What is the difference between halal meat and kosher meat? Halal - what is this and the meaning of the word, features of the industrial production of meat and food.

In the modern world, it has become fashionable to adhere to a healthy lifestyle - visit gyms and swimming pools, rationalize nutrition, follow a nutritious diet, go for massages and lead an active lifestyle in general. And of course, this is very commendable, especially considering that even young people strive for this, who 5-7 years ago were not interested in anything other than elite alcohol and noisy club parties.

Fashion exotic

Sometimes, even when we follow some kind of nutrition system, there is a temptation to eat something tasty and terribly harmful. Against the backdrop of breakdowns, some inexorably gain the previously lost kilograms. But there are also those who approach the issue of their favorite harmful substances with all responsibility and a share of cunning, buying halal food.

Products with the mysterious oriental label "halal" are available in many stores, but are quickly sorted out by buyers in the very first days of delivery. What is hidden under the mysterious name "halal food"?

What is the essence and benefit of consuming such gastronomic products? Let's figure it out together. Do not be afraid of such an exotic product name. It is worth emphasizing that they are successfully used by representatives of various races and religions around the world. In a broad sense, halal food does not carry any religious overtones. More precisely, it is indeed associated with Islam, but for us Christians, it is nothing more than healthy food. So what does it mean "halal food"- a return to ancient traditions, or another fashion trend?

Halal food is the key to health and beauty

So, if you see a sausage in front of you, or any other product marked “halal”, you are probably wondering what exactly it is associated with. The word "halal" in translation from Arabic has an almost literal meaning. "compliance with Sharia law". “This, of course, is wonderful, but how are Sharia laws related to ordinary sausage” – you probably think to yourself. The answer to your question is kept by one of the oldest and greatest religions in the world - Islam.

In the holy book of any devout Muslim, it is clearly stated what he can eat and what is categorically not. Sometimes it seems ridiculous to us that the Koran prohibits, say, pork. It would seem, why do Muslims consider this meat "dirty"?

But they, like us, have their own laws by which they have to live. In addition, as practice shows, these traditions have a very favorable effect on the health and energy state of a person.

Thus, by consuming halal food, we can join the Islamic culture, and at the same time cleanse the body. It is believed that not only he gets rid of all sorts of sores and pollution. The soul itself is healed.

According to the Quran, the following products of animal origin are prohibited:

• Pork;
• Meat of predators (wolf, tiger, lion, etc.);
• Meat of birds of prey (hawk, falcon, etc.);
• Meat of donkeys and mules;
• dog meat;
• Some by-products;
• Genitals and endocrine glands;
• urinary bladder and gallbladder;
• Pure blood.

In addition, Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol. Agree that the exclusion of the products presented above can be very useful for a person who is far from the Eastern religion. After all, by consuming the listed products inside, we endanger not only our figure, but also our health. For example, pig meat contains saturated fatty acids, which adversely affect lipid metabolism.

In addition, when using this variety of meat, the level of cholesterol in the blood greatly increases, which contributes to the development of hypercholesterolemia with all the ensuing consequences, up to atherosclerosis.

Another characteristic feature of halal is that the animal whose meat is prepared for sale must be killed strictly for slaughter. Eating the meat of an animal that died of natural causes, or was killed in any prohibited, unacceptable way, is strictly prohibited. It is not allowed to slaughter an animal without a special prayer for this rite. It is believed that cattle should be killed with the name and permission of God.

What is halal food?

This is pure food, both in the moral and spiritual, and in the physical sense. In its manufacture, the addition of prohibited products is not allowed, which means that food is considered healthy and healthy. Take a look at the above list of Muslim prohibitions again. Now imagine that all of the above somehow ends up on your plate with meat products and semi-finished products from an ordinary grocery store.

Sad, isn't it? Isn't that a reason to buy halal products?

Today, halal products are successfully sold not only on the shelves of our Motherland, but also in stores in Europe and the USA. Halal restaurants exist in many countries and are frequented by the rich and famous. They believe that such food is ideal for their health and beauty, and this says a lot. In the UK, halal products are sold annually for 6,000,000 people, although, according to the census, only 2,000,000 devout Muslims live in the country.

As you can understand, halal food is suitable for all people without exception, and is considered very healthy. In addition, it has a rich taste, since it contains only natural products, without various carcinogens and toxic additives.

Kosher food

What is halal and kosher food? We have dealt with halal. Now let's move on to kosher. Translated from Hebrew, "kasher" - "suitable, appropriate". In fact, it has nothing to do with food directly… but it also has to do with religion! Kosher food also involves observing some norms and restrictions in the Jewish religion.

According to Jewish law, only the meat of livestock is allowed to be eaten - cow, bull, sheep, ram, goat or deer. The consumption of poultry is allowed - chickens, geese, turkeys, ducks.

The food culture of different peoples is determined not only by the climate and the list of products that are more accessible in the area. A great influence on culinary traditions, no doubt, has a certain group of the population. It is not surprising that there are preferences that are distributed among people by no means on a national basis. Their basis is precisely the common faith. Such a product can be considered halal meat, which is sold, bought and used both in the Arab countries, and in India, and in Russia, and in the USA, and in the UK. Its main consumers are Muslims, since such a product is originally made by them and for themselves.

What does this term mean

Translated from Arabic, the word "halal" means "conformity", "consistency with Sharia law". Naturally, such an interpretation is quite approximate, but it fully conveys the deep meaning. For Muslims, these are certain rules that apply not only to food. And for the rest of the world, all these laws come down to the concept of "halal meat". Many believe that this is just a dish from However, there are non-Muslims among the Arabs, and in other nations, on the contrary, there are supporters of this religion. So we can firmly say: halal meat is not a dish, but a way of preparing an ingredient.

Halal production rules

Differences from ordinary beef or lamb begin with the rearing of animals. First of all - fattening: only natural products are suitable for it, no stimulants, hormones, artificial additives and GMOs. At the same time, careful care of the herds is required. Of course, hygiene and sanitation must be observed on ordinary farms, but they are often neglected or allowed some concessions. However, in order to obtain natural halal meat, almost medical sterility is required. During the entire cycle of growing animals, there is constant veterinary control: they should not get sick with anything. Attention and affection are obligatory in relation to cattle intended for slaughter, both before slaughtering, and during it, and after. Slaughter is performed only physically - dissected. No other methods are acceptable. The blood from the animals descends completely. An indispensable prayer that is read before slaughter ensures that such halal meat is fully consistent with the laws of the Koran, but is hardly necessary for those people who do not follow Sharia.

How is this meat different from regular meat?

If it is bought from the “right” place, where it is fully halal, you can be sure that there is nothing in beef but natural meat. No dyes, flavors, GMOs or preservatives. Fear of carcinogens, which are many chemical additives, recedes without a fight - halal meat simply does not contain them. Moreover, the meat, from which the blood is completely drained, has a mild and pleasant taste, and at the same time the likelihood of bacteria breeding in it is significantly reduced.

Which is definitely not halal

According to the Koran, the following are not subject to human consumption: pork (and there is not even an explanation why), the meat of predators - both birds and mammals (in principle, this is reasonable - what they eat cannot be controlled, as well as, accordingly, the health of those who ate their meat). The category "halal meat" definitely does not include animals that have been suffocated (crushed by constriction of the throat) or died as a result of injuries. It is forbidden to eat meat, the origin of which is unknown, the blood of any livestock is completely forbidden. Ours probably looks like a mockery for Muslims. By the way, these are very reasonable restrictions, which are aimed at preventing mass poisoning or the spread of terrible diseases. The same bleeding very strongly protected the population of the hot regions of the planet from very serious diseases, especially if the animal was of unknown origin and it is not clear what he died from.

Be that as it may, lately halal meat has been in high demand among those who were not even close to Islam. Environmental friendliness and guarantee against infection and poisoning attract more and more people.

Over the past few years, halal products have been increasingly represented in stores around the world. "Permitted" products are in demand not only by Muslims, but also by Christians. In order to understand well what is halal in nutrition, let us turn again to the concept of haram in food. Orthodox forbidden use as food:

• Pork, as well as all derivatives that are prepared from the components of the pork carcass (gelatin, which is most often made from pork cartilage);
• Alcohol (including those used as a flavoring agent - sweets, canned food, meat marinated in wine);
• Animal blood;
• Carrion (meat of dead (not killed) animals);
• Insects, birds of prey, predatory animals (especially scavengers);
• Meat of animals killed without mentioning the name of Allah, in violation of halal rules.

Pay attention to the last point! Even if the animal whose meat you are going to purchase belongs to the category of permitted ones, you must find out who killed it and how. Just because it's chicken doesn't mean it's halal. And a rabbit. And beef. And any other livestock. Only if you know for sure that the animal was slaughtered in compliance with Sharia law and a believer, such meat is halal for you.

Certain food colorings and additives made from insects that contain the skin, hair, or fat of animals that have been improperly killed are also banned. Halal food should be natural, healthy and wholesome.

Halal meat and other products: features

The meat of "permitted" animals can turn into "forbidden" food. Let's see how halal meat differs from ordinary meat. "Pure" meat can be obtained if rules slaughter:

• The animal must be healthy;
• The place of slaughter must be perfectly clean;
• The slaughterer must be of age, mentally healthy, have a sharp tool (it is forbidden to sharpen a knife in the presence of an animal!) And slaughter, causing the least suffering to the animal (it is allowed to make only one incision in the neck);
• Just before slaughter, the slaughterer must say: "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar!" (in the event that the slaughterer is not a Muslim (which is allowed), he can say: “With God!”);
• All blood must flow out of the carcass of the slaughtered animal, for which it is suspended;

Halal meat production process strictly controlled representatives of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims or the council of muftis.

If everything is clear with meat, then what does “halal” mean on the packaging of rice or sugar? This can only mean one thing, that the product does not contain any prohibited additives, dyes, preservatives. This is especially important for sweets, vegetables, canned food and other products.

be careful when buying confectionery: alcohol is included in most cakes and pastries, and gelatin is the basis of marmalade and marshmallows, not to mention jelly. This does not mean that such delicacies are forbidden for Muslims. Halal jelly (like marshmallow marmalade) is made from gelatin made from Agar-agar algae or pectin (derived from peaches or apples).

Let's not be deceived

Halal products are becoming more and more popular. This fact is often used by dishonest manufacturers who use the inscription "halal" on the labels. Frozen foods (manti, pasties, dumplings, etc.) require special care. The contents may not correspond to what is written on the packaging.

Note! The inscription "Muslim sausage" or "Muslim dumplings" does not mean that the product is halal! The packaging must have a sign confirming the permissibility of food. For example, the mark of the Council of Muftis of Russia.

Every a halal product must be accompanied by a special certificate, which can be requested from the seller.

Halal or halal is a word translated from Arabic meaning "permitted". Modern people mistakenly, out of old habit, associate this permission exclusively with food. A righteous Muslim is guided by this principle in everything: in the choice of work, bride, clothing. And yes! Of course, in nutrition.
To put it simply, halal is a seal of quality that tells a Muslim that the purchased products are made in accordance with all religious requirements. However, lovers of healthy food have also become in love with products approved by Allah himself. As demand increases, so does supply. More and more Halal signs appear. Meat producers are trying especially hard. After all, this is the most expensive and tasty piece of the market.

What can not be eaten by a devout Muslim?

What is halal and what is haram (forbidden) is determined individually by different Muslim schools, but they agree on the main points. Turning to Islamic traditions, we get the following prohibited list:

• the meat of animals that died a natural death;
• meat of animals that died as a result of electric shock, suffocation, poisoning, beatings;
• pork meat;
• meat of an animal slaughtered in violation of Muslim prescriptions;
• meat of predatory animals and birds;
• dog meat;
• meat of donkeys and mules;
• blood (other than what remains in the muscles of a properly slaughtered animal).

Alcohol and substances that have a narcotic effect on the human psyche are added to the above. So far, nothing criminal and mysterious. In addition to Muslim prescriptions. So how is halal meat obtained?

The secret of halal meat

The process is based on hygiene. Islamic traditions prescribe cleanliness and compliance with all sanitary and hygienic standards. It is forbidden to slaughter sick animals. Only healthy and strong individuals are eaten.
Contrary to common misconceptions, Muslims treat living creatures humanely. The organization of comfortable living conditions is one of the conditions for preparing for slaughter. Food for animals is chosen only natural, without GMOs and artificial additives (this is not broiler chicken for you). Cruelty is also prohibited. The happier the cow, the more halal its meat.
Before slaughter, the animal is tried to calm and distract. A short prayer is read, and then the animal is killed in one motion, cutting the carotid artery and esophagus. Death comes quickly, and the meat is not poisoned by adrenaline. The removal of blood occurs naturally, which, without antibiotics, saves the meat from the spread of bacteria.
The result is a completely environmentally friendly product. There is no doubt about the benefits and naturalness of such meat. And even more so in terms of taste. No wonder more and more people are choosing

The word "halal" comes from the Arabic "al-halal", which means "permitted". Basically, this concept among Muslims refers to meat. For example, Islam forbids eating pork, meat with blood, the meat of animals that have died a natural death or strangled, and those who have been slaughtered without pronouncing the name of Allah. You can also not eat the meat of land predators - for example, a tiger or a wolf. Under the ban is the use of some parts of the bodies of animals, such as the genitals, endocrine glands, gallbladder.

Kosher (kosher) food in Judaism is called food corresponding to kashrut - a system of ritual rules, in turn, corresponding to the commandments of the Torah. So, it is allowed to eat the meat of herbivores, which are both ruminants and artiodactyls. These are, for example, cows, sheep, goats. But the meat of a pig, a hare or a camel is forbidden. As for the bird, according to tradition, the Jews eat only domestic birds - chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and pigeons. The slaughter of livestock and poultry must also be carried out in compliance with many rules. It is forbidden to eat blood, so the meat must be bled. A fish is considered kosher if it has scales and fins. Therefore, some types of fish (catfish, sturgeon, eel, shark) are not kosher, and their caviar, too. Whales and dolphins are also not kosher because they don't have scales, any molluscs and crustaceans because they don't have scales or fins. It is strictly forbidden to eat insects, amphibians and reptiles (the Torah calls them sheretz - evil spirits).

Today in Russia, you can often find on sale products labeled "kosher" or "halal". And they are sold not only in specialized outlets. Many Orthodox are interested in whether it is possible to buy and eat such products.