Why do Muslims eat only halal?

Answer 1

Answer 1

"Halal" just means "permitted" as "haram" means "forbidden." For many things and actions there are three degrees between: "encouraged," "neutral" and "discouraged."

But perhaps the question is about WHY some things should be halal and others not. This is more difficult. From a time too distant to account, certain foods have been avoided by both Jews and Arabs. Pork is the best known forbidden food, but there are others. In practice, halal is the same as kosher. In fact, before there were halal butcher shops, Muslims simply shopped kosher.

Was it a question of sanitation (pigs do carry human diseases)? Or were swine once sacred animals, too holy to be eaten, as cows are to the Hindus? Or was it just a matter of distinguishing one people from their neighbors. All these viewpoints have their advocates.

Probably the truest answer, though not the most satisfying, is, "Because it's our tradition."

Commentary on Answer 1

"Halal" and "Kosher" are not synonymous. The process of Islamic Slaughter (Dhabiha) and Jewish Slaughter (Shechita) are different in their specifics, making Halal meat not-Kosher. Additionally while Judaism prohibits shellfish and other marine invertebrates, only the Sunni Hanafi School follows these prohibitions. Additionally, Islam prohibits alcohol, which is permitted in Judaism.

Answer 2

because halal food is the only food that is allowed for Muslims to eat per Islam religion.

Answer:

Most cultures have foods that they will not eat because they are considered unclean or not "right". For most North Americans this would include monkey, rat, dolphin, whale, rotting shark, horse, witchetty grubs, guinea pigs and many others. All of these foods are eaten in other parts of the world.

In the case of moslems the acceptable foods are defined as halal - sourced from acceptable animals and prepared in acceptable ways. The term can be applied to other activities which are acceptable. Halal food is essentially "kosher" food in the Jewish tradition. Surah 5:5 states: This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them.

It is not totally correct to state that moslems cannot eat non-halal (haraam) food. If there is no other food available then a Muslim is allowed to eat non-halal food.

Surah 2:173 states: If one is forced because there is no other choice, neither craving nor transgressing, there is no sin in him.

Answer 3

Halal is an Arabic word that means in English Allowed. Its opposite is Haram that means forbidden or not allowed. Accordingly, it is logic for any Muslim who is following his/her Islam teachings; per Quran and the Prophet sayings and practices; to eat only the food that is allowed (halal) to eat and refrain himself/herself from eating food that is forbidden (haram) to eat. Refer to related question below.

Answer 4

to follow Islam teachings p[er Quran and prophet Muhammad Sunnah (sayings and practices)