Halal Haram Food and Drinks - ISLAMIC

food & drink -Permitted & Prohibited

"O People, eat from the land what is permitted & good & do not follow in the footsteps of Shaitan, for he is an open enemy to you."
(Al Baqarah, 2:168)

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “To refrain from eating a single morsel of Harām is, near Allah, more valued than the performance
of two thousand Rak’ats of recommended prayer.” (Iddat’ud-Dai)

Allah swt has given clear guidelines on what can and cannot be consumed. In addition we have also been instructed in manners and behavior of eating. Eating and drinking also becomes a way by which a Muslim remembers the bounties of Allah swt and by observing the rules of Shariah, he also shows his commitment to his religion.

Greater Sin -Consumption of Haram |Non-Halal Meat is Unhealthy | Eating Habits in Islam |Urdu Lectures | English lecture

You are what you eat guide | Notes on Lecture by Sy Muhammad Rizvi NEW Halal Guide | Eating in restaruant

On this page-> Zabiha matters | Question & Answers | Eating /Drinking Manners | Alcohol

Foods can be primarily divided into two sections:

1 - Plants, fruits, vegetables and grains: All these can be eaten as long as they are not harmful to human beings. This means that they must not contain poisonous or narcotic substances.

2 - Living creatures.
These can be divided into three: A. Sea creatures ,B. Land creatures & C. Birds

2A- Sea creatures.
We are allowed to eat any fish as long as it has scales (see list here) . All other sea creatures such as whales, sharks, turtles, lobsters and crabs are Haraam. The only exception is for prawns and shrimps, which can be eaten.
In order for the fish to be Halaal, it must be removed alive from the water. It does not matter who has done the fishing or what method has been used to catch the fish. See question answer on Fish

2B- Land creatures.
This term covers all animals that live on the face of the earth. Allah has permitted the eating of some and forbidden others. The first five verses of Sura 5 Ma'idah give a summary of the commands regarding what is permitted to eat.

Amongst domestic animals, camels, cows, goats and sheep are permissible to eat. They all possess a hoof or cloven hoof. From amongst wild animals, which mean animals that are not normally kept in enclosures, mountain sheep, wild cows and asses, gazelles and deer are permitted.

It is Makruh (undesirable) to eat the meat of a horse, donkey or mule.

It is not permitted to eat the meat of animals that possess canine teeth or fangs. Examples of such animals that are sometimes eaten by man are dogs, rabbits, elephants and monkeys. There are specific verses in the Holy Qur'an forbidding the eating of a pig.

It is not permitted to eat reptiles such as snakes and tortoises. Insects such as fleas and lice are also forbidden. However, locusts are permissible.

2C- Birds.
Birds that comply with the following two conditions can be eaten.

i- The body is covered with feathers.
ii- They are not classes as birds of prey (possessing talons).

There are two other principles by which one can distinguish between birds that are permitted and those that are not:-

i- Every bird which, when in flight glides more than the flapping of its wings cannot be eaten.
ii- If a particular bird's movement is not known, then before eating one must check for the presence of one of the following: a craw (where grain collects in the throat), a gizzard (part of the stomach) or a projection (a fork-like extension on the bird's foot which performs the function of a talon).

Thus chickens, turkeys, pigeons and all small birds are permissible to eat. Even ostriches and peacocks are allowed.

Birds of prey like eagles, hawks and vultures are Haraam to eat. Crows, rooks and ravens should not be eaten either.

Other animals, which fly but are not, classified, as birds such as bats, bees and other flying insects are Haraam.

Note that in cases where one is in danger of dying through starvation, anything, including forbidden things, can be consumed to save life. However, this must be done as a last resort and only the absolute minimum must be eaten.

Slaughtering (Zabiha) Method according to Shariah:

All animals and birds that are permissible to eat are nevertheless forbidden to a Muslim unless they have been correctly slaughtered. The laws for hunting differ slightly and can be obtained from books of Islamic Laws of various jurists.

The correct method of slaughtering involves the simultaneous cutting of the gullet, windpipe, carotid artery and jugular vein of the animal with a sharp knife. The conditions for the slaughtering are as below:

-1 The one who carries out the slaughtering must be a Muslim.
-2 If possible, the instrument used to slaughter should be made of iron.
-3 The creature to be slaughtered must be made to face the Holy Ka'aba.
-4The person performing the slaughter must mention the name of Allah as he slaughters the animal.
-5 Here must be a normal emission of blood from the animal after the slaughter.
-6 The animal must show some sign of movement after being slaughtered, especially if there was some doubt whether the animal was alive before being slaughtered.

However if a Muslim has slaughtered it as per his own sects fiqh rules ,which do not comply with all ?of the above ,the meat can still be considered as Halal

Slaughtering /Hunting of Animals Islamic Law Book Link Qurbani Urdu Lectures

Zabiha & Halal Meat Fiqh Issues Download Word Document here

Definitions:-

Muslim Country: A country in which the majority of population is Muslim.

Souq al- Muslimin: A market situated in an area where majority of population is Muslim.

Yakeen: 100% | Itminan: 90%-99% | Shak : 50% | Ehtemal: 10%-20%

Sahibe Yad: Owner of the restaurant or the manager under whose supervision meat is taken i.e. the person who will take the decisions regarding the meat for the restaurant.

There are 3 methods with which it can be established whether meat is halal or not Yakeen , Shak Shari witness:

Ø 1) Yakeen (Certainty): If you have yakeen that meat is zabiha then no matter where the meat is coming from its jaiz for you to eat & if you have yakeen that the meat is not zabiha then no matter where it’s coming from it’s haram for you to eat.

Ø 2) Shak(doubt) whether Zabiha was done properly or not:

· A) Meat is coming from a Muslim country: It’s halal even if it’s sold by a non Muslim establishment.

· B) Meat is coming from a non Muslim country: AND

o B i) You’re in a muslim country or in a Souq al-Muslimin

Sahibe Yad is a Muslim then if you have ehtemal that the sahibe yad has ascertained that the meat is zabiha it’s then halal for you

Sahibe Yad is a non Muslim it’s haram for you to eat the meat.

Sahibe Yad is unknown then since you are in a Muslim country you will take him as a muslim & if you have ehtemal that he will have ascertained that the meat is zabiha it’s halal for you to eat the meat.

· B) Meat is coming from a non Muslim country: AND

B ii) You’re in a non muslim country

Sahibe Yad is a Muslim then if you have ehtemal that the Saibe Yad has ascertained that the meat is zabiha it’s then halal for you to eat the meat

Sahibe Yad is unknown it’s haram for you to eat the meat.

Sahibe Yad is a non Muslim it’s haram for you to eat

· C) Do not know where the meat is coming from:-

This will depend on the country you’re in ,while taking the meat. The conditions for a Muslim (Bi) as well as a non Muslim country(B ii )will apply as given above.

Ø 3) Shari Witness: In case two Aadil Momins give witness that the Meat is halal, it’s halal for you to eat.

Notes :

1) Note does not deal with Najis / Paak but only Zabiha matters

2) If u r sure (yaqeen) that in a particular muslim majority country/souq al muslimeen, people eat haram meat; then this benefit is withdrawn

Eating /Drinking Manners Mustahab rules Chart for children

Imam Ali [a.s.] told Imam Hassan [a.s.]:Shall I teach you four traits by which you will be in no need of any medical treatment?" "Yes," Imam Hassan [a.s.] answered. Then, Imam Ali [a.s.] said:

- Do not sit for food (in order to eat) unless you are hungry;
- And, do not leave the (table of) food but you still have an appetite for it;
- Chew (your food in your mouth) well;
- And, when you want to go to bed, (primarily) go to the water-closet to ease nature.
- If you take these in action, you will be in no need of any medical treatment. (Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 24, p. 245)

There are certain acts that are encouraged when taking a meal:

(a) Washing both the hands before taking a meal.
(b) After taking a meal, one should wash one’s hands, and dry them with a dry cloth.
(c) One should say Bismillah before starting to eat, and if there are several dishes, it is Mustahab to say Bismillah before partaking of each of the dishes.
(d) One should eat with one’s right hand.
(e) One should eat using three or more fingers and should not eat with two fingers only.
(f) If several persons are sitting together for their meals, everyone of them should partake of the food placed in front of him.
(g) One should take small bits of food.
(h) One should prolong the duration of taking a meal.
(i) One should chew the food thoroughly.
(j) After taking one’s meal one should praise and thank Allah.
(k) One should lick one’s fingers clean after taking food.
(l) One should use a toothpick after taking a meal.
(m) One should collect and eat the food which is scattered on the dining cloth. However, if one takes meal in an open place, like a desert, etc., it is better to leave the food which has fallen aside, so that it may be eaten by the animals and the birds.
(n) One should take one’s meal in the earlier part of the day, and in the earlier part of the night and should not eat during the day or during the night.
(o) After taking one’s meal one should lie on one’s back, and should place one’s right foot on one’s left foot.
(p) One should take salt before and after the meal.
(q) When eating a fruit, one should first wash it before eating.

There are certain acts that are discouraged when taking a meal:

a- To eat when not hungry.
b- To over-eat.
c- To gaze at others while eating.
d- To eat food while it is very hot.
e- To blow on food or drink to cool it.
f- To throw a fruit before one has fully eaten it.
g- To scrape off meat from a bone in such a manner that nothing remain on it.
h- To peel those fruits which are normally eaten with their skins.

Imam Kadhim [as] said: "Had people a moderate habit in eating, their bodies would become strengthened. (Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 66, p.334)

MANNERS OF DRINKING WATER

There are certain acts which are Mustahab while drinking water, they are as follows:

(a) Water should be drunk slowly as if it were sucked.
(b) During daytime, one should drink water while standing.
(c) One should say Bismillah, before drinking water and Al-Hamdulillah after drinking water.
(d) One should drink water when one feels thirsty.
(e) After drinking water, one should remember Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.), and curse their murderers.

Note: It is unworthy to drink too much water; to drink water after eating fatty food; and to drink water while standing during the night. It is also unworthy to drink water with one’s left hand; to drink water from the side of a container which is cracked or chipped off, or from the side of its handle.

Best is Faatir water – boiled then cooled
• Cold water is the water cooled down and kept in clay pots – extremely beneficial, stays cool and get minerals
• Refrigerated water freezes the liver

• How much?
• Excessive water does to our body what it does to plants, we have a sensor…thirst
• Inestine, liver, kidney become weak
• If you feel too thirsty, liver is dry….khakh shir, sikenjabeen, water with lemon and honey,carrot juice, apple (without skin), peach – good to moderate the liver.

• How?
• Drink in sips, gulping down weakens the liver – fatty liver, cold kidneys
• Moderate with lemon
• Recite dhikr, salaam, al Hamd on water, it has effects.

• When?
• before meals or an hour after, not in between
• Less during the night, or early morning except in summer

.Water
•

PAPER NO. 32 /33/34
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF AYATULLAH AL-UZMA
SAYYID ALI AL-HUSAYNI AL-SEESTANI DAMA DHILLUHU www.sistani.org

MEAT & MARINE ANIMALS Q. What kind of marine animals are Halal?

A. It is not permissible to eat from marine animals anything except fish that has scale; shrimp is considered from that category (of permissible sea animals). But other than fish, like lobster, & similarly the fish that does not have scale is forbidden. Allah knows the best.

Q. Is Kosher meat Halal?

A. It is not Halal.

Q. On the package of meat that is produced in Muslim countries by non-Muslim Companies, it says, “slaughtered according to Islamic laws”. Are we allowed to eat that meat ?Can we eat that meat, if it comes from Muslim Companies in non-Muslim countries? & what is the ruling, if the source is non-Muslim company from a non-Muslim country?

A. The writing (on the package) has no value at all. If the producer is a Muslim or it was produced in a place where Muslim are in the majority & it is not known that the producer is a non-Muslim then it is permissible to eat it. But if the producer is a non-Muslim or it was produced in a place where Muslims are not in the majority & it is not known that the producer is a Muslim, then it is not permissible to eat it.

Q. Is it permissible to eat halãl food which has been steam cooked with the steam of meat not slaughtered according to Islamic laws?

A. It is not permissible since the food, as mentioned in the question, will be considered impure (najis) because of coming into contact with the wet parts from the steam of the impure meat. (to be continued next week)

Q. We enter some Super Markets in Europe & find meat in tin containers produced by a European company with the writing on the package that conveys the sense of it being “Halal” or “slaughtered according to Islamic Laws”. Is it permissible to buy & eat such meat?

A. The writing (on the package) has no value if it does not lead to certainty (that it is actually Halal)

Q. Meat companies slaughter a large number of chickens at one time [that is, simultaneously]. Now if the person running the slaughtering machine is a Muslim, who says takbír & says the name of Allãh only once at the time of slaughtering all the chicken [simultaneously], is it permissible for us to eat those chickens? If we have doubt about these chickens being halãl, can we [ignore that doubt and] eat them & consider them pure (tãhir)?

A. If he repeats the name of Allãh as long as the machine is continuing to slaughter, it is sufficient. In the event of doubt about its being halãl (a doubt which arises concerning the mentioning of the name of Allãh), it can be considered pure & be consumed.

Q. Is it permissible to buy meat thinking that it is slaughtered according to Islamic laws from a super-market owned by a Muslim who [also] sells alcoholic drinks?

A. Yes, it is permissible; & it is halãl to eat, even if it previously came from a non-Muslim as long as there is a likelihood that the shopkeeper has ascertained that it was slaughtered according to the shari‘a laws; but not if there is no such likelihood. (to be continued next week)

Q. Commercial fishing vessels place their huge nets [in the sea] & catch tons of fish which are then sold in the markets. It is well known that modern methods of fishing are based on catching the fish alive, & that the fishermen throw the dead fish back into the water for fear of contamination.

Therefore, is it permissible for us to buy such fish in the markets of non-Muslims? Is it permissible for us to buy such fish from Muslims who are not considerate of religious laws? In both the cases to ascertain that this particular fish in front of me was taken out of the water alive, should seek the advice of an expert & reliable witness to testify to that fact which may prove difficult, impractical, & unrealistic.

So, is there a solution for practicing Muslims who face difficulty in ascertaining whether or not the meat of chicken, cow or sheep is halãl, & therefore take to eating fish instead?

A. There is no problem in buying it from Muslims or non-Muslims; as there is no problem in eating it, if they are satisfied that the fish was caught by the method mentioned above & that it belongs to the category of scale fish.

Q. At times we find the name or picture of fish on the cans & come to know that the fish is a scale fish. So, is it permissible for us to rely on the name or the picture in determining the category of fish, knowing well that a wrong statement of this kind would put the manufacturers in great loss or even more serious [situation] than just a loss?

A. If one is satisfied it is the truth, it is permissible to act upon it.

Q. Is it permissible to buy a fish from a Muslim who is not a Shi‘a while we have no knowledge whether it is from the category of scale fish or not?

A. It is permissible to buy it but one cannot eat it unless he makes sure that it is from the category of scale fish.

Question: Kindly explain the kinds of fish & the conditions required to be fulfilled for fish to be Halaal to eat.

Answer: All types of fish that have scales (even if it is not fully covered with scales & even if it has but a single scale) & are caught alive from water are allowed to eat. Details as under:

1] If a fish with scales is caught alive from water, & it dies thereafter, it is Paak & Halaal to eat, even if the scales are shed off later due to some reasons. It is also lawful to eat if it dies in the net of the fisherman.
2] If a fish falls out of water or a wave throws it out, or the water recedes & the fish remains on dry ground, if some one catches it with his h& or by some other means before it dies, it will be Halaal to eat it after it dies.
3] It is not necessary that a person catching a fish should be a Muslim or should utter the name of Allah while catching it. It is, however, necessary that a Muslim should have seen or ascertained that the fish was brought alive from the water, or that it died in the net in water.
4] If a dead fish about which it is not known whether it was caught from water alive or dead, is bought from a Muslim, it is Halaal, but if it is bought from a non-Muslim, it is Haraam even if he claims that he has brought it alive from the water; EXCEPT WHEN A MAN FEELS SATISFIED THAT THE FISH WAS BROUGHT ALIVE FROM THE WATER OR THAT IT DIED IN THE NET IN THE WATER.

ISLAMIC LEGAL DECISIONS Concerning Food & Drink

Compiled by Shaykh Fadhil as-Sahlani

Translated by Abdelmalik Badruddin Eagle

Source: AL-NOOR https://library.tebyan.net/en/Viewer/Text/165541/1

(All advice hereby given is in accordance with the general consensus among the Maraaji' al -Taqlid, except where specifically stated)

This article will mention the five categories employed in fiqh, namely what is forbidden, that towards which there is aversion, an obligatory action, what is recommended or desirable and permissability.

Forbidden things

In the previous article we gave details of certain foods (mostly meat) which cannot be eaten. Here we shall summarize that and discuss other foodstuffs a Muslim is forbidden to eat:

- (a) Mayta: this is any creature that has not been slaughtered according to the Islamic method (see Part 1).

(b) Polluted or unclean things concerning which there is no argument: anything that the Divine Lawgiver has described as polluted and thus cannot be eaten such as blood, faeces (gha'it) and a piece of flesh cut from a living animal. At this point there are many related problems the most important of which we shall now discuss.

(1) Jelly, jello or Gelatine:

This is a substance made from the joints and bones of animals and is used in many foodswffs, medications and sweets. What does Islam say about this substance? The jurists ( fuqaha') are in agreement concerning its purity ( tahaara) and, thus, that it can be eaten provided that it is extracted from an animal which is mudhakka (i.e. slaughtered according to the Islamic method - see previous article). Therefore gelatine produced in an Islamic country is covered by this judgement since it is presumed that the rules relating to slaughtering according to the Islamic Shari'a are followed in such a country. Regarding gelatine which has been extracted from an animal not mudhakka or which has been produced in a non-Islamic country, it is pure ( taahir) and so one is permitted to eat it but only if it has been established that a transmutation (istihaala) has taken place. This means that the original animal substance has changed or been transformed in its essence into another substance. We should notice that Sayyed Khoei (RA) is of the opinion that this transformation must have come into effect. If however, a Muslim is absolutely certain in his own mind that the transmutation has not occured then the substance remains polluted for him and therefore it is forbidden for him to consume it. On this premise we understand that the Muslim must verify this fact for him / herself to make sure whether or not a transmutation has actually taken place. Sayyed Seestani makes the individual responsible for this verification and has not declared that either transmutation or lack of it has been proven.

(2) Rennet.

Which is a substance extracted from the stomach or intestines of a young billy-goat after it has been slaughtered or has died and is used in the making of several kinds of cheese. Is it permitted to eat such cheeses imported from non-Islamic countries knowing that they contain rennet? The jurists are of the opinion that rennet is pure even that which is extracted from a mayta. Consequently its use in the production of cheese does not affect the purity of such cheese which, therefore, is permitted. However, if cheese contains fatty substances extracted from animals which are not mudhakka, then such cheese is subsequently polluted and it is forbidden to eat it.

(3) Deadly poisons

These are forbidden and also anything which is grievously harmful. Under this heading are included narcotics such as opium, cannabis (hashish ) and heroin and (medical) drugs whether it is a matter of an increase to the prescribed dose or not.

(4) Clay

This is forbidden to be consumed except a very small quantity, equivalent to the size of a chick-pea, from the earth of Karbala where the tomb of Imam al-Husayn (P) is situated. Sayyed Seestani extends this prohibition to soil, earth and sand but, nevertheless, does not

forbid other substances which a human being does not customarily eat, such as stones, wood and metals as, for example, the extremely thin leaves of silver which are used to decorate certain dishes in a number of Islamic countries.

(5) Certain parts of a slaughtered animal are not permitted.

When a creature (sheep, goat, cow or camel ) is slaughtered all its meat is permitted to be consumed except for particular parts and elements which are: blood, the male reproduction organ, the testacles, the spleen, faeces, the bladder, the gall bladder, the placenta, the vulva, the vein extending from the neck to the tail, the spinal chord, the glands, the pineal body (in the middle of the brain) and the pupils of the eye. This is the commonly accepted list. Sayyed Khoei (RA) sees a problem in the prohibition of some of the above but considers that they must all be avoided as an obligatory precaution. Sayyed Seestani, however, maintains that the items in the above list are all forbidden with the exception of the vein extending from the neck to the tail which must be avoided as an obligatory precaution. Regarding birds, blood and faeces are forbidden. Apart from those two elements, if other items from the above cited list are found in the birds then, according to Sayyed Seestani, forbidding the eating of them is based upon obligatory precaution.

(6) Where alcohol is being served

Anything that was permitted to be eaten becomes haram when it is put on a table at which an alcoholic drink or any other intoxicating liquor is served and so, of course, it is forbidden to partake of anything which is on such a table. However, if the food is taken off that table and placed elsewhere, the food can then be consumed. Sayyed Seestani considers this prohibition to be on the basis of an obligatory precaution which applies even to the mere sitting down at such a table. Sayyed Khoei (RA) is of the opinion that the sitting down at the table is a forbidden action.

The Muslim man or woman is forbidden to drink the following:

(1) Alcoholic beverages and all other intoxicating liquor whatever it is called, including beer. Almighty God says :

"Intoxicating liquor and games of chance and (sacrificing to) stones set up and

(dividing by) arrows are indeed an impurity, the work of the Shaytan so keep away from it ( al-Ma 'ida, 90).

In some hadith the imbibing of such drinks is described as being one of the greatest transgressions. It is related that Imam Ja'far bin Muhammad ( may peace be upon him ) said;

"Intoxicating liquor is the source of wicked deeds and the cause of every evil: the imbiber of such only has to drink for an hour and it will take away his reason and he will no longer know his Lord. He will not abstain from a transgression until he has committed it nor a forbidden action until he has perpetrated it nor will he neglect a close relative in need until he has already severed the relationship nor will he refrain from an abominable deed until he has done it. If he drinks [just] a mouthful, God and His angels and His Prophets and the believers will curse him. If he drinks until he gets drunk the spirit of faith will be rested from his body and a vile, despicable spirit will take its place and his prayers will not be accepted for 40 days

Many questions are raised concerning alcoholic beverages and alcohol. These include; What is the difference between al-fuqqa' ,barley juice and beer?

According to the understanding of the fuqaha' , regarding these terms it is seen that al -fuqqa' means an alcoholic drink extracted from barley. Therefore it is polluted (najis), intoxicating and drinking it is not permitted. Beer fits this description exactly. Al-though there is perhaps a little difference in the method of brewing , the outcome of both drinks is intoxication. Barley juice, however, although also extracted from barley is produced by a method that will not make it cause intoxication. This is a drink that doctors prescribe to treat certain maladies. Consequently it is pure (tahir) and drinking it is permitted.

What about juice or medicaments which contain a slight proportion of alcohol?

Sayyed Al Khoei (May God have mercy upon his soul ) was asked about this matter and his answer was as follows: " If what is meant by alcohol is like spirit which is extracted from liquids which have not undergone fermentation, then it is pure and there is no objection to it. If however, it is extracted from fermented liquids it is polluted and forbidden since the (description) intoxicating applies to it - and God is the Knower of all".

A study of Sayyed Khoei's decisions regarding this topic indicates that he made a distinction between alcohol extracted from liquids which had not undergone the process of fermentation and between alcohol from those which had. The first category which includes alcohol extracted from petroleum or wood or, for the sake of argument, from any organic substance, solid or liquid, and that is unknown to produce intoxication is considered pure and thus what comes into contact with it is also pure. Thus medicaments or juice which contain it are permitted. The second category is polluted and causes pollution and consequently what has been mixed with such alcohol is forbidden.

(2) Blood, from any source whatsoever. It is forbidden to drink it, lick it or imbibe it in any conceivable form. This prohibition, however, does not apply to blood transfusions given to a sick man or woman who is in need of them. In this case no distinction is made between the blood of a Muslim and that of a non-Muslim.

(3) Milk from an animal whose meat is in itself forbidden as, for example, the milk of lions and monkeys or where there exists an impediment like the milk of a camel (known as jallaala) which has been nourished on the faeces of a human being. While Sayyed Khoei considers the drinking of human milk permissable, Sayyed Seestani says that it must not, as an obligatory precaution, be drunk.

(4) Vile liquids as, for example, sour juices, various kinds of fuel refined from petroleum, spirit and any liquid the drinking of which will cause grievous harm to a human being, like poisonous substances and narcotics.

(5) Urine from animals whose meat is intrinsically forbidden:the urine of the lion, the elephant and so on. Also, as an obligatory precaution, from animals whose flesh is permitted to be eaten -even the camel. However, there is no objection to drinking the urine of the three categories of grazing animals - cows, goats and sheep, as a means of medication and even if cure from a malady is not the aim. This is the opinion of Sayyed Seestani. There are minor differences among the fuqaha' relating to this subject. Their fatwas should be consulted when the need arises.

Everything we have set out concerning what a Muslim is forbidden to eat or drink becomes permitted in the case of dire necessity: God Almighty says,

"It is forbidden for you [to eat] al-Mayta (dead creatures without dhakaar), blood, meat of the pig and what has been dedicated to anyone but God ". whoever out of necessity does so , not wishing such nor exceeding the limit, commits no transgression. Truly God is all Forgiving and all Merciful". (al-Baqara, 173)

Necessity means in this case that there is not available any permissable food or drink and that the Muslim is exposed to grave illness or even death if he or she does not partake of a little food. It is not permitted to consume more than simply allays one's hunger or thirst. Perhaps such circumstances occur in certain prisons or detention camps, or particular hospitals, or in deserts or desolate places.

At this juncture we should like to draw the attention of our readers to the fact that certain Muslims have memorized the above cited aya (al-Baqara, 173) and reiterate it in those first class restaurants which look out upon the heart of numerous European capitals or are situated in the tourist resorts of many non Islamic countries where halal food and drink doubtless exist in plenty if just a little effort were made to look for it. May we be permitted to point out to those Muslims that such restaurants are not legitimate places for reciting this ayah from the Holy Qur'an as an excuse for, or in order to justify, what they are doing.

Recommended actions

There are many recommended , desireable actions associated with food and drink. Some concern the presentation and making available of food for those in need and others on various occasions as, for example, the desirability of having a feast on the occasion of a marriage or on the birth of a child and so on. There are also several recommended actions and desirable things which should be observed before, during and after a meal. These include:

(1) Washing both hands together before partaking of a meal without drying them with a towel.

(2) Washing both hands after a meal, and this time there is no objection to drying them.

(3) The host (or hostess) should begin to eat before the others and stop eating after the others have finished.

(4) The tasmiya (that is, to say Bismillah Al Rahmaan Ir-Raheem ) on Commencing the meal and if there are several dishes on the table spread (sufra), the tasmiya is desirable before beginning each one.

(5) To eat with the right hand.

(6) To eat with three or more fingers, and not to eat with two.

(7) To eat from what is in front of one if there are a number of people around the table spread and not to take food from what is immediately in front of others.

(8) Eating small quantities at a time, chewing well, spending some time at the table ( that is, not hurrying the meal) and licking the fingers.

(9) Thanking God after finishing the meal (that is, to say al-Hamdulillahi Rabb al- 'alameen), picking the teeth and picking up and eating what has fallen outside the sufra except when in the countryside and in desert places where it is recommended to leave crumbs and so forth to animals and birds.

(10) One should not look directly at the faces of others whilst they are eating.

(11) One should not eat if one has already had sufficient to eat elsewhere, neither should one overload one's stomach up with food. It is best not to eat food while it is still hot nor blow on food or drink / liquids.

There are many other recommended and desirable actions most of which concern such matters as: respect for what God has provided, avoiding any kind of waste and extravagance, respect for the feelings of guests, eschewing anything which is repellent or repulsive and avoiding all that is unhygienic and incompatible with traditional Muslim conduct.

Imbibing water has its own particular method: for instance water should be sipped, not gulped and should be drunk during the day while one is standing and at night not standing. The tasmiya is said before drinking and al-hamdulillah afterwards. One should remember Imam al-Husayn (may peace and blessings be upon him and his beloved grandfather, Prophet Muhammad) and his kinsfolk and, after drinking, those who went out to kill him Imam Husayn should be cursed. If the drinking vessel is chipped one should avoid drinking at that particular place and also by the handle. One should not drink holding the vessel by one's left hand.

Six conditions of shari'ah which need to be met at the time of zibh, for the hilleyyat of a halal-meat animal (in order for the animal to be considered as 'halal')