Halal food adheres to Islamic law and includes any foods that are permissible, such as Zabiha meat (beef, lamb, poultry) and fish, as well as plant-based items like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. The key aspect of halal is the specific, humane method of slaughter for animals, known as dhabīḥah, which involves a sharp knife, a prayer, and the animal's head facing the direction of Mecca, while avoiding contact with haram (forbidden) substances. For those in Orlando, Florida

What Halal Food Means

  • Permissible:

    "Halal" is an Arabic word meaning "permissible" or "lawful" under Islamic dietary laws.

  • Ingredients:

    Halal food must not contain any ingredients from forbidden (haram) sources and must not have come into contact with them

Key Components of Halal Food

  • Zabiha Meat: Meat from animals (like beef, lamb, and poultry) that are slaughtered according to Islamic rules.

  • Fish & Seafood: Generally considered halal as long as they have scales.

  • Plant-Based Foods: Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes like rice and beans are all halal.

  • Dairy: Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are halal

The Halal Slaughter Process

  • Dhabīḥah: The proper method for slaughtering animals under Islamic law.

  • Humane Slaughter: The animal is treated humanely.

  • The Cut: A sharp knife is used to make a swift incision to the throat, cutting the jugular veins but not the spinal cord.

  • Prayer: A Muslim performs the slaughter and recites a prayer, "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" (In the name of God, God is greatest).

  • Direction: The animal's head is positioned to face the Qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).

  • Blood Drainage: The blood must be fully drained from the animal

Forbidden (Haram) Foods

  • Pork and its by-products.

  • Animals that were not slaughtered in the dhabīḥah manner.

  • Animals that died from disease, strangulation, or goring

Finding Halal Food in Orlando

  • HalalOrlando.Com: The official tourism site lists options for various cuisines, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian.

  • Certifications: When in doubt, check for a 100% halal certification

HALAL FOOD