Did you know these facts about Halal Meats?
You might have come across a nice restaurant in a town square in London and decided to try out some new Asian cuisines. While reading the menu, you might have found the word 'Halal' mentioned everywhere. Do you know what that is? The word 'Halal meats' might seem familiar as halal meats are everywhere! No, they haven't found a new species of animal! It's rather a 'method' which has been practised for centuries and has benefitted mankind with better taste as well as health. In this blog, we will understand the Halal meats and their benefits.
What is Halal?
Halal is Arabic for permissible. The basic definition of halal is anything that is lawful or legal for Muslims. Halal food refers to adhering to Islamic law, as defined in the Koran. Although, it is most often used to describe the food and drink, the term halal can refer to any object or activity. Anything not allowed is known as Haram.
What is the Halal Meat?
Halal meat is an inherent part of the Muslim faith, and advocates argue that the practices of traditional Islamic slaughter are humane. The Halal meats refer to the slaughter and preparation of meat by Islamic practices. Regarding meat, this can apply to what kind of animal is used (not pigs, for instance) and the way they are killed.
As per the Muslim faith, the eating of pork, blood and carrion (dead and decaying animals) is strictly forbidden. It also bans the eating of any animal that has died from strangling, falling, beating, sacrificed at an altar or being gored.
How is the Halal meat made?
God's name must be invoked in a one-line blessing called the Tasmiyah, said before any slaughter. The Islamic practice of killing an animal for meat is called Zabiha. After reciting the blessing, the butcher uses a surgically sharp instrument to cut the animal's throat, windpipe and the blood vessels around its neck. The blood is then allowed to drain from the body. This process if followed properly, will refrain the meat from getting contaminated.
The blood is drained completely as it is the source of fermentation, so the quality of halal meat is maintained. As the slaughter is swift, the meat lacks the fear toxins which are not good for the meat eaters. Due to these benefits, the Halal meat has increasing demand around the world, even from non-Muslims.