As Muslims we all know the meaning of the word halal. In Arabic, halal means what is permitted and lawful. It refers to many aspects of life, but is most notably known in relation to halal foods. In order for foods to be considered halal, they must fall under what is allowed in Islamic dietary guidelines. As we know, these guidelines have been set out in the Qur’an, as Allah (SWT) says,
“O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He whom ye worship” (Qur’an 2:172).
Most of us are familiar with the halal way in which animals should be treated and sacrificed, but few really understand the importance of eating animals that have been raised in conditions which would also be considered halal. The wisdom of Allah (SWT) is evident when we look specifically at what happens to animals that are raised in improper conditions and how that has a direct impact on our health.
First, the raising of an animal in a humane way is a must for the health of the animal. We are prescribed to eat only vegetarian animals.
As narrated Abu Thalaba: Allah’s Messenger forbade the eating of the meat of beasts having fangs (Sahih Bukhari).
Why would this be? Some believe that there is a link between animals that eat flesh and certain parasites that can then be carried up the food chain to humans. But there is another even more significant reason for Bani-Adam to eat vegetarian animals. Plant life is amongst the most abundant renewable food source on the planet. Yet, the variety of plants that cannot be digested by humans far outweighs all the fruits and vegetables that we can consume. Lo and behold, enter the animals, which are capable of eating many of these trees and shrubs and turning them into sustenance for us. Some may say this is an accident of nature. As Muslims we know this is divine wisdom from our Creator.
It takes much more energy for humans to convert plant material into energy than it does to convert meat into energy to sustain us. It is also very difficult for human bodies to assimilate the protein from plants, as the majority of them do not contain all the essential building blocks of animal protein. Thus, the body of someone who is vegetarian or vegan has to work overtime compared to a body that consumes animal protein. Cattle are most easily raised in an abundance of flowers and grasses. They will eat only the tops of the plants. As if given a haircut, these plants readily regrow. Where there are shrubs and sticks, you will find goats thriving. Subhan Allah, this inefficiency is surmounted by the animals which convert these plants for us and Allah (SWT) created a vegetarian animal for all conditions.
Logically, we would consider it inhumane to feed an animal a diet that it is not designed to live on. Yet, in today’s world of conventional farming, this happens all the time. Not only is it important to eat halal meats, but it is also important that the actually raising of the animals be halal. Cows for example, as we mentioned before, care genetically designed to graze on grass. Ruminant animals (including cattle, goats, sheep, deer, camels, and related animals) are not designed to eat corn or grains. These high starch foods are low in fiber and can cause ruminants to create an excess of gas, which if not relieved can be detrimental to the animal. Corn also has a high sugar content which causes the gut of the cow to be more acidic causing a number of health issues for the animals. Some grain-based animal feeds are also supplemented with animal by-products, such as bone meal. These animals are under tremendous stress and require high levels of hormones and antibiotics to keep them from getting sick. Their stress hormone, antibiotic and other additives required for factory farming can then be passed to humans in their meat.
Pasture-raised animals are healthier, happier and even have a better nutrient profile. Their meat is high in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and healthy saturated fats that aid in fat loss, protect us from cancer and diseases of aging , and improve brain and nervous system function. These animals are being raised in a manner that is humane for the animals, in accord with the halal doctrine and are much healthier for us in the long term, subhan Allah.
In our busy modern lives, especially if we live in a country that is not predominantly Muslim, it can be difficult to find halal meats, much less meats that are not raised in animals in poor conditions. Muslims must also ensure that all foods (particularly processed foods), as well as non-food items like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, are halal. Frequently, these products contain animal by-products or other ingredients that are not permissible for Muslims to eat or use on their bodies. Hidden sources of non-halal food can be found in gelatin and other seemingly harmless products.
Generally, when seeking out sources, look for a local farm or Islamic grocer to provide you with your meats. Request grass-fed, pasture-raised, or free-range animals from your local butcher. Be aware when eating out in restaurants that the foods being served may not be in accordance with your requirements. Support those merchants who offer you what you are seeking.
