Halal and Haraam



Fish( Halaal)

 Truly, what is lawful is evident, and what is unlawful is evident, and in between the two are matters which are doubtful which many people do not know. He who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and honour blameless, and he who indulges in doubtful things indulges in fact in unlawful things, just as a shepherd who pastures his flock round a preserve will soon pasture them in it. Beware, every king has a preserve, and the things Allah has declared unlawful are His preserves. Beware; in the body there is a flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and behold, it is the heart.             [Bukhari & Muslim]

These days that civilization and western way of life as taken over the lives of most of us in this part of the world, the issue of what is Haraam or Halal needs to be discussed to keep our brothers and sisters in Islam on track. We go to eateries and buy a lot of foreign foods without trying to know what the foods are made of. This edition of On Islam Deen Digest discussed briefly the concept of Halal and Haraam.



Non Alcoholic Drinks (Halaal)



What is Halal?   "Halal" is an Arabic word meaning "lawful" or "permissible", and the term not only covers food and drink, but also to all matters of daily life. When it comes to Halal food, most people think of meat foods only. However, Muslims must ensure that all foods, particularly processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and non-food items like cosmetics, are also Halal. Frequently, these products contain animal by-products or other ingredients that are not permissible for Muslims to eat or use on their bodies.

Wikipedia define Halal as a term designating any object or an action which is permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic law. The term is used to designate food seen as permissible according to Islamic law.

 The opposite of this word is Haraam.  Halal foods are foods that Muslims are allowed to eat under Islamic dietary guidelines. The criteria specify both what foods are allowed, and how the food must be prepared. The foods addressed are mostly types of meat/animal tissue.

 The following substances are considered as 'Haraam' forbidden as per various Quranic verses:

Pork and Pork-based products and by-products - sausages, gelatin etc –Qur'an 2: 173

Blood and blood by-products -Qur'an 2: 173

Animals slaughtered in the name of anyone but God. All that has been dedicated or offered in sacrifice to an idolatrous altar or saint or a person considered to be "divine"  –Qur'an 2: 173 & Qur'an 5:3

Carrion (carcasses of dead animals)  –Qur'an 2: 173

An animal that has been trangled, beaten (to death),  killed by a fall, gored (to death),  savaged by a beast of prey (unless finished off by a human)  -Qur'an 5:3

Food over which God's name is not pronounced (or at least not in a name other than God) -Qur'an  6:121



Alcoholic Drinks (Haram)



Alcohol- Qur'an 5:90

Most carnivorous animals, birds of prey and land animals withoutexternal ears (i.e., snakes, reptiles, worms, insects etc.)

Foods contaminated with any of the above products

 These verses also have information regarding Halal foods: 2:173, 5:5, and 6:118-119, 121.

 The following products are definitely

 HALAL:

1.            Milk (from cows, sheep, camels, and goats)

2.            Honey

3.            Fish and other sea foods

4.            Plants which are not intoxicant

 5.            Fresh or naturally frozen vegetables

6.            Fresh or dried fruits

7.            Legumes and nuts like peanuts, cashew nuts, hazel nuts, walnuts, etc.

8.            Grains such as wheat, rice, rye,barley, oat, etc.

 Animals such as cows, sheep, goats, deer, moose, chickens, ducks, game birds, etc., are also Halal, but they must be slaughtered according to Islamic Rites in order to be suitable for consumption. The procedure is as follows: the animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim. The animal should be put down on the ground (or held it if it is small) and its throat should be slit with a very sharp knife to make sure that the 3 main blood vessels are cut. While cutting the throat of the animal (without severing it), the person must pronounce the name of Allah or recite a blessing which contains the name of Allah, such as "Bismillah Allah-u-Akbar".

 While many things are clearly Halal or clearly Haraam, there are some things which are not clear. These items are considered questionable or suspect and more information is needed to categorise them as Halal or Haraam. Such items are often referred to as Mashbooh, which means doubtful or questionable. Food falling into this category should be treated as Haraam until you know otherwise.

 Intoxicants:

It should be noted that the Qur'an refers to all intoxicants (not just alcohol) as being Haraam. An intoxicant is, by definition, a substance eaten, drunk or smoked with the sole intention of becoming intoxicated, or a substance created with that purpose in mind. This basically means alcoholic drinks and narcotic drugs.

 Any food which was made with an alcoholic drink (usually wine) is Haraam because, although the food itself probably couldn't get you drunk, its alcoholic ingredient was made for that purpose. In most cases this is obvious - for instance Coq au Vin (chicken in wine) or Beef and Ale Pie. In contrast, some seemingly innocent foods can be made using alcoholic drinks and are therefore Haraam - examples are mince pies and teriyaki sauce. Always check the ingredients label!

 In contrast, alcohol can be found in some Halal foods, such as bread and soy sauce. These sometimes contain minute amounts of alcohol as a result of a natural reaction between certain chemicals during the manufacturing process (as opposed to alcoholic drinks being deliberately added to food to add flavour), and so couldn't be classed as Haraam.



Some medicines and mouthwashes contain alcohol - if you can find a non-alcoholic alternative then use that instead. Medicines containing alcohol would be considered Halal if there were no suitable alternatives available. It should be noted that only ethyl alcohol (such as mentholated spirits and ethanol, the alcohol found in alcoholic drinks) are intoxicating and are therefore Haraam. Other forms of alcohol (such as stearyl) are not intoxicating. These types of alcohol won't be found in any food or drink due to the fact that they are generally poisonous, but it is a point worth bearing in mind when buying household goods containing these. 



Pork meat (Haram)



 Pork By-Products:

This includes ingredients such as gelatin, emulsifiers, fat and enzymes. All of these are Haraam. They also have alternatives that are either Halal or vegetarian that can just as easily be used in their place. Items that can contain these pork-based ingredients

Include:

Jelly / Jell-O desserts

Marshmallows

Jelly / Gum sweets

Lard

Some medicines and supplements (especially Cod Liver Oil) also use gelatin as part of their capsules. It can be permissible to use these, but ONLY if there are no suitable alternatives.

 IS SMOKING HARAM?

The issue of smoking cigarettes is mentioned neither in the Quran nor in sunnah; because when Quran was sent down, there was not anything like cigarettes. Cigarette emerged after 15th century.

There are some general rules in Islam for making a judgment about something which is not mentioned in the main sources of Islam. One of them is “the rule is the permissibility of things”. That is to say; everything is created for human beings and while some things are stated to be Haram, some are not identified as Haram or Halal, and thus they are Halal. Another one is “what is clean and nice is Halal and what is filthy and harmful is Haram”.

 When those two general rules are taken into consideration together, we come up with a conclusion about smoking as follows: as there is nothing stated about smoking in sources, we should determine whether cigarette is filthy and harmful or not. If it has got features which we can describe as filthy and harmful, we should conclude that it is Haram; if it has not got such features, we should conclude that it is Halal.

 Due to this method of deduction, some Islamic scholars in history concluded that smoking cigarettes is Halal/mubah, because they said that they did not observe any harm from cigarettes; therefore, they could not say it was Haram. However, today science has proved that cigarette includes about 2000 kinds of poison, that it is the reason of many diseases, and that it harms not only those who smoke, but also those who are near smokers though they do not smoke themselves. In Nigeria every advert of cigarette end with Federal Ministry of Health warns that smokers are liable to die young, which shows the risk in cigarette smoking in case we see what the scientists say as too far to believe.

 The truth is that one risks his life by smoking. However, Allah says: “Do not risk yourself with your own hands”. For this reason, smoking means risking oneself. Smoking is also a very important personal right; because smokers harm non-smokers and disturb them. Forgiveness of violating a personal right is only possible if the person whose right has been violated forgives the violator. And providing it is very difficult.

 Exception if no Halal is available 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 on him.









 

                                                                                                  







WHY MUSLIMS?

 A man is taking a walk in Central park in New York. Suddenly he sees a little girl being attacked by a pit bull dog . He runs over and starts fighting with the dog. He succeeds in killing the dog and saving the girl's life. A policeman who was watching the scene walks over and says: "You are a hero, tomorrow you can read it in all the newspapers: "Brave New Yorker saves the life of little girl" The man says: - "But I am not a New Yorker!" "Oh ,then it will say in newspapers in the morning: 'Brave American saves life of little girl'" – the policeman answers. "But I am not an American!" – says the man. "Oh, what are you then? " The man says: - "I am a Saudi !" The next day the newspapers says: "Islamic extremist kills innocent American dog.

Islam and Darwin's Evolution Theory

All praises are due to Allah Who forgive sin, accept repentance, Who is strict in punishment, and has a long reach (in all things). There is no god but He alone with no partner. He raised Muhammad (PBUH) as giver of glad tidings, and warner, and as one who invites to Allah's (grace) by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light. Oh Allah, grant peace and blessing to Muhammad (PBUH) his household, companions, and send salutation onto him accordingly.

If not all of us majority of us will remember the theory of Evolution as propounded by Charles Darwin. This theory received a lot of criticism from Religionist and Scientist alike, but what is the view of Islam and Islamic Scholars about the theory?  

Islam believes in the theory of creation and Darwinists believe in the Theory of Evolution.  In this article briefly it is discussed that the life on earth is created by God; it is not accidental or by chance.  The atheists and the materialists negate the existence of God and consider human life and even mind to be a form of matter. Darwin's theory of Evolution has influenced the minds of people and their character has been influenced as well. Such people do not believe in divine morals and values. They do not believe in God, soul and Hereafter.  Islam says that God has created this universe and Humans with a specified goal. In Sura Baqara in verse 117 the Quran says: “To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: when He decrees a matter, He says to it: “Be”, and it is.” Similarly in Sura Yasin in verse no. 82 the Quran announces: “Verily, when He intends a thing, His command is, “Be”; and it is”. Suppose about the creation of soul the Quran says: They ask you about soul, say; the soul is the command of my Lord”  All humans and the cosmos has been regarded as “Creature”. Moreso, the Quran in Sura Al-Imran in verse 190 says; “Behold! In the creation of heavens and the earth, and the alternation of Night and Day  there are indeed signs for men of understanding.” There are many verses in the Quran dealing with the subject of creation. 

 There is also the concept of evolutionary process in creation but it is not in Darwinian sense but in the sense of developing stages of cosmos. The Quran in Sura Al-A’raf in verse 54 announces; “Your Guardian  Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days.” Then in Sura “Al-Anaam” in verse 2 the Quran says; “He it is who created you from clay; and then decreed a stated term for you.  And there is in His presence another determined term; yet you doubt within yourselves”. The six days and stated term indicate the process and stages of creation by God. The creation of the universe in six days is the Biblical concept as well.  Man is the blend of Matter and Soul. When God created Adam out of clay he infused his spirit in it. The Quran very explicitly narrates the story of the creation of Adam. The materialists do not believe in creation and spirit and regard the universe only the product of blind material forces. Now let us discuss what Darwin propounded. Darwinism bases on materialism.  The ancient Greek materialists like Democritus believed in Evolutionary Naturalism. Besides the British scientist Charles Robert Darwin (1809  1882) and the British philosopher Herbert Spencer (1820  1903), a number of other eminent philosophers supported the theory of evolution. Hegel's theory of cosmic evolution is its offshoot. Nietzsche applied the concept of evolution to ethical theory. Karl Marx and Engels adopted it to socio  political philosophy. Thomas Henry Huxlay humanized it. Henri Bergson became one of its most influential exponents and Samuel Alexander developed it into his novel theory of emergent evolution. French Zoologist Jean de Lamarck (1744  1829), in 1809 presented his pioneering theory of evolution. Charles Darwin, in his “The Origin of Species” (1859) and “The Descent of Man” (1871), presented his theory of evolution.  He presented the theory of the Mechanism of Natural Selection or survival of the fittest. Darwinism maintains that living things were not created but came into being by chance. Darwinism, materialism and communism believe in matter not in spirit.  Darwin himself regarded his theory based on assumptions. Darwinism has been scientifically rejected.  

Darwin believed in the transferring of traits of one species to the other. He maintains that living creatures passed on the traits they acquired during lifetime to the next generation. Giraffes evolved from antelopes and bear transformed into whales. However, the laws of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel (1822  1884) and verified by the science of genetics have nullified the theory of evolutionary mechanism. Neo-Darwinism advances the Modern synthetic Theory”. Mutations, i.e.; genetic disorders do not cause living beings to develop on the contrary they are always harmful. The fossil record theory of Darwin, which was a basic contention, has been rejected on scientific grounds.  According to this theory, every living species has sprung from a predecessor. No “Transitional Forms” have yet been uncovered. On the contrary, the British Paleontologist, Drerk v. Ager in “The Nature of the Fossil Record” admits that the fossil records shows not gradual evolution but the sudden explosion of one group at the expense of another. This is just the opposite of Darwin's assumptions. Douglas J. Futuyma, an eminent evolutionist biologist in his book, “Science of Trail” announces organism as the creation of some omnipotent intelligence. Fossils show, writes Harun Yahua, in his book, “The Importance of Conscience in the Quran”, that living beings emerged fully developed and in a perfect state on the earth. That means, that the Origin of Species, contrary to Darwin's suppositions, is not evolution, but creation.” On the wonders of creation the Quran in Sura Rahman aptly announces: “He has created man.  He has taught him an intelligent speech.” Then in the same Sura in verse 13 God announce; “Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny.”

Read in the next Edition…Darwin Died A Muslim'

Mawlid Nabiy:  What About It ?
May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon the seal of all Prophets, his house hold, and all that follow his path.

It is not a small event in the life of a man when he adds another year to his age. It is indeed an occasion worthy of celebration. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) died some one thousand years ago, but the memory of his birthday still lingers on the mind of the Muslims world over. 

Mawlid nabiy, is the Arabic word for the word birthday of prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The word mawlid Nabiy linguistically means the place or the time of the prophet's birth. The prophet was born in the house of Abu Yusuf, which is today a public library in Makah. His date of birth was Monday, 12th Rabiul Awwal in the year of elephant about 53 year before Hijrah. This date corresponds to Monday, 5th May 570 AD according to the most famous account. An account said it is April while another says it is August. The fact that the use of Gregorian calendar was not in use in Makkah then makes the exact date an issue.

The claim of some scholars is that the first Mawlid (Celebration of prophet's birthday) was organized by Muzaffar who was then the King of Irbil in Damascus, in 604 Hijrah, and the first person to author a book on the birth (Mawlid) of prophet was Abul-Khatab bin Dahiyyah, which he tittles, “ATTAN WEER FI MAWLIDIL-BASHEER NADHEER “(the enlightment on the birth of the bearer of glad fiching and warned)  he presented it to the King who then rewarded him with one thousand dinar .

SIGNIFICANT EVENT AT HIS BIRTH 
1. On the night prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) was born, the palace of the arrogant dictator Kisra tremble and 14 of the balconies fall of the ground.
2. The huge fire of Persia which had been hot for one thousand years to that day, died out and the water of lake sawah (a city in Persia) dried out
3. Iblis (the head of devil) was veiled from knowing about the news cast in the heaven. He made a loud scream like the one he made when he was dammed and when he was kicked out from paradise.
4. Aminat Bint Wahb (The mother of prophet) said: when I delivered the messenger of Allah, I saw him raising his head towards the sky and pointing with his finger. Jubril then carried him and the angels flew with him. Mika'll then wrapped him with a white dress from paradise and gave him to Ridwan, who fed him straight from his mouth to his mouth as the bird does to its young ones. I was looking at him, it was as if he was saying: ‘give me more’. Ridwan said to him, O ye the beloved one to Allah, you had enough, for every knowledge and wise patience that was given to every single prophet was given to you, so hold firmly to the stead fastness to Iman and Islam. The one who says what you say and follows your law (shar'iah) will be assembled with you on the Day of Judgment.
5. Abu Lahab set free Thuwaibah his slave when she gave him the good news of the birth of Muhammad to his brother Abdullah on Abdul  Mutallib.


The state of the world before the noble prophet Muhammad was born was a time when much evil existed in the world such as tribal warfare, Killing of female babies, the abuse and the degradation of woman, greed, racism, the abuse of the poor and orphan. Our prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was sent to the world by Allah (SWT) as so called Hidayah (the actual guiding of someone to the true path), showing his infinite mercy to all of mankind. 

Qur'an 14:1 (Surat Ibrahim) says:
Alif Lam Ra (this is) a scripture which we have revealed unto you (Muhammad) that there by you may bring forth mankind from darkness unto light, by permission of their Lord, unto the path of the mighty, the owner of paradise.

A professor of Islamic and Arabic studies at Edinburgh University once said,  “ I cannot understand how one man, who has no formal education, could lead a community, who behaved like animals and transform them into men the world had never seen”

It was Prophet Muhammad that taught people that men and women are equal in front of their Lord and grants women divinely sanctioned inheritance, property, social and marriage rights including the right to reject the terms of proposal and to divorce. The current trend for American couples to draw up prenuptial agreement has always been acceptable under Islamic law.

However, these are just a few examples of the impact of the birth of prophet Muhammad(S.A.W). It would take hundred of pages to cover all the positive impacts he had on the world. Though, this has gone not unnoticed but unappreciated by the western society and it's rarely ever mentioned in Literatures.


It's Mawlid Al-Nabiy so, celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and spread his message of love to everybody you Know.

12 Tips for Muslim Youth in Dawah

Why should you, a young Muslim, be helping to bring your friends closer to Allah?

After all, you've got your own struggles to deal with: trying to explain why you pray to hostile teachers, Hijab discrimination, standing up in class when the professor attacks Islam, dealing with parents who think you've gone nuts because you're growing a beard, or all the other difficulties faced by a number of practicing Muslim youth?

Islam was never meant to be an individualistic faith, reserved for the "chosen few". Muslims have a duty to spread the Deen, and practicing Muslim youth, whether beginners, activists or leaders have a crucial role to play.

Who is your childhood friend, who would rather spend Fridays at Clubs than the Masjid, or your classmate who is Muslim in name and only knows that "Muslims don't eat pork" going to listen to: the nice Imam of the Masjid who would freak out if he saw the way they were dressed and talked or you who may have grown up with them, joked with them, or see them every day in school?

The answer is obvious: you.

Don't panic. Here are some tips and advice which can help from other Muslims, many of whom have been there and done that:

Tip # 1 : Make Your Intention Sincere

All work we do should ideally be for the sake of Allah. That includes the task of bringing someone closer to Allah. That of course means this should not be connected to arrogance, thinking you're the teacher and everyone else should be lucky you've embarked on a crusade to save them. Guidance is from Allah. Make Dua and make sincere efforts and remember Allah can also misguide you if He wills (we seek refuge in Allah from that).

Tip # 2 : Practice What You Preach

Not practicing what you preach is wrong and you will lose the confidence of anyone, young or old, once they figure you out. Don't do it.

Tip # 3 : Use The Quran & Seerah (biography of the Prophet peace be upon him) As Dawa Guides

Read and understand those chapters of the Quran which talk about how the Prophets presented the message of Islam to their people. Read the Seerah (for some good Seerah books)to see especially how the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) brought Islam to so many different people, including young people.

As well, talk to Dawa workers, and check out manuals they may have written, like Yahiya Emerick's How to Tell Others About Islam.

Tip # 4 : Talk To People As If You Really Dont Know Them

Don't assume you know someone just by looking at them. You don't know that the Muslim girl in your homeroom who walks through the school's hallways as if they were fashion show catwalks (see Ambe Rehman's perspective on this) is not someone you can talk to about Allah because she looks like a snob. Or that the Muslim guy who you've never seen at Juma at your university is a "bad Muslim". Maybe he was never really taught Islam and has no idea what importance Friday prayers have in Islam, especially for Muslim men.

Tip # 5 : Smile

Did you know the Prophet was big on smiling? But many "practicing" Muslims seem to have "their faces on upside down" as one speaker once said-frowning and serious.

Smiling, being polite and kind are all part of the manners of the Prophet, which we must exercise in our daily lives. If we want to approach others with Islam, we have to make ourselves approachable. Smiling is key to this.

But note that being approachable does not mean being flirtations with the other gender. There are Islamic rules for how men and women should deal with each other which have to be respected. Dawa is no excuse to have long and private conversations and meetings with the other sex, for example. Set up a system where someone expressing an interest in Islam is referred to someone of the same sex.

Tip # 6 : Take The Initiative & Hang Out With Them

Take the first step and invite someone you may have spoken to a couple of times to sit at lunch together, to check out a hockey game or invite them over for Iftar in Ramadan. Also, share difficulties, sorrows and frustrations. Help with homework, be a shoulder to cry on when depression hits, or just plain listen when your friend is upset, discuss common problems and keep their secrets. There are few things as annoying as a snitch and backstabber. But an important note: if the problem is of a serious nature,(i.e. your friend is thinking of committing suicide or is taking drugs), notify and consult an adult immediately.

Tip # 7 : Show Them Islam Is Relevant Today, Right Here, Right Now

Young people may think Islam is too "old fashioned" and not in tune with the modern age. Prove this wrong. Show how Islam is really about relating to Allah, which any human being can do, anywhere, anytime. Allah is always closer to you than your jugular vein and He hears and knows everything. Encourage friends to ask Allah's help during tests, exams, and in dealing with problems at home with parents and siblings. Also point out how Islam relates to teenagers: Islam gives you focus and an understanding of who you are and where you are going, which most of "teen culture" does not.

Tip # 8 : Get Them Involved In Volunteer Work With You

If you are already involved in the community, get your friend to help out. Ask them to make a flyer for one of your youth group's events or brainstorm for ideas about activities to hold this school year. This involvement makes them feel part of the Muslim community and deepens your friendship, since you are now working together on something beneficial for both of you. Make sure you thank them for their contribution.

Tip # 9 : Ask Them 4 Fundamental Questions

As your friendship develops, you will notice the topics you discuss may become more serious. You may be discussing, for instance, future goals and plans. Khan recommends four questions to ask that can steer the topic to Allah and Islam:

·        Where am I going in life and what would make me really happy deep down inside?

·        What do I believe?

·        Who should I be grateful to?

·        Did I get to where I am today without the help of anyone?

Tip # 10 : Emphasize Praying 5 Times A Day Before Any Other Aspect Of Islam

A person's main connection with Allah, on a daily basis, is through the prayer five times a day. Don't emphasize any other aspect of Islam until your friend starts making a real effort to pray five times a day. Emphasize the direct connection one has with Allah in prayer. If they are facing a problem, tell them to pray, and to ask Allah for help in Salah and outside this time. When possible, make it a point to pray together during your "hang out time". If your friend begins to pray, that is the first step to other aspects of Islam like giving up swearing, treating parents with respect or dressing Islamically.

Tip # 11 : Help Instill Confidence In Adults

Adults, like Bart Simpson's dad Homer, are considered bumbling idiots in the eyes of "teen culture". Your job as a young Muslim is to help turn the tables on this false and unIslamic belief. All you have to do is this: when a Muslim adult does something good (i.e. saving someone's life, donating money to a worthy cause, the Imam gives a good speech, taking good care of his/her family) bring it up in the course of your conversations with your friend and praise the adult in question. Doing this regularly may not only change your friend's perspective, but could lead to them seeing their own parents in a more respectful way.

Tip # 12 : Support Them Even When They Become More Practicing

Remember, just because a person starts practicing Islam more regularly, this does not mean everything will be okay from this point onwards. There will still be hard times, difficulties. There may be times when your friend may have doubts about his or her newfound practice of Islam. Be there to reassure them.