Basic Rules of Halal

With respect to food, Islamic laws are very specific and Muslims seek to eat foods defined as Halal, which is defined by Muslims as "that which is allowed". Essentially, Halal means permitted by Allah. Halal is often used in reference to foods and drinks, i.e. foods that are permissible for Muslims to eat or drink under Islamic Shari’ah (law). The criteria specifies both what foods are allowed, and how the food must be prepared. The foods addressed are mostly types of meat and animal tissue. The Qur’anic verses regarding Halal foods include: 2:173, 5:5, and 6:118–119, 121. Halal is any object or an action which is permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic law. The term covers and designates not only food and drink but also all matters of daily life. It is one of five al-ahkam al khamsah) fard (compulsory), mustahabb (recommended), halal (allowed), makruh (disliked), haram (forbidden)—that define the morality of human action in Islam. Mubah is also used to mean "permissible" or "allowed" in Islam.

What Is Haram To Consume For Muslims?

-- Any material that are not classified as Halal.
-- Anything that is forbidden or unlawful under Shariah Law.

Here is a list of the main things that are considered Haram (prohibited) for Muslims to consume:
 - Swine/pork and its by-products.
 - Animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering.
 - Animals killed in the name of anyone other than Allah (swt). ‘Allah’ (swt) is the arabic word for ‘God’ NOT an idol.
 - Animals slaughtered without mentioning the name of Allah. 
 - Alcohol and intoxicants.
 - Carnivorous animals, land animals without external ears and birds of prey
 - Blood and blood by-products.
 - Foods contaminated with any of the above.

Under Shariah, the following sources, including their by-products and derivatives are considered Haram (unlawful):
 - Animals that are not slaughtered according to Shariah.
 - Pigs, boars, dogs, snakes, monkeys and similar/closely related animals.
 - Carnivorous animals with claws or fangs such as lions, tigers, bears.
 - Birds of prey with claws such as eagles, vultures, owls.
 - Pests such as rats, centipedes, scorpions and other closely related animals.
 - Animals forbidden to be killed in Islam, i.e. ants, bees and woodpecker birds.
 - Animals which are considered repulsive generally like lice, flies, maggots and other similar animals.
 - Animals that live both on land and in water such as frogs, crocodiles and other similar animals.
 - Mules and domestic donkeys.
 - All poisonous and hazardous aquatic animals.
 - Blood and its derivatives.
 - Food containing intoxicating or hazardous plants except where the toxin or hazard can be eliminated during processing.
 - Alcoholic drinks and Alcoholic products.
 - All forms of intoxicating and hazardous drinks.
 - All food additives derived from any item that is deemed Haram according to the points above.
 - Any food that contains any human parts or its derivatives.

Can Muslims Consume Food Prepared By Non-muslims?

It is a religious obligation for all Muslims to consume only food that is Halal. Muslims can consume food that is prepared and/or sold by non-Muslims as long as they are Halal.