States are seeing an influx of Muslim worshipers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key elements of Islamic dietary laws, providing a comprehensive guide to what Muslims cannot eat, and the halal certification aspect behind them.

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Concepts Behind Islamic Dietary Laws

Islamic dietary laws are governed by principles outlined in the Quran and Hadith, focusing on what is lawful (halal) and what is forbidden (haram). Here are the main concepts:

Halal (Lawful): Halal refers to what is permissible under Islamic law. This includes most foods and drinks, except those specifically prohibited by the Quran or Hadith. For food to be considered halal, it must be free from any haram substances and must be handled and processed according to Islamic guidelines.

Haram (Forbidden): Haram denotes anything that is explicitly prohibited in Islam. This includes pork, blood, alcohol, intoxicants, meat from animals not properly slaughtered in the name of Allah, and any food sacrificed to idols.

Makrooh (Discouraged): Makrooh refers to actions or foods that are discouraged but not sinful. It is better to avoid them to prevent harm to the body or soul, but consuming them does not result in punishment.

Mashbooh (Doubtful): Mashbooh describes foods or practices that fall into a grey area, where it is unclear whether they are halal or haram. Muslims are encouraged to avoid mashbooh items to prevent the risk of indulging in something that may be haram.

Dhabiha (Slaughtered): For meat to be halal, the animal must be slaughtered according to specific Islamic rites, known as dhabiha. This involves invoking Allah’s name at the time of slaughter and ensuring that the animal is healthy and treated humanely.

List of Forbidden Foods in Islam (What Muslims Cannot Eat):

Below is a comprehensive table summarizing the forbidden foods in Islam, clearly outlining what Muslims cannot eat:

Category	Prohibited Items	Explanation	Quran/Hadith References
1. Pork and Pork Products	Pork, bacon, ham, gelatin, lard, etc.	Pork is explicitly forbidden in Islam.	Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173), Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3), Surah Al-An’am (6:145)
2. Dead Meat (Carrion)	Animals that died naturally, from disease, or were not properly slaughtered	Consumption of dead animals not slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines is forbidden.	Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173), Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
3. Blood	Blood and blood-based products	Consuming blood in any form is forbidden.	Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173), Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
4. Alcohol and Intoxicants	Alcoholic beverages, intoxicating drugs	All forms of intoxicants are forbidden in Islam.	Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:90-91), Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219)
5. Animals Not Slaughtered Properly	Animals not slaughtered in the name of Allah or slaughtered improperly	Animals must be slaughtered by invoking Allah’s name.	Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)
6. Carnivorous Animals and Birds of Prey	Lions, tigers, eagles, hawks, animals with fangs or talons	Carnivorous animals and birds of prey are forbidden for consumption.	Based on Hadith (Sahih Muslim, no: 1934)
7. Reptiles and Insects	Snakes, lizards, most insects (except locusts)	Most reptiles and insects are haram, with exceptions like locusts.	Based on Islamic jurisprudence (Source)
8. Certain Marine Animals	Eels, frogs, shellfish (like shrimp, lobster, crab)	There is variation among scholars; some marine animals are considered haram by certain Islamic schools.	Differences in interpretation of Hadith and Islamic texts (Source)
9. Products Containing Haram Ingredients	Processed foods with gelatin, certain emulsifiers, additives derived from haram sources	Any food products containing haram ingredients are also forbidden.	Principle based on Islamic jurisprudence (Source)

Exception (Darura): Under the “Darura” (necessity) concept, extreme need, such as starvation or absence of any suitable sustenance may be met by a Muslim consuming haram food (non-halal) to maintain life, as the preservation of life supersedes dietary limitations.

Source: Surah Al-Maa’idah (5:3) and Surah Al-An’am (6:119).

Common Food Additives and Ingredients to Watch Out For

As non-halal food additives and ingredients can also make foods haram (forbidden) for Muslims to consume, here are some common ones to watch out for:

Ingredient	Where is it used?	Halal Consideration
Gelatin	Often derived from pork or non-halal slaughtered animals. Commonly found in candies, marshmallows, yogurts, and capsules.	Must be sourced from halal-slaughtered animals or be plant-based to be considered halal.
L-Cysteine	An amino acid sometimes used in bread products, which can be derived from human hair or poultry feathers.	The source needs to be confirmed; human or non-halal animal origins make it questionable for halal.
Mono- and Diglycerides	Emulsifiers that can be sourced from animal fats, including pork, or from plant-based sources.	Requires verification of the source; plant-based sources are generally considered halal.
Rennet	Used in cheese-making, derived from the stomach lining of calves.	Halal only if the calf was slaughtered according to Islamic law.
Alcohol	Found in beverages and as a component in food flavorings, sauces, and baked goods.	Any trace of alcohol in food is considered haram and not permissible in a halal diet.
Carmine	A red dye made from crushed cochineal insects, often used in cosmetics, candy, and drinks.	Its insect origin typically makes it haram.
Enzymes	Used in food processing, these can be derived from animal or microbial sources.	Halal, if sourced from halal-slaughtered animals or microbial sources; non-halal animal origins make them haram.

Halal Food in Non-Muslim Countries

Although it can be relatively difficult to get halal food in non-Muslim majority countries, that is changing due to the rising population of Muslims and subsequently demand of halal food.

Do You Know: In 1970, only 10 American grocery stores carried halal products, and in 2012, over 2,300 American grocery stores carried halal products. (Source: The Washington Post). This number is expected to be at more than 7,000 by 2030 by AHF estimates.

These 3 guidelines will help you find halal food in non-Muslim majority countries:

1. Check for a recognized halal certification:

Product having a well-accredited halal certification label should be sought for. This accreditation guarantees that food has been cooked following Islamic standards.

2. Look for vegetarian items:

Vegetarian or vegan items are often safer choices in the absence of halal-certified meat as they do not include animal-derived components. Still, keep a constant lookout for any non-halal ingredients.

3. Read ingredient labels:

Review ingredient labels closely always. Learn the names of possibly haram components; be wary of vague words like “natural flavours” or “enzymes,” which can include non-halal compounds.

Halal Certification and Labels

Halal certification is a critical process that ensures food products and other consumables meet the dietary guidelines outlined in Islamic law.

This includes not only the ingredients used but also the methods of processing, packaging, and handling to ensure that no cross-contamination with haram (forbidden) substances occurs

Here’s what you need to know about halal certification and labels:

For halal-certified products, every ingredient used in the product is scrutinized to ensure it is halal. This includes checking the source of animal-derived ingredients, confirming that no alcohol or non-halal additives are present, and there is no contamination.

Different countries have their own halal certification bodies, and while the logos may vary, they are all recognized globally. The leading halal certification bodies in North America are the American Halal Foundation (USA) and Canadian Halal Bureau (CHB).

Halal certification labels are not limited to food. They can also be found on cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and even packaging materials. Any product that might contain ingredients of animal origin or alcohol needs halal certification.

Now, with the increasing availability of halal-certified products worldwide, Muslim consumers can start to feel more confident in what they are consuming.

In addition to that, businesses that pursue halal certification often find that it opens up new markets and builds trust with consumers, with research suggesting halal consumers are willing to pay 13% more on average for halal certified products.

Check Out: Halal Symbol: More Than Just a Logo

Summary

To effectively understand what Muslims cannot eat, you need to:

Be vigilant about common food additives
Request a halal certification from manufacturers

As the demand for halal products continues to rise worldwide, AHF is committed to ensuring the highest standards of halal consumption for consumers and businesses alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the main categories of food that are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam?

A: The main categories of haram foods include pork and pork products, animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law, blood, alcohol, and any food containing ingredients derived from these sources.

Q2. Is gelatin halal?

A: Gelatin is only halal if it is derived from halal sources, such as fish or animals slaughtered according to Islamic law. Gelatin derived from pork or non-halal animals is haram.

Q3. What should Muslims look for on food labels to ensure products are halal?

A: Muslims should look for a recognized halal certification label on food products. Additionally, they should check for any haram ingredients such as gelatin, alcohol, or lard, and be cautious of ambiguous terms like “natural flavors” or “enzymes.”

Q4. Can Muslims eat meat that has not been slaughtered according to Islamic law if it’s labeled as organic or free-range?

A: No, even if meat is labeled organic or free-range, it must still be slaughtered according to Islamic law (dhabihah) to be considered halal. The method of slaughter is crucial in determining whether meat is permissible.

Q5. Is alcohol in food or cooking permissible in Islam?

A: No, any form of alcohol, whether in beverages, cooking, or as an ingredient in food, is considered haram (not permissible) for Muslims to consume.

Written by Azmi Anees, Edited by Mohammad Abdullah Hussaini (Vice President American Halal Foundation)

References:

Books:

Al Quran:

Surah Al Bakarah
Surah Al An’am
Surah Al Maidah

Islamic Jurisprudence:

Research:

Consumer behaviour towards willingness to pay for Halal products: An assessment of demand for Halal certification in a Muslim country

October 2018- British Food Journal 121(9)

Azmi

Azmi is a seasoned content and client development associate with a passion for art, history, travel, and halal lifestyle. With a sharp eye for detail and an in-depth understanding of evolving market trends, he brings his expertise and enthusiasm to the American Halal Foundation to create impactful content that resonates with a diverse audience.

What Can Muslims Not Eat? Guide to Islamic Dietary Laws