Food in Islam: halal, haram and the etiquette of the meal

Q: Which foods are haram in Islam?

The Quran explicitly forbids pork and its by-products, blood, the dead animal (carrion) and any animal over which a name other than that of Allah has been invoked (Surah Al-Ma'ida, verse 3). Alcohol and every intoxicant are likewise prohibited (Al-Ma'ida, verse 90). Animals not slaughtered according to the Islamic rite also fall into the category of forbidden foods.

Q: What does makruh mean in matters of food?

The term makruh means what is discouraged without being formally forbidden. Between halal (permitted) and haram (forbidden), it covers foods or behaviours that the scholars advise avoiding, without their consumption being a sin comparable to that of a haram food. Opinions may vary between the schools of law as to what belongs in this category.

Q: What are the rules at table in Islam?

The Sunnah recommends washing the hands, saying Bismillah before eating, eating with the right hand, seated, in small mouthfuls, and not blowing on the food. After the meal, one says Alhamdulillah. The Quran calls for moderation: eat and drink without excess (Surah Al-A'raf, verse 31). Sharing one's food with the needy is strongly encouraged.

Dietary prescriptions according to the Quran and the Hadiths

Core Principles

"O you who believe! Eat of the lawful and pure things We have provided for you. And be grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship."

- Surah Al-Baqara, verse 172

The categories of food in Islam

Halal - Permitted and pure

Haram - Strictly forbidden

Makruh - Discouraged but not forbidden

Recommended foods (Halal)

1. Fruits of Paradise (فواكه الجنة)

Dates (التمر)

"And shake towards you the trunk of the palm tree: it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates."

- Surah Maryam, verse 25

Benefits according to the hadiths:

Recommended for breaking the fast
Protection against poison and black magic (Ajwa dates)
A natural tonic

Figs and olives (التين والزيتون)

"By the fig and the olive! And by Mount Sinin!"

- Surah At-Tin, verses 1-2

Benefits mentioned:

Olive oil is regarded as a blessed light
Used as a remedy and as a seasoning

2. Lawful meats (اللحوم الحلال)

Type	Conditions	Source
Sheep/Lamb	Ritual slaughter required	Surah Al-An'am, 142
Beef	Ritual slaughter required	Surah Al-An'am, 142
Camel	Specific ritual slaughter	Authentic hadiths
Poultry	Ritual slaughter required	Consensus of the scholars

3. Seafood (مأكولات بحرية)

"Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food."

- Surah Al-Ma'ida, verse 96

Forbidden foods (Haram)

1. Explicit prohibitions of the Quran

"Forbidden to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that over which a name other than that of Allah has been invoked..."

- Surah Al-Ma'ida, verse 3

Food/Drink	Reason for the prohibition	Source
Pork and its by-products	Explicitly forbidden	Quran, Al-Ma'ida:3
Alcohol	Intoxicant	Quran, Al-Ma'ida:90
Blood	Impurity	Quran, Al-Ma'ida:3
Carrion	Not ritually slaughtered	Quran, Al-Ma'ida:3

Rules of eating

1. General rules

Say "Bismillah" before eating
Eat with the right hand
Eat sitting down
Do not blow on the food
Eat in moderation

"O children of Adam, take your adornment at every place of prayer, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. He does not like those who commit excess."

- Surah Al-A'raf, verse 31

2. Etiquette of the meal

Action	Recommendation	Source
Before the meal	Wash the hands and say Bismillah	Authentic hadiths
During the meal	Eat with three fingers, in small mouthfuls	Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ
After the meal	Say Alhamdulillah and wash the hands	Authentic hadiths

Spiritual and physical benefits

1. Benefits of halal food

Purification of the soul
Blessing in the food
Improved physical health
Strengthening of faith
Protection against illness

2. Impact on spiritual life

"Man is what he eats"

- Islamic wisdom

3. Traditional and modern aspects

Aspect	Traditional	Modern
Source	Local production	Halal certification
Verification	Direct knowledge	Labels and certifications
Distribution	Local markets	International trade

Conclusion

"So eat of that over which the name of Allah has been pronounced, if you are believers in His verses."

- Surah Al-An'am, verse 118

Key points to remember

The importance of the purity of foods
Respect for the rules of slaughter
Moderation in consumption
Etiquette and good manners
Gratitude to Allah for the food

Food in Islam and the prophetic remedies of the authentic Sunnah

Food in Islam rests on clear principles laid down by the Quran and the Sunnah. Halal foods are permitted while haram foods are strictly forbidden to Muslims. This distinction guides every meal and every food choice of the believer.

Haram foods mainly include pork, alcohol in all its forms, animals that died naturally and those not slaughtered according to the Islamic rites. Halal meats come from animals slaughtered in the name of Allah, with respect and according to the prophetic method. Fruit, vegetables, grains and fish generally remain permitted.

The Sunnah also teaches us many prophetic remedies based on natural foods. Honey holds a central place, mentioned in the Quran as a source of healing. Dates, eaten daily by the prophet Muhammad, bring energy and protection. Olive oil, blessed in the sacred texts, has recognised healing properties.

Black seed, called "habbat al-baraka", is a remedy for many ills according to the authentic hadiths . Zamzam, the sacred water of Mecca, heals according to the intention of the one who drinks it. These natural remedies complement modern medicine rather than replacing it.

Islamic food etiquette recommends eating with the right hand, saying "Bismillah" before the meal and "Alhamdulillah" afterwards. Sharing one's food with the needy is an act of generosity that is strongly encouraged. Moderation remains essential, for excess harms both spiritual and physical health.

These prophetic teachings, reported in the authentic texts, offer a holistic approach to food that nourishes body and soul. Every Muslim can follow these recommendations for a healthier life in keeping with the divine precepts.

Founded in Kufa by Imam Abu Hanifa in the 8th century, the Hanafi school is the most widely followed Sunni madhhab: history, method (qiyas, istihsan) and spread.

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Frequently asked questions

You may be wondering…

Which foods are haram in Islam?

The Quran explicitly forbids pork and its by-products, blood, the dead animal (carrion) and any animal over which a name other than that of Allah has been invoked (Surah Al-Ma'ida, verse 3). Alcohol and every intoxicant are likewise prohibited (Al-Ma'ida, verse 90). Animals not slaughtered according to the Islamic rite also fall into the category of forbidden foods.

What is a halal food?

A halal food is lawful and pure according to Islamic law. Fruit, vegetables, grains and seafood are generally permitted (Surah Al-Ma'ida, verse 96). The meat of sheep, cattle, camel or poultry is halal provided the animal has been ritually slaughtered, in the name of Allah. The Quran calls upon believers to eat lawful and pure foods and to thank Allah for them.

What does makruh mean in matters of food?

The term makruh means what is discouraged without being formally forbidden. Between halal (permitted) and haram (forbidden), it covers foods or behaviours that the scholars advise avoiding, without their consumption being a sin comparable to that of a haram food. Opinions may vary between the schools of law as to what belongs in this category.

What are the rules at table in Islam?

The Sunnah recommends washing the hands, saying Bismillah before eating, eating with the right hand, seated, in small mouthfuls, and not blowing on the food. After the meal, one says Alhamdulillah. The Quran calls for moderation: eat and drink without excess (Surah Al-A'raf, verse 31). Sharing one's food with the needy is strongly encouraged.

Which foods are recommended by the Sunnah?

Several foods are singled out by the Quran and the hadiths: dates, recommended for breaking the fast, honey, mentioned as a source of healing, olive oil, described as blessed, black seed (habbat al-baraka) and Zamzam water. These prophetic remedies nourish body and soul, but they complement modern medicine rather than replacing it.