Halaal

HALAAL

Halaal is an Arabic word which means: that which is permissible (it is opposite of haram: that which is forbidden). In the same meaning, Halaal also means: that which is justly earned, justified.

In Islamic culture, Halaal/Jaddaad is that meat of an animal that has been slaughtered in Muslim manner (i.e. slaughtering the animal while reading kalma, a Muslim hymn).

A Sikh is strictly forbidden from eating Halaal (meat).

For a Sikh, there is no restriction with regard to meat-eating and a Sikh may eat meat of any bird or animal. The idea behind restriction for Halaal meat might be assertion of Sikhs’ distinct identity.

Some people believe that during the time of the Gurus, no non-Muslim was allowed to keep a weapon and for Jhatkaa killing of an animal a sword was must. They believe that the Guru prescribed eating of Jhatka, which meant that the Sikhs would always keep sword. However, this is not true, as the Guru had already prescribed Kirpaan as an article of faith.

Also see: Jhatka, vegetarianism.

(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)