Lawful Food - Allowed Food = Akl Halal

Q: Will the people of Paradise enjoy good food that people like in This Life?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) who had forbidden the pleasant things from Allah that He brought out (allowed) for His servants and the good food from the provision - Say they are for those who believed in this Life pure (unmixed) on the Day of Judgment - that is how We (Allah) detail the Miraculous Signs for people who understand.
Translation of: Ayah 32, Surat AlA'raf. (7:32)
Words: Harrama = Had forbidden, Zeenat Allah = Pleasant things from Allah, Ttayyebat = Good food, Rizq = Provision - Sustenance, Khalissah = Pure, Nufassil = We detail, Ya'lam = Understands.

Q: Other than worshipping Allah what is humans' purpose on this planet?
A: He (Allah) is Who made the earth manageable for you so proceed in its regions (different errands) and eat from His sustenance and to Him is the Resurrection.
Translation of: Ayah 15, Surat AlMulk. (67:15)
Note: Reference the food, it is reported that a physician from Egypt was given as a gift to the Prophet Muhammad but the prophet sent him back saying: We (Muslims) are a nation that do not eat until we are hungry and when we eat we do not become full (contains a secret of health).
Note: In a summary of a saying by the Prophet Muhammad: It is enough for a human being some morsels of food to support his body. And if he has to eat more then a third of his stomach for the food, another third for the water and the last third for his breathing.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: The best century is my (the prophet's) century, then the century that follows them, (the repetition occurred in all three or four times) then after them a century will come when a responsibility is shouldered not by its befitting persons, and there will be breach of trust and obesity will appear among them.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: It is reported that Aisha the wife of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with her said: The family of Muhammad did not become full from eating barley (cheap then) loaves for two consecutive days. (note: they used continuously to give their food to the needy)
Words: Ja'ala = Made, Thaloul = Manageable, Emshi = Proceed, Manakib = Regions, Kul = Eat, Noshour = Resurrection - The rising of the human dead before the Final Judgment.

Q: What is expected from the faithful after eating or drinking any type of halal food or drink?
A: O people who have faith - eat of the good food of the sustenance that We (Allah) provided for you and thank Allah if Him you are worshiping.
Translation of: Ayah 172, Surat AlBaqarah. (2:172)
Words: Kulou = Eat (plural), Tayyebat = Good food, Razaknakum = Sustenance We provided you, Ushkurou = Thank (plural), Ta'budoun = Worshiping.

Q: How does food Of Paradise indicate its affluent life?
A: Passing around them (servants) with platters of gold and goblets and in them what the souls desire and pleases the eyes and in it (Garden of Paradise) you are remaining for eternity; And that is the Garden (of Paradise) which you were given to inherit because of what you were doing; For you in it abundant fruits from which you will eat.
Translation of: Ayat 71 - 73, Surat AlZukhruf.
Words: Utaf = Passing around, BiSihaf = With platters, Akwab = Goblets - Cups, Tashtaheehi AlAnfus = What the souls desire, Taluth = Pleases, Uwristhtumouha = Are given to inherit, Fakihah = Fruits, Kastheerah = Abundant.

Q: Why cannot Muslims deem forbidden any type of food that Allah allowed?
A: O believers do not forbid the good things that Allah made lawful for you and do not transgress* for Allah does not like the transgressors.
Translation of: Ayah 87, Surat AlMa'idah.
* Transgression in food: Do not exceed the lawful limit (moderation is suggested).
Note: You may not eat a lawful type of food for any reason but do not say it is unlawful to eat it.
Words: La Tuharrimou = Do not forbid, Tayyebat = The good things, Allah made lawful, AlMu'tadeen = The transressors - Those who are unjust.

Q: Why Muslims are not vegetarians?
A: And indeed for you in the cattle is certainly a moral lesson - We (Allah) give you to drink from what (milk) is in their bellies and for you in them are a lot of uses and of them (cattle) you eat (meat); And on them and on ships you are carried.
Translation of: Ayat 21 - 22, Surat AlMo'minoun.
Words: AlAn'am = The cattle, LaIbrah = Certainly a moral lesson, Nusqeekum = We give you to drink, Butouniha = Their bellies, Manafie' = Uses, Ta'kloun = You eat, Tuhmaloun = You are carried.

Q: First: What meat is not allowed (= haram) to be consumed by Muslims?
Note: The basic rule for Islamic consumption of meat is that the blood must flow out of the animal/bird and not remain inside.
A: It is forbidden upon you (to consume) carrion (dead animal/bird) and blood and pig's meat (pork) and on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah* and the strangled and the (one) hit fatally and the tumbled (to death) and butted (to death) and what predatory animal ate except what you managed to slaughter** and what was slaughtered on alters (of disbelievers) and to divide (meat) among yourselves by the use of marked arrows - that is*** sinfully straying away from Allah's Path (= Fisq) - This Day those who disbelieved have given up hope of your Religion so do not fear them and do fear Me (Allah) - This day**** I (Allah) have perfected for you your Religion and completed upon you My Favour and had chosen for you Islam (submission to Allah) as Religion so whoever becomes obliged by hunger without intending to do wrong so Allah is Most-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.
Translation of: Ayah 3, Surat ALMa'idah. (5:3)
* For example the polytheists of Arabia at the time of the Prophet Muhammad used to invoke the names of their gods 'Allat, AlUzza...etc' on their food.
** The prey is still alive.
*** A way of dividing based on gambling which was famous in pre-Islamic Arabia. It is considered straying away from Allah's Path
**** During the last Hajj for the prophet Muhammad before his death peace be upon him.
Words: Hurrimat = Forbidden - Made unlawful, AlMaytah = Carrion - Dead animal/bird, AlDamm = Blood, Lahm AlKhanzeer = Pig's meat, Ma Uhhilla = Was invoked, LiGhayr Allah = Then Name of other than Allah, AlMunkhaniqah = The strangled, AlMawqouthah = The hit fatally, AlMutaradiyah = The tumbled, AlNateehah = The butted, Akala = Ate, AlSabe = predatory animal, Thakkaytum = Managed to slaughter, Thubiha = Was slaughtered, AlNusb = Alters, Tastaqsimou bilAzlam = To divide (meat) among yourselves by the use of marked arrows, Fisq = Sinfully straying away from Allah's Path, AlYowm = This day, Akmaltu = I (Allah) Perfected, Deen = Religion, Atmamtu = I completed, Ni'mah = Favour, Radheetu = I had chosen, Udhturra = Becomes obliged - Is forced, Fi Makhmasah = By hunger, Ghayra Mutajanif LiIsthm = Without intending to do wrong - Without intending to sin.

Q: Can the Name of Allah be mentioned on the meat before eating it if the animal/bird was hunted (killed) by a trained predator*?
* It is narrated by Abu Abbas, the Prophet's respected cousin and the scholar of Islam: At the time of sending your animal/bird of prey mention the Name of Allah (= Allahu Akbar). But if you forget then no blame on you. Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, volume 2, page 29.
Note: Muslims can eat the meat of lawful animals/birds hunted by trained predators.
Note: The trained predator can kill several animals one after the other at one time.
Note: Often the hunted animals/birds are killed far away before the person can reach them.
A: They ask you (Prophet Muhammad) what is made lawful (= Halal) for them - say all the (lawful) pleasures of the table (= Tayyebat) are made lawful to you - and what you have trained your predators** - training them to seize (the prey) with their claws (= mukallibeen) - teaching them from what Allah taught you - so do eat from what they caught for you and mention the Name of Allah on it (cooked meat) and protect yourselves by fearing Allah for Allah is Swift in taking account.
Translation of: Ayah 4, Surat AlMa'idah.
** Birds or beasts of prey.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: The Prophet was asked: Some people who have become newly Muslims bring us meat we do not know if the Name of Allah was mentioned on it (at the time of slaughter) or not. The Prophet said: Mention the Name of Allah, you yourselves (on the meat) and eat. Source: Tafseeer Ibn Kastheer, volume 2, page 29.
Words: Tayyebat = Lawful pleasures of the table - Good food, Allamtum = You have trained, AlJawarih = Predators - Birds/animals of prey, Mukallibeen = training them to seize (prey) with their claws, Amsakna = Caught, Uthkorou = Mention, Ism Allah = Name of Allah, Saree' AlHisab = Swift in taking account.

Q: Is a Muslim allowed to eat the meat that for example relatives of his Christian or Jewish wife brought to their house?
Initial Note: Read all the Qur'anic lines (verses) about Halal food to have a complete picture of it.
Note: Muslim men are allowed to marry beieving women (= Mo'minat) from the People of the Book who can keep their Christian or Jewish religion if they do not want to become Muslims.

A: This day all the (lawful) pleasures of the table (= Tayyebat) are made lawful to you and the food of those who were given the Book (Jews, Christians) is lawful for you (Muslims) and your food is lawful for them
and (also are lawful) chaste women (= AlMuhssanat) of the female believers (AlMo'minat*) and chaste women (= AlMuhssanat**) of those who were given the Book (Christians and Jews) before you if you give them their dues (dowry) purifying yourselves - not committing adultery (= Musafiheen***) neither taking mistresses (unlawful lovers) and whoever rejects Faith (= Yakfur BilIman) then his (good) work has failed and in the Other Life he will be of the losers.
Translation of: Ayah 5, Surat AlMa'idah. (5:5)
* Note the word used here is 'AlMo'minat' and not 'AlMuslimat'. Remember Iman is a stage higher than Islam. (refer to the Note under Surat AlImran.)
** See a Youtube video for a detailed meaning of 'AlMussanat'.
*** Musafiheen from the verb "Safiha". (refer to Surat AlNisa')
Words: AlYawm = This Day, T'aam = Food, AlMuhssanat = Chaste women, Ataytomouhunna = If you give them, Ujourahun = Their dues - Their payment (dowry) - Muhssineen = Purifying yourselves - Keeping yourselves chaste - Fortifying yourselves against adultery, Ghayra Musafiheen = Not committing adultery, Not being adulterous, La Muttakhithi Akhdan = Neither taking mistresses - Neither taking unlawful lovers, Yakfur = Rejects, lIman = Faith - Believing, Habitta = Failed, Amaluhu = His work, AlKhasireen = The losers.

Q: What are the four main categories of food that are made unlawful (= haram) to consume in Islam?

A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) I do not find in what (Qur'an) has been revealed to me made forbidden (= haram) for an eater to eat except it is carrion (dead animal/bird)* or spilled blood** or pig's meat (pork) because it (each mentioned) is impurity filth (= Rijs) - or sinfully straying away from Allah's Path (= fisq) on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah - but whoever becomes obliged without being a wrongdoer or a transgressor so Allah is Most-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.
Translation of: Ayah 145, Surat AlAn'am.
* When the blood is not spilled out and it remains inside the animal or bird it is considered dead meat.
But blood in the organ as in liver (= kabd) and spleen (= tahal) is lawful (= halal) to consume in Islam.
** It is forbidden to drink or eat blood (which is not in meat).
Important Note: Polytheists of Arabia at the time of the Prophet Muhammad used to make forbidden some individuals of cattle they call it 'Bahaa'ir wa Sawaa'ib wa Wasaa'il wa Hawaami). Some would be allowed as food for men other than women. And some were left unrestrained and should not be mounted. So the Ayah 145 in Surat AlAn'am is a reply to their claim. Source: Sheikh Hassanain Muhammad Makhlouf, ex-Mufti of Egypt's 'Safwat AlBayan liMa'ani AlQur'an'. In Arabic, page 194.
Note: After this Ayah a saying of the Prophet Muhammad mentioned the forbidding of eating donkeys and every animal or bird with canine tooth (= Naab) or claws (= Mikhlab). Source: 'Safwat AlBayan liMa'ani AlQur'an'. In Arabic, page 194.
Words: Ajid = Find, Uwhiya = Revealed, Muharraman = Made forbidden - Made unlawful, Taa'im = Eater, Yatamahu = To eat, Maytatan, Dam = Blood, Masfouh = Spilled, Rijs = Impurity filth, Fisqan = Sinfully straying away from Allah's Path, Ghayra = Without, Baaghin = Wrongdoer, Aadin = Transgressor.

Q: Why are Muslims encouraged to follow the Prophet's Way (= Sunnat AlNabi) in mentioning Allah's Name by saying 'Allah Akbar = Allah is Great' at the time of slaughtering and 'Bismillah = In the Name of Allah' at the time of eating?
Note: The unlawful meat (= haram) is divided into two main religious categories: 1. Impurity filth. 2. Sinfully straying away from Allah's Path (= Fisq). Look into the above postings and see what does Allah mention as 'Fisq'.
A: So do eat from what the Name* of Allah has been mentioned on it if you are believing in His (Allah's) Miraculous Signs (Lines of the Qur'an); And what is wrong with you that you do not eat from what (meat) the Name of Allah was mentioned on it and He has detailed to you what is forbidden for you except what you were forced to - and a lot (of people) do certainly mislead following their whims without (proper) knowledge for your God is Best Knowing about the transgressors; --- And do not eat from what (meat) the Name of Allah was not mentioned on it and it is certainly sinfully straying away from Allah's Path (= Fisq)
and Satans do certainly reveal** to their supporters (of men) to argue (= LiYujadiloukum) with you and if you obey them so you are certainly joining partners with Allah (Polytheists = mushrikoun).
Translation of: Ayah 118 - 119, 121, Surat AlAn'am.
* Meat of an animal/bird slaughtered in any name other than Allah's is unlawful (= haram). Meat slaughtered in Allah's Name is lawful (= halal). Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, Volume 2, Page 246. (Note: The People of the Book do not mention any name when slaughtering their animals. But the blood does not flow freely outside their animals).
** As Allah revealed to His Prophets. Satan and his followers reveal to their followers of humans. Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, Volume 2, Page 249.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: When someone of you eats so let him mention the Name of Allah on it but if he forgot then let him say; In the Name of Allah the beginning of it (food) and the ending. Source: Riyadh AlSaliheen Min Kalam Sayed AlMursaleen. In Arabic, page 243.
Note: According to Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, Volume 2, Page 247: It is encouraged (= mustahabbah) to mention the Name of Allah at the time of slaughtering animals for food (for Eid AlAdhha it is a must) so if it is left out deliberately or forgetfully then there is no harm. And this is the explanation of Imam Shafii and all of his friends. And narrated also from Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal. And narrated from Imam Malik. It is also told it was narrated from Ibn Abbas (the Prophet's respected cousin) and Abi Hurairah and Allah knows Best. Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, Volume 2, Page 247 (Tafseer Surat AlAn'am).
Note: Remember how do Muslims sacrifice during Eid AlAdhha (during Hajj).
Words: FaKolou = So do eat, Thukira = Was mentioned, Ism = Name, Fassala = Detailed, Harrama = Made forbidden - Made unlawful, Yadhilloun = Mislead, BiAhwaihim = Following their whims, Ilm = Knowledge, Fisq = Sinfully straying away from Allah's Path, LaYohoun = Reveal, LiYujadilounakum = To argue with you, Mushrikoun = Joining gods with Allah - Polytheists.

Q: What hunting is allowed all times and can be eaten even if dead?
A: It is made lawful to you sea (any water body) hunting (at all times) and its food is enjoyment for you and the travelers* - and it is made forbidden to you land hunting as long as you are in Pilgrimage clothes and protect yourselves by fearing Allah to Whom you are all going to be gathered.
Translation of: Ayah 96, Surat AlMa'idah.
* Food such as fish dried under the sun and preserved with salt.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad when asked about sea water (any water body): It is whose water is pure (clean) and its (even) dead is lawful (= halal) (= Howa altahour ma'uhu - alhilllu maytatuh). Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, Volume 2, Page 151.
Words: Uhilla = Made lawful, Sayd = Hunting, AlBahr = Sea - Water body, Ta'amuhu = Its food, Mata'an = Enjoyment, LilSayyarah = For the travelers, AlBar = Land, Ma Dumtum = As long as, Huruman = In Pilgrimage clothes, Tuhsharoun = You will be gathered.

Q: Are Muslims allowed to catch fish and sea creatures from rivers?
A: And the two bodies of water (= bahran) are not alike - this one is fresh sweet (water) - its drink is tasty - and this one is salty bitter (water) - and from both you eat tender meat and you extract ornament that you wear and you see ships in it crossing so that you may seek of His (Allah's) Favour and that you may be grateful.
Translation of: Ayah 12, Surat Fatir.
Words: Ma Yastawi = Are not alike - Are not the same, AlBahran = The two bodies of water, Athb = Fresh, Furat = Sweet, Saaigh = Tasty, Sharabuhu = Its drink, Milh = Salty, Ujaj = Bitter, Min Kul = From each, Ta'koloun = You eat, Lahman Tariyan = Tender meat, Tastakhrijoun = You extract, Hilyah = Ornament - Jewel, Talbisounaha = That you wear, AlFulk - Ships, Mawakhir = Crossing, LiTabtaghou = So as you may seek, Fadhlihi = His Favour, Tashkoroun = Be grateful,

Q: What domesticated animals are Muslims allowed to eat?
A: Allah is Who made for you cattle so as you ride on them and of them you eat; And in them for you are uses and to fulfill wishes* in your hearts and on them and on ships you are carried; And He (Allah) demonstrates to you His Miraculous Signs (of Allah's Existence) so which Miraculous Signs of Allah do you deny.
Translation of: Ayat 79 - 81, Surat Ghafir (40).
* Such as carrying loads and travelling to other places. Source: Safwat AlBayan liMa'ani AlQur'an. In Arabic, Page 603.
Words: Ja'ala = Made, AlAn'am = Cattle, LiTarkabou = So as you ride on, Ta'koloun = You eat, Manafe' = Uses, LiTablaghou Haajah = To fulfill wishes, Fi Sodourikum = In your hearts, AlFulk = Ships, Tuhmaloun = You are carried, Yureekum = He demonstrates, Ayatihi = His Miraculous Signs, Tunkiroun = You deny.

Q: Who decides what meat is unlawful (= haram) to consume as food?
A: O believers fulfill the (lawful) obligations - The animals of Cattle are made lawful (as food) to you except (unlawful are) what is being recited (from the Qur'an) to you - not making lawful hunting (land animals/birds) while you are in pilgrimage clothes for Allah passes Judgement according to what He wills.
Translation of: Ayah 1, Surat AlMa'idah.
Words: Awfou = Fulfill, AlUkoud = Obligations - Contracts, Uhillat = Made halal, Baheematu AlAn'am = Animals of cattle, Yutla = Recited, Ghayra Muhili = Not making lawful, AlSayd = Hunting, Hurum = In pilgrimage clothes, Yahkum = Passes Judgement - Judges, Ma Yureed = According to what He wills.

Q: When it comes to meat how did the polytheists of Arabia fabricate lies against Allah?
A: And they (polytheists of old Arabia) said these (some) cattle and crops are restricted - none will eat from them except whoever we want as per their claim - and cattle whose backs are made unlawful (to ride) and cattle they do not mention the Name of Allah fabricating lies* against Him - He (Allah) will repay them for what lies they were fabricating.
Translation of: Ayah 138, Surat AlAn'am.
* 1. So they did not mention the Name of Allah when slaughtering the cattle but they mentioned the name of other than Allah on them. Source: Tafseer waBayan Mufridat AlQuran ma' Asbab AlNozoul LilSiyyouti ma' Faharis Kamilah lilMawadee' welAlfadh. Kuwait: Wizarat AlAwqaf welShu'oun AlIslamiyah. (In Arabic), page 146.
2. Source: Based on the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali, The Holy Qur'an: English Translation of the Meanings and Commentary. If meat is killed in the name of heathen gods, it would naturally not be killed by the solemn rite in Allah's Name, page 384.
Words: Hathihi = These, An'am = Cattle - Livestock, Harsth = Crops, Hijr = Restricted - Detained, La Yatamuha = Does not eat from them, BiZa'mihim = As per their claim, Hurrimat = Made unlawful - Made forbidden, La Yathkorouna = They do not mention, Ism Allah = The Name of Allah, Iftira'an = Fabricating lies, Alayhi = Against Him, SaYajzeehim = He will repay them, Yaftaroun = They were fabricating as lies.

Q: What is an example of how the polytheists of old Arabia made unlawful some meat claiming it is Allah's Command?
A: And they (polytheists of old Arabia) said what is in the wombs of these (particular) cattle are reserved solely for our males and unlawful (= muharram) for our wives - and if it (new born) is dead* then they are ('halal' for males and females) in it partners - He (Allah) will punish them for their attribution (to Allah) for He is All-Wise All-Knowing.
Translation of: Ayah 139, Surat AlAn'am. (6:139)
* It is forbidden and unlawful (= Muharram) for Muslims to eat carrion (dead animals). (refer to Surat AlMa'idah, Ayah 3)
Words: Botoun = Wombs, AlAn'am = Cattle, Khalisah = Reserved solely, LiThokourina = For our males, Muharram = Unlawful - Made forbidden - Made unlawful, Maytah = Dead, Shuraka' = Partners, Wasfahum = Their attribution - Their description.

Q: Why is it a sin to make forbidden (= haram) food that Allah allowed us to consume?
A: Certainly those who killed their children* foolishly without knowledge have lost (with Allah) - and (also have lost those) who made unlawful (= harramou) what Allah gave them of sustenance (food) fabricating lies against Allah - they strayed away** (from Allah's Path) and they were not guided.
Translation of: Ayah 140, Surat AlAn'am.
* At any time. It was common among many Arabs of Arabia before Islam to bury their new-born females alive either out of poverty or because they felt ashamed to father daughters not sons.
** Note the Arabic word used here is 'dhallow' = Strayed away from Allah's Path. In some other Ayat the word 'fisq' = 'Sinfully straying away from Allah's Path' is used. As is the case in mentioning a name other than Allah's at the time of slaughtering.
Words: Qad Khasira = Certainly had lost, Qatalou = Killed, Awladahum = Their children, Safahan = Foolishly, BiGhayri Ilm = Without knowledge, Ma Razaqahum Allah = What Allah gave them as sustenance, Ifira'an = Fabricating lies, Dhallou = They strayed away away - they made wrong, Muhtadeen = Guided.

Q: Who entourages people to make lawful meat unlawful and vice versa?
A: And from the cattle (you use) for carrying loads and for furnishing* (= Farashan) - so do eat from what (food) Allah gave you as sustenance and do not follow the steps of Satan for he is to you a fully developed enemy.
Translation of: Ayah 142, Surat AlAn'am.
* Providing with furniture such as mats, rugs and carpets. Ayah 80 in Surat AlNahl in the Qur'an is translated: '(Allah made possible) --- and from their (cattle's) wool and fur and hair articles of furniture (= Asthathan) and temporary enjoyment for a fixed time'.
Words: Humoulatan =For carrying loads, Farashan = For furnishing, Kolou = Eat, Razaqakum = What (food) Allah gave you as sustenance, Tattabe'ou = Follow, Khotowat = Steps, Adou = Enemy, Mubeen = Fully developed - Sworn.

Q: Why should Muslims avoid superstitions when it comes to consuming halal meat?
Note: Even today some gullible Muslims in some places slaughter their lawful animals and smear their new vehicles' tires with their blood to keep them safe from accidents.
A: (And from the cattle) Eight pairs - from the sheep two (male and female) and from the goats two (male and female) - say (command to Prophet Muhammad) did He (Allah) make the two males unlawful (to consume) or the two females or what the wombs of the two females contained - inform me if you were telling the truth; And from the camels two (male and female) and from the cows two (male and female) say did He make the two males unlawful or the two females or what the wombs of the two females contained - or were you witnesses (present) when He (Allah) commanded you about this - so who is more a transgressor than who fabricates lies against Allah without knowledge to make people stray away (from Allah's Path) for Allah does not guide the transgressing people (people unjust to Allah).
Translation of: Ayat 143 - 144, Surat AlAn'am.
Note: Based on some superstitions, polytheists of Arabia before Islam restricted the consumption or the use of some marked cattle. They were known as 'AlBahaair, AlSawaaib, AlWasaail and AlHawaami' . Source: 'Based on the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali', page 386. And 'Safwat AlBayan liMa'ani AlQur'an', page 192..
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: The Prophet mentioned that the meat of donkeys (= luhoum AlHumur) is unlawful and the meat of horses is lawful. Source: AlLou'lou' walMarjan feema etafaqqa alayhi AlSheikhan AlBukhari wa Muslim, page 417.
Note: Ayah 145 narrates what meat Allah made unlawful to consume.
Words: Sthamaniyata = Eight, Azwaj = Pairs, AlDha'n = Sheep, AlM'z = Goats, Esthnayn = Two, AlThakarayn = The two males, AlUnsthayayn = The two females, Eshtamalat = Contained, Arham = Wombs, Nabe'ouni = Inform me, AlIbil = The camels, AlBaqar = The cows, Shuhada' = Witnesses - Present, Wassakum = Commanded, Eftara = Fabricated lies, LiYudhil = To mislead, La Yahdi = Does not guide, AlQawm = People - Community.

Q: Why do some people invent and follow superstitions in animals of lawful (= halal) meat?
Note: Pagan (Polytheist) Arabs liberated different classes of animals from work or use as food in honour of idols (claiming idols bring them nearer to Allah). Source: The Qur'an: A new translation by Abdel Haleem, M., page 78.
A number of Arab pagan superstitions are referred to. The pagan mind, not understanding the hidden secrets of nature, attributed certain phenomena to divine anger and were assailed by superstitious fears which haunted their lives. Source: '--- Based on the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali', page 320.
A: Allah did not ordain (as forbidden) 'Baheerah'* neither 'saaibah'** neither 'Wasseelah'*** neither 'Haam'**** but those who disbelieved fabricate lies against Allah and most of them do not use their brains.
Translation of: Ayah 103, Surat AlMa'idah. (5:103)
* Baheerah: A slit-ear she camel. If a she-camel delivered in its fifth delivery a male camel they used to slit its ear and leave it free for the sake of their gods. Source (for all four notes): Egypt's ex-Mufti's 'Safwat AlBayan liMa'ani AlQur'an' page 163-164.
** Saaibah: When returning in safety from a trip or becoming cured after illness a she-camel was liberated for the sake of idols.
*** Wasseelah: If a she-camel delivered its first one a she-camel then another she-camel. She was left free for idols. (Also Wasseelah among lambs because of other rites).
**** Haam: A stallion-camel liberated when it had an offspring from a series of its own offspring.
Words: Ma Ja'ala = Did not ordain - Did not command, Yaftaroun Alkathib = They fabricate lies, Akstharuhum = Most of them, La Ya'qiloun = They do not get it - They do not understand - They do not use their brains.

Q: What is halal (lawful) food considered?
A: And eat from what (food) Allah provided you - lawful (halal), good* and protect yourselves by fearing Allah in Whom you (plural) are believers.
Translation of: Ayah 88, Surat AlMa'idah. (5:88)
* Halal = Food lawful in Islam.
Tayyeb = It is good for human body. Opposite of "Rijs" which is bad for human body.
Words: Razaqakum = He provided you, Mo'minoun = Believers.

Q: In what circumstances a Muslim may eat what food Allah made forbidden?
A: Indeed He (Allah) made forbidden upon you carrion (dead animal/bird) and blood and pig's meat (pork) and on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah but whoever is forced by necessity without seeking violation* (of Allah's Limits) and neither going beyond* (the small amount needed) then Allah is Most-Forgiving Most-Merciful.
Translation of: Ayah 115, Surat AlNahl. (16:115)
* Violating Allah's Laws by tasting or enjoying the forbidden meat.
Words: Innama = Indeed, Udhttura = Is forced by necessity, Ghayra Baghin = Without seeking violation - Without seeking transgression, Wela Aadi = Neither going beyond.

Q: Why can't Muslims make innovation (= Bid'ah) in what Allah made lawful or forbidden food?
A: And do not say about what lies your tongues attribute this is lawful (= allowed - halal) and this is forbidden (= haram) in order that you fabricate upon Allah lies indeed those who fabricate upon Allah lies are not going to prosper (attain salvation); Some temporary enjoyment (in life) and for them is a painful punishment (in the Other World).
Translation of: Ayat 116 - 117, Surat AlNahl. (16:116-117)
Note: What polytheists of Pre-Islamic Arabic made forbidden to consume. (in Ayah 103, Surat AlMa'idah)
Note: Remember 1. Do not ask about things in food that the Qur'an or the Prophet Muhammad's "Sunnah (= sayings and way of life)" did not say "lawful = halal" or "forbidden = haram". (in Ayat 101-102 in Surat AlMa'idah)
2. Remember other than what Allah made forbidden the food of the People of the Book* is lawful for Muslims (in Ayah 5 in Surat AlMa'idah). Some confused Muslims especially in some villages of the Indian Continent for example do not even drink from a glass of water offered by a person from the People of the Book.
People may argue that the worship of the People of the Book nowadays is not like those in the past. Allah already talked in the Qur'an to the People of the Book about this matter so in food better to leave this issue aside. And Allah knows Best. (Refer to Surat AlImran, Ayah 64)
Words: Tassifu = Attribute - Describe, Alsinatukum = Your tongues, Yaftaroun AlKathib = They fabricate lies - They make up lies, La Yuflihoun = Are not going to prosper - Are not going to attain salavtion, Qaleelun = Some - Litte, Aleem = Painful - Severe.

Q: When a Muslim is in dire need of food and there is a dead animal to eat is it allowed for him in Islam to consume it?
Note: The translation of the preceding ayah 172 in Surat AlBaqarah.
A: Indeed He (Allah) made forbidden upon you (plural) carrion (dead animal/bird) and blood and pig's meat (pork) and (meat) on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah but whoever becomes obliged without being a transgressor* or a wrongdoer** then no blame (intentional sin) upon him indeed Allah is Most-Forgiving Most-Merciful.
Translation of: Ayah 173, Surat AlBaqarah. (2:173)
* "Baaghin" a transgressor against the Command of Allah if his intention was to try the meat to enjoy it.
** "Aadin" a wrongdoer if he consumes the meat beyond satisfying his hunger. Source: Tafseer waBayan Mufradat AlQuran, in Arabic, page 26.
Note: Some other types of meat which are forbidden for Muslims to consume. (in Surat AlAn'am)
Words: Udhtturra = Becomes obliged - is forced, Baaghin = Transgressor, Aadin = Wrongdoer.

Q: Why should Muslims be very careful not to call what Allah made halal as haram and vice verse?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) see whatever Allah sent down for you as sustenance (provision) then you made of it forbidden* (= haram) and allowed* (= halal) - say did Allah give you (for it) permission or are you (simply) against Allah fabricating lies.
Translation of: Ayah 59, Surat Yunus (10:59)
* An example of what polytheists of old Arabia made forbidden. (refer to Surat AlAn'am, Ayah 139)
Words: Anzala = Sent down, Rizq = Sustenance - Provision, Athina = Gave you permission, Taftaroun = Fabricating lies.

Q: What do people who make up lies and attribute them to Allah forget?
A: What is the assumption* of those who fabricate lies against Allah on the Day of Judgement - indeed Allah is certainly Owner of Favour upon people but most of them do not pay thanks.
Translation of: Ayah 60, Surat Yunus (10:60)
* Assumption such as worshipping idols needs proofs to validate it. (Refer to Surat Yunus, Ayah 36)
Words: Dhann = Assumption - Supposition, LaThou Fadhl = is certainly Owner of Favour, Akstharakum = Most of them, La Yashkoroun = They do not pay thanks.