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The Halal products industry is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach $4.9 trillion in 2030. Although the Halal sector is specially formed to meet the needs of Muslims, it is gaining popularity among non-Muslims as well. The reason behind its higher demand is its health benefits.
The saying “What you eat is what you are’’ emphasizes the importance of purity in your diet. The food you eat has a massive impact on your health. Although the halal industry has become a global market, there are still numerous myth and misconceptions linked to the concept of halal.
This guide will help you and clear your misconceptions and myths about the Halal food so let’s debunk them. Let’s start by understanding the meaning of misconceptions and exploring why it’s essential to address them.
The Meaning of Myth and Misconception
A myth is a widely held but false belief or idea. It often has its roots in tradition, culture, or religion. On the other hand, a misconception is a mistaken idea or view resulting from faulty thinking or understanding.
In the context of halal food, both myths and misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings about dietary practices.
Due to cultural differences and a lack of knowledge, many misconceptions surround halal food. These misconceptions can create barriers between communities and contribute to misunderstandings and prejudice.
Why Addressing Misconceptions Matters?
Many reasons lead us to address misconceptions about halal food. Here are a few of them:
- Firstly, clarity about halal food helps promote awareness and patience among communities.
- Providing accurate information helps them make informed food choices rather than false beliefs.
- Most Importantly, addressing misconceptions can help reduce discrimination toward Muslim communities.
The main reason behind this vagueness is a lack of knowledge about Islam. Such misconceptions have a negative impact on Muslim communities, and that’s why they need to be addressed on time.
Top 6 Halal Food Myths And Misconceptions
Misconceptions about halal food create unfairness in communities where Muslims are in short numbers. Non-Muslims with insufficient knowledge have false beliefs about Islamic dietary laws. Based on their inadequate awareness of Islam, they fall into certain misconceptions; here are a few of them.
1: Misconception: Halal Food Is Only For Muslims
One of the biggest misconceptions related to halal food is that only Muslims can consume it. Well, Halal is indeed linked explicitly to Muslims, but non-Muslims can also have it. There are no restrictions on non-Muslims’ consumption of halal food.
Indeed, with increasing awareness about the health benefits of halal meat and other eatables, the demand for halal is continuously growing. Non-Muslims who have experienced eating halal food express their gratitude for its deliciousness.
2: Myth: Muslims can only eat or drink Halal !!
Although all Muslims are restricted to eating only halal by Islamic laws, there are some permissions in some cases. A person who has severe health issues can eat or drink haram ( forbidden) products like alcohol or pork, etc.
But remember, this relaxation is only given to ill individuals taking these as medicines, not for fun.
3: Myth: Halal Meat Must Be Slaughtered In A Specific Way.
The teaching of the Quran indeed guides Muslims to slaughter the animal in a specific way. This guidance aims to provide high-quality and pure meat to individuals. According to Islam, the animal must be killed with a sharp knife and drained of blood.
There are various methods of slaughter accepted by Islamic law, including calling the name of Allah while slaughtering. Well, some other accepted methods include hand slaughter, mechanical slaughter, and stunning before slaughter.
Besides focusing on the slaughtering process, Islam also guides Muslims to feed halal food to animals and keep them away from forbidden products.
4: Misconception: Halal Food is not as nutritional as Non-Halal Food
One of the most ridiculous misconceptions about Halal food is that it is low in health and nutritional benefits. Critics believe that when meat is prepared under strict Islamic rules, it reduces the protein and other necessary factors while cleaning.
There is no evidence to support this foolish claim. In fact, many studies have shown that halal food can often be safer and healthier than non-halal food. This is because halal food follows strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Following Halal standards can help prevent food-borne illnesses.
5: Misconception: Halal Certification Is A Money-Making Scheme
Halal certification faces severe criticism regarding food authorization. Analysts believe that it is solely a way for companies to make more money.
However, halal certification is much more than that. It ensures that the food has been prepared according to Islamic guidelines. Which helps meet certain quality standards.
Additionally, the fees charged for halal certification are used to fund organizations that provide community services.
6: Misconception: All Halal Food is the Same
Those who don’t have much experience with halal food believe it only contains certain items which look and taste similar. This is not reality at all. Halal food varies greatly depending on location, culture, and personal preferences.
For example, seafood may be considered halal in some countries, while in others, it may not be. Additionally, different Islamic sectors have different explanations of what is considered halal.
Conclusion
Addressing halal food myths and misconceptions is essential. It helps promote understanding of halal food among communities. Providing the right information about Islamic rules is the duty of Muslims. No one can force non-Muslims to believe in what we consider to be halal.
As a verse from the Quran emphasizes, “There is no compulsion in religion” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256).
The reason behind debunking these misconceptions is to guide them, not to prove them wrong. So, we should keep educating ourselves and others on the beauty and diversity of halal food.
