Islam is the world’s 2nd largest religion, with more than 1.8 billion followers. Muslims are not a homogenous group, and thus one can find diverse practices among them.

Halal vs. Haram

The Muslim holy book – the Quran – specifies which foods are halāl (“lawful”) and which are harām (“unlawful”). Muslim and Jewish dietary laws have some similarities, and many kosher foods, except for meat, may be considered halāl. Pork, alcohol, and improperly-slaughtered meat are forbidden. Almost all non-meat and non-alcoholic foods are halal. All vegetarian and vegan foods are permissible except if they contain alcohol, even if the alcohol is boiled out.

No Pork or Pork-Derived Ingredients

Islam forbids the consumption of pork. This includes food items that might contain pork-derived ingredients. For example, gelatin – found frequently in candies and desserts – is often made from pork. Foods containing pork-derived gelatin are prohibited. In contrast, gelatin from halal sources – such as fish – is permitted.

Food Ingredients

Processed foods with multiple ingredients must be checked. Seemly innocuous ingredients – such as emulsifiers, enzymes and gelatins – might contain alcohol or pork ingredients, making the food forbidden.

Other Meats

Islam permits the consumption of poultry and meats other than pork. However, meat must be slaughtered according to Muslim guidelines. Islam dictates that all life, including that of animals, is sacred and must be treated humanely. In brief, an animal must be swiftly slaughtered with a sharpened blade, while invoking the name of God (Allah in Arabic).

Fish and Other Seafoods

Islam permits the consumption of fish. Sunni Muslims permit most seafoods, while Shia have restrictions. For Shia Muslims, prohibited seafoods include shellfish, eel and most crustaceans. Also prohibited are exotic delicacies such as alligator, crocodile, and frog.

Alcohol and Ingredients Containing Alcohol

Islam values the preservation of mental clarity and sanity. Thus, alcohol and wine are prohibited, including cooking with alcohol or wine and any food with ingredients containing alcohol.

Fasting During Ramadan

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its dates change each year. Muslims who observe the fast abstain from food, drink, smoking, and chewing gum from dawn to sunset. Taking medication by mouth generally breaks the fast.

Exemptions from fasting exist for circumstances including illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menstruation. Anyone who takes medication or has a health condition should speak with their healthcare professional before fasting or changing their treatment. A trusted religious adviser can help clarify questions about religious practice.

The pre-dawn meal is called Suhoor, and the meal that breaks the fast at sunset is called Iftar.

Appreciated Foods

Foods mentioned in the Quran are of great spiritual value. These include dates, figs, grapes, honey, olives, pomegranate, yogurt, as well as legumes such as beans, lentils and peas. These foods have spiritual appeal to Muslims, and their nutritional value is also significant.

Reminder: In every celebration and observance, let’s embrace inclusivity in dining choices. Please be mindful of common food sensitivities and allergies, like nuts, gluten, dairy, and shellfish, when planning your meals. This consideration ensures that everyone can participate fully and safely in events.