Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?

I have googled up on this word and could get a few information.But whats the real importance of the term `Halal’ in an Islamic life?

I am Hindu and often travel to Bali as part of my official touring,where predominantly Hindus are present.I have seen in many restaurants the display of Halal food' but really wondered how could someone,a Muslim,distinguish it.To my amazment those restaurants are run by Balanese Hindus.I often think whats the significance of Halal’ in Islam?What would a Muslim do when he/she goes to countries where `Halal food’ is largely unavailable?

Why is it so important in Islamic world?

Re: Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?

Halal means ' allowed '. Any act that is permissble under Sharia is known as halal. Since Islam is very particular about the way muslims 'behave' in a society it has provided specific guidelines and food is no exception. Apart from animals that are outrightly forbidden like pig, dog etc even ' halal ' animals such goat, sheep, chicken are not allowed to be consumed IF when slain Allah's name is not invoked.

Now of course ingredients in a restaurants may have 'non-halal' animal traits. For example gelatin which is found in several candies maybe extracted from pigs. A convenient way to convey muslims that a particular product is free from direct non-halal traces and indirect (such as gelatin) alike you use the term ' halal food'. So when you see a 'halal food' sign that would mean that the food is prepared according to Islamic rules : When slaying, preparing and adding additives

If you cannot find halal food and your dieing of starvation then of course you may consume anything you like.

Re: Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?

In the context you are asking arleitter. Halal pertains to meat used for cooking those dishes at those restaurants. In USA also there are many restaurants owned by Hindus who serve non vegetarian dishes made of Halal meat.
Muslims have been mandated to eat only the Halal meat. Now there are some scholarly differences .
For some sects of Muslims meat from a Halal ( permissible to be consumed) animal will not be halal until it is slaughtered in a certain way.
For other sects it is Halal if it is meat of a Halal animal even if it is not slaughtered in that certain way , but it has to be slaughtered by People of Book ( Christians and Jews).

Re: Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?

^Oh my God. This is the third time we're having this conversation.

As described by the pother posters, muslims have been asked to consume only halal food products so most often we stick to that ruling. If halal food isn't available, we eat vegetarian or fish. However, these days, halal meats are available almost anywhere we go so it isn't much of an issue.

Re: Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?

Kosher meat is also allowed to eat for Muslims and Scholars prefer consuming Kosher over non zabiha Halal meat.

This time it is with a twist. It is a genuine question by a non Muslim to curb his curiosity.

Re: Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?

Make sure you know the difference between Halal and Zabiha.

Re: Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?

Correct Hareem, Kosher is allowed, but am I right in assuming that it is only permissable in cases where halal options are not available? So let's say you go to a store where halal beef franks and kosher beef franks are both sold, we need to pick up the halal packet even if it $2 more expensive.

Zabiha is the method of slaughtering that is allowed on a halal animal.

Re: Whats the importance of `Halal' in Islam?

Is that true that meat that is slaughtered with instant decapitation or is Non-Zabiah should not be consumed?