Halal & Haram in Islam - KNOWLADGE

Islam provides guidance on what is considered permissible (halal) and impermissible (haram). Here are a few hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) related to the concept of halal and haram:

On Halal Earnings:

Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The buyer and the seller have the option of canceling or confirming the bargain unless they separate, and if they spoke the truth and made clear the defects of the goods, then they would be blessed in their bargain, and if they told lies and hid some facts, their bargain would be deprived of Allah's blessings."[Sahih Bukhari 1937]

The concept of halal earnings in Islam refers to acquiring wealth through lawful and permissible means in accordance with Islamic principles. Muslims are encouraged to earn a livelihood in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Islam, avoiding sources of income that are prohibited or involve unethical practices. Here are some key aspects related to halal earnings in Islam:

Honesty and Integrity:

Muslims are instructed to engage in honest and transparent business dealings. Deceptive practices, fraud, and dishonesty in transactions are strictly forbidden. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of truthfulness and integrity in various sayings.

Avoidance of Haram (Forbidden) Sources:

Halal earnings exclude income derived from prohibited sources such as the sale of alcohol, pork, gambling, and involvement in usurious transactions (riba). Muslims are obligated to avoid any form of economic activity that contradicts Islamic principles.

Ethical Business Practices:

Islam encourages ethical conduct in business, including fair treatment of employees, customers, and business partners. Unjust exploitation, manipulation, and any form of harm to others in the pursuit of wealth are discouraged.

Social Responsibility:

Muslims are reminded of their social responsibility in earning and spending wealth. Engaging in activities that contribute positively to society, respecting workers' rights, and avoiding environmental harm are aspects of halal earnings.

Zakat and Charity:

Muslims are required to give Zakat, which is a mandatory form of almsgiving, as a percentage of their wealth to those in need. Ensuring that one's wealth is earned through halal means is essential for the acceptance of Zakat. Additionally, Muslims are encouraged to engage in voluntary acts of charity (sadaqah).

Islamic Finance Principles:

In financial matters, adhering to Islamic finance principles is crucial. This includes avoiding interest-based transactions and participating in financial activities that comply with Sharia (Islamic law) guidelines.

Dua (Supplication) for Blessings:

Muslims are encouraged to seek Allah's blessings in their endeavors, including their pursuit of halal earnings. Offering prayers and supplications for success and guidance in one's work is a common practice.

Legal Compliance:

Muslims are expected to adhere to the laws of the land in which they live and work, as long as these laws do not conflict with Islamic principles. Legal compliance is considered part of ethical behavior in Islam.

Balanced Life Priorities:

While earning a livelihood is important, Islam encourages a balanced life. Excessive preoccupation with wealth at the expense of family, health, and spirituality is discouraged

On Halal Food:

Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A time will come when people will not bother to know from where they earned their money, whether legally or illegally."

[Sahih Bukhari 2059]

In Islam, the concept of halal food refers to food and beverages that are permissible and lawful for Muslims to consume according to Islamic dietary laws. The opposite of halal is haram, which denotes things that are forbidden or prohibited. The guidelines for halal food are derived from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here are some key aspects related to halal food in Islam:

Prohibition of Certain Ingredients:

Muslims are prohibited from consuming certain types of food and drink, including pork and its products, blood, carrion, and animals that were not slaughtered according to Islamic principles. The Quran explicitly mentions these prohibitions in several verses.

Halal Slaughter (Zabiha):

Animals used for food must be slaughtered in a specific manner known as "zabiha" or "dhabiha." The animal must be alive at the time of slaughter, and the name of Allah must be invoked. The slaughtering should be done by a Muslim who is of sound mind and has reached the age of maturity. This method is believed to ensure humane treatment of animals.

Avoidance of Intoxicants:

Consumption of intoxicants, including alcoholic beverages and substances that alter the mind, is strictly prohibited in Islam. This extends to both the consumption and the sale of such substances.

Permissible Seafood:

Islam allows the consumption of most seafood, with the exception of animals that are harmful or intoxicating. Fish that die naturally and float to the water's surface (without being caught) are also considered permissible.

Blessing Before Eating:

Muslims are encouraged to begin their meals by invoking the name of Allah and saying "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah). This practice is believed to bring blessings to the food and express gratitude for the sustenance provided by Allah.

Avoidance of Cross-Contamination:

Muslims are advised to ensure that halal food is not cross-contaminated with haram substances during preparation, cooking, or serving. This includes avoiding the use of utensils or surfaces that have come into contact with prohibited items.

Certification and Verification:

In many countries, there are halal certification authorities that verify and certify products as halal. These certifications provide assurance to consumers that the products meet Islamic dietary requirements. Muslims are encouraged to seek out certified halal products when available.

Ethical Considerations:

While a food item may be technically halal, Muslims are also encouraged to consider ethical and nutritional aspects of their diet. Islam emphasizes moderation and balance in all aspects of life, including eating habits.

Fasting During Ramadan:

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The pre-dawn meal, known as Suhoor, and the evening meal, known as Iftar, should consist of halal food. The fast is broken with the eating of dates and drinking water before the main meal.

On Avoiding Haram Earnings:

Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The example of a miser and the one who gives in charity, is like the example of two men wearing iron cloaks so tightly that their arms are raised forcibly towards their collar-bones. So, whenever a charitable person wants to give in charity, his cloak spreads over his body so much so that it wipes out his traces, but whenever the miser wants to give in charity, the rings (of the iron cloak) come closer to each other and press over his body, and his hands get connected to his collar-bones. Abu Huraira heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying. "The miser then tries to widen it but in vain."

[Sahih Bukhari 1349]

Avoiding haram earnings (forbidden or unlawful income) is a fundamental principle in Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to seek lawful and ethical means of earning their livelihood. Here are some key aspects related to avoiding haram earnings in Islam:

Prohibition of Usury (Riba):

Engaging in usurious transactions, where interest is charged or paid, is strictly prohibited in Islam. This includes both conventional usury and exploitative financial practices.

"Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, 'Trade is [just] like interest.' But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury]—those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein." (Quran 2:275)

Avoidance of Unlawful Profits:

Muslims are instructed to stay away from earnings derived from prohibited activities, such as the sale of alcohol, pork, gambling, and any other activities that go against Islamic principles.

"O you who have believed, do not consume usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful." (Quran 3:130)

Prohibition of Unjust Trade Practices:

Unfair and deceptive trade practices, fraud, and any form of dishonesty in business transactions are strongly condemned in Islam.

"Woe to those who give less [than due], who, when they take a measure from people, take in full but if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss." (Quran 83:1-3)

Ethical Considerations in Business:

Muslims are encouraged to engage in ethical business practices, treating customers, employees, and business partners with fairness and honesty.

"The buyer and the seller have the option of canceling or confirming the bargain unless they separate, and if they spoke the truth and made clear the defects of the goods, then they would be blessed in their bargain, and if they told lies and hid some facts, their bargain would be deprived of Allah's blessings." (Sahih Bukhari)

Sincerity in Earnings:

Earnings should be pursued with sincerity and the intention to please Allah. Seeking wealth should not lead one to compromise on ethical principles or engage in activities that are haram.

"The world, with all that it contains, is accursed except for the remembrance of Allah that which pleases Allah; and the religious scholars and seekers of knowledge." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)

Giving Up Illicit Income:

If someone discovers that their earnings have been sourced unlawfully, Islam encourages them to repent, seek forgiveness, and make amends by discontinuing such practices.

"He who repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will forgive him." (Sahih Muslim)

Seeking Halal Alternatives:

Muslims are encouraged to actively seek and pursue lawful alternatives for their livelihood. This may involve acquiring new skills, exploring different job opportunities, or starting businesses that align with Islamic principles

On the Permissibility of Certain Foods:

Narrated by Aisha: The people complained to the Prophet (ﷺ) about the lack of rain, so he invoked Allah for rain. The people were given rain, and they came to the Prophet's apartment complaining about the excessive rain. The Prophet said, "O so-and-so! Do you know that Allah has just responded to my invocation and made the rain fall where I prayed for it to fall?"

[Sahih Bukhari 1013]

In Islam, the permissibility of certain foods is determined by adherence to specific dietary guidelines outlined in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here are some key points regarding the permissibility of certain foods in Islam:

Halal Meat:

The consumption of meat is allowed in Islam, but it must come from animals that have been slaughtered according to Islamic principles. This method, known as dhabiha or zabiha, involves pronouncing the name of Allah and cutting the animal's throat, ensuring a quick and humane slaughter. Pork is strictly forbidden in Islam.

"Eat of that over which the name of Allah has been pronounced, if you are believers in His signs." (Quran 6:118)

Seafood:

Most types of seafood are considered halal in Islam. Fish, in particular, is mentioned as permissible without any specific method of slaughter. Other seafood is generally accepted unless it is harmful or intoxicating.

"Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food." (Quran 5:96)

Permissibility of Vegetables and Fruits:

All fruits and vegetables are considered halal and can be consumed by Muslims without any restrictions.

"And the earth - We spread it out and cast therein firmly set mountains and made grow therein [something] of every beautiful kind." (Quran 50:7-8)

Blessing Before Consumption:

Muslims are encouraged to begin their meals with the name of Allah by saying "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) to seek His blessings on the food.

"When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, let him say Bismillah fi awwalihi (In the name of Allah at the beginning)." (Sunan Abi Dawood)

Avoidance of Harmful or Intoxicating Substances:

Muslims are prohibited from consuming substances that are harmful or intoxicating, such as alcohol and drugs.

"O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." (Quran 5:90)

Balance and Moderation:

While all lawful foods are permissible, Islam emphasizes balance and moderation in eating habits. Muslims are encouraged not to waste food and to eat in moderation.

"O children of Adam! Take your adornment at every masjid and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess." (Quran 7:31)

On Avoiding Usury (Riba):

Narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah: The Prophet (ﷺ) cursed the receiver and the payer of interest, the one who records it and the two witnesses to the transaction and said, "They are all alike (in guilt)."

[Sahih Muslim 1598a]

Avoiding usury, also known as riba, is a fundamental principle in Islamic finance and economic transactions. Riba refers to the unjust or exploitative increase in the value of a loan or debt, and it is strictly prohibited in Islam. Here are key aspects related to avoiding usury (riba) in Islam:

Prohibition in the Quran:

The prohibition of usury is explicitly mentioned in the Quran. Allah strictly forbids engaging in transactions involving interest, emphasizing the negative consequences of such practices.

"Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, 'Trade is [just] like interest.' But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury]—those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein." (Quran 2:275)

Prohibition in Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him):

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further emphasized the prohibition of usury in his sayings. He condemned both the giver and taker of usury.

"May Allah destroy the Jews; when Allah forbade the eating of usury, they said, 'This is not usury.'" (Sahih Bukhari)

Types of Riba:

Islamic scholars distinguish between two main types of riba: riba al-fadl and riba al-nasi'ah. Riba al-fadl refers to the excess in exchange of specific goods, while riba al-nasi'ah refers to the increase in a debt or loan over time.

Alternative Financial Instruments:

Islamic finance promotes alternative financial instruments that comply with Sharia principles and do not involve interest. Profit-and-loss sharing, joint ventures, and Islamic banking are examples of financial systems designed to avoid usury.

Ethical and Social Consequences:

Engaging in usury is not only prohibited for its economic implications but also due to its negative impact on society. It can lead to wealth concentration, exploitation, and social injustice.

"The Prophet, peace be upon him, cursed the one who pays usury and the one who receives it." (Sahih Muslim)

Islamic Banking and Finance:

Islamic banking operates on the principles of Sharia, avoiding interest-based transactions. Instead, it engages in profit-and-loss sharing arrangements, trade-based financing, and other modes of finance compliant with Islamic principles.

Seeking Halal Earnings:

Muslims are encouraged to earn their livelihood through lawful means and avoid any income derived from usurious transactions. Seeking halal (lawful) earnings is essential for a righteous and sustainable livelihood.

"A time will certainly come over the people when none will remain who will not devour usury. If he does not devour it, its vapour will overtake him." (Sahih Bukhari)