What Do Halal & Haram Mean?

Q: Is meat found in standard US grocery stores (like Walmart or Costco) considered Halal?

Generally, no. Unless specifically labeled with a Halal symbol (like IFANCA or HFSAA), meat in standard US grocery stores is not Halal.

Q: How do I know if Gelatin in marshmallows or gummies is Halal?

You must check the source. Pork gelatin is always Haram. Beef gelatin is only Halal if the animal was Zabiha slaughtered. Plant-based gelatin (Agar-Agar) is always Halal.

Q: Are major US Fast Food chains (McDonald's, KFC, Popeyes) Halal?

Most major chains in the USA are NOT Halal, unlike in Muslim countries. Always check for specific location certification.

Q: Can Muslims consume Kosher Certified food? (Halal vs Kosher)

Often yes, but with caution. Kosher laws prohibit pork, which aligns with Halal. However, Kosher laws allow alcohol, so you must ensure the product is alcohol-free.

Q: Is Sushi Halal to eat if it contains Mirin (Rice Wine)?

Sushi is generally Halal (seafood), but traditional sushi rice is often made with Mirin (rice wine), which contains alcohol. To be Halal, it must be made without Mirin.

A complete guide to the definitions, principles, and US standards of permitted (Halal) and forbidden (Haram) lifestyles.

Fact Checked • Review by Halal Certification Experts

Defining Halal & Haram

Halal (Arabic: حلال) implies "permissible" or "lawful." In the context of Islam, it refers to any object or action that is permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic law (Shariah). While broadly associated with food, Halal covers all aspects of life.

"O people, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good..." — Quran 2:168

Haram (Arabic: حرام) implies "forbidden" or "unlawful." It represents the boundaries set to protect physical health, spiritual purity, and social well-being.

"...He has forbidden you only dead animals, and blood, and the flesh of swine..." — Quran 2:173

The Spectrum of Permissibility

✓

Halal

The Permissible. Everything is considered Halal by default unless specifically prohibited by text.

Haram

The Forbidden. Specific items strictly disallowed, such as pork, alcohol, and carrion.

Mashbooh

The Doubtful. Items where status is unclear or ingredients are not verified.

Detailed Dietary Laws

Swipe left to view full table

Category	Halal (Permitted)	Haram (Forbidden)
Meat & Poultry	Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Goat (Must be slaughtered via Dhabiha)	Pork (Swine), Carnivorous animals, Birds of prey
Seafood	Fish (scales), Shrimp (varies by school)	Toxic aquatic animals
Dairy & Sweets	Milk, Yogurt, Vegetable rennet cheese, Halal gummies	Animal rennet (pepsin), Rum cakes, Pork gelatin
Beverages	Water, Juice, Milk, Tea, Coffee	Alcohol (Ethanol), Intoxicants, Wines
Ingredients	Vegetable enzymes, Plant-based gelatin	Pork gelatin, Lard, Vanilla Extract (if alcohol-based)

The Science of Ingredients: E-Numbers & Additives

Understanding E-Numbers

Codes like E120 (Carmine) come from insects, and E471 can be derived from pork fat unless labeled "vegetable origin."

Gelatin: Beef vs. Porcine

Porcine gelatin is always Haram. Bovine (beef) gelatin is Halal only if the animal was slaughtered according to Islamic rites.

Alcohol in Cooking

Added alcohol (like wine in sauces) is not permitted. However, trace amounts of naturally occurring ethanol (in ripe fruit) are permissible.

Confused by E-Codes?

Use our free tool to instantly check if an ingredient is Halal.

Launch E-Code Checker

Major Haram Prohibitions: Understanding the 'Why'

To fully understand Halal, one must understand Haram. These prohibitions are rooted in spiritual purity, physical health, and ethical conduct.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the major forbidden categories:

🐖

Pork (Swine)

Strictly prohibited in the Quran (2:173). Includes lard, gelatin, and porcine enzymes. Pigs are often carriers of parasites and diseases.

🍷

Intoxicants (Khamr)

Anything that clouds the mind is Haram, including alcohol and narcotics. Even small amounts in cooking are generally forbidden.

🩸

Carrion & Blood

Animals that die before slaughter and flowing blood are forbidden due to hygiene risks and bacterial growth.

The Slaughter Method: Dhabiha

For land animals to be Halal, they must be harvested via Dhabiha to maximize animal welfare and hygiene.

1Healthy Animal: Sick animals cannot be slaughtered.
2Sharp Instrument: Knife must be razor-sharp for a swift, painless incision.
3Invocation: "Bismillah" must be recited.
4Drainage: Blood must be fully drained.

Animal Welfare Rights

Islam emphasizes humane treatment. Animals must be fed, watered, and calm. Sharpening a knife in front of an animal is forbidden.

Science of Blood Drainage

Draining blood prevents bacteria growth and removes toxins, keeping meat fresher and healthier.

Halal Beyond the Plate

Cosmetics

Free from pork collagen and alcohol. Must be cruelty-free.

Islamic Finance

Prohibits interest (Riba) and investing in harmful industries.

Muslim woman wearing modest hijab fashion

Modest Fashion

Clothing that covers the 'awrah' while embracing modern style.

Halal Tourism

Family-friendly travel with alcohol-free hotels and privacy.

Navigating Halal Certification (USA & Global)

USA Authorities

In the United States, major certification bodies include IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America), HFSAA, and ISWA. These organizations are recognized for upholding strict standards compatible with US regulations and FDA guidelines.

The Audit Process

Ingredient Review: Analyzing additives for pork/alcohol.
Facility Audit: Physical inspection of US plants.
Lab Analysis: Testing for DNA and cross-contamination.

Common Questions (People Also Ask)

Is meat found in standard US grocery stores (like Walmart or Costco) considered Halal?

Generally, no. Standard meat in US grocery stores (Walmart, Kroger, Costco) is not Halal unless specifically labeled with a certified logo. US commercial slaughter often does not meet Zabiha requirements.

Are major US Fast Food chains (McDonald's, KFC, Popeyes) Halal?

Most major chains (McDonald's, KFC, Burger King) in the USA are NOT Halal. However, specific franchise locations in cities with large Muslim populations (like NYC or Dearborn) may opt for Halal meat. Always verify with the specific location owner.

How do I know if Gelatin in marshmallows or gummies is Halal?

You must look at the ingredients source. Pork gelatin is strictly Haram. Beef gelatin is Halal only if the animal was slaughtered according to Islamic rites (Zabiha). Plant-based substitutes like Pectin or Agar-Agar are always Halal.

Is Sushi Halal to eat if it contains Mirin (Rice Wine)?

Seafood is generally Halal. However, traditional sushi rice is seasoned with Mirin (sweet rice wine), which contains alcohol and is considered Haram by many scholars. You should ask for sushi made without Mirin or check if the soy sauce contains alcohol.

Can Muslims consume Kosher Certified food? (Halal vs Kosher)

Often yes, but with caution. Kosher dietary laws strictly prohibit pork and require ritual slaughter, which aligns with Halal. However, Kosher laws allow for alcohol in cooking. Therefore, Kosher food is generally Halal only if it contains no alcohol.

Are all Vegan and Plant-Based foods automatically Halal?

Not always. While they are free from animal meat, vegan foods may still contain Alcohol (in vanilla extract or soy sauce) or be processed on shared equipment with non-Halal items. They are generally safer, but always check for alcohol.

What is the difference between Zabiha and Machine-Slaughtered Halal?

Zabiha refers to the traditional method where an animal is hand-slaughtered by a Muslim reciting a prayer. Machine-slaughter is common in mass production; while some scholars accept it if conditions are met, many US consumers strictly prefer Hand-Slaughtered (Zabiha) meat for spiritual assurance.

Which common E-Numbers (Food Additives) are always Haram?

Common Haram additives include E120 (Carmine/Cochineal) made from crushed insects, and E441 (Gelatin) if pork-derived. E471 can be tricky as it can be from plants or pork fat.

Use our E-Code Checker Tool to verify any code instantly.

Need Halal Certification for Your Business?

We specialize in helping businesses obtain Halal certification efficiently. Unlock the global market today.

Start Certification Process