Haram Food In Islam

Food is the primary source of sustenance of life. Allah swt has provided us with so many edible items. We have been given wide choice in this regard. Also, we are allowed some of the food items which were not allowed to bni israel as part of punishment. But there are some restrictions put on us when it comes to food consumption. Allah swt say in Quran;

[002:168] Oh mankind! Eat the lawful and wholesome (food) that exists on the earth. Do not follow in the footsteps of Shaitan. Indeed, he is the professed enemy of yours!

We are given a wide variety of food items from which we can choose to eat whatever we like. But there are some food items, like wine, pork meat etc. which we cannot eat like the previous nations who were forbidden these and other things consume them. We are told to be different from previous nations. And when it comes to food, we are strictly forbidden to eat most of what they eat.

Muslims cannot eat with kuffar and mushriks. It is because kuffar and mushrik cook and consume food with the mind set that all the food is given by their false gods. While in reality, everything belongs to Allah and comes from Allah swt. So, muslims are not suppose to eat with mushriks and kuffar. There are some other restrictions put on us which are mentioned in the following hadith;

[002:173] What He has forbidden you (to eat) are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and anything (slaughtered and) offered in any other name except that of Allah. But there is no sin if one is compelled by dire circumstances (to eat the forbidden food), provided it is not out of habit or rebellion. Indeed, Allah is the most Forgiving and the most Merciful.

[005:003] Forbidden for you (to eat) are (un-slaughtered) dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine and animals slaughtered in the name of beings other than Allah. (Also forbidden are) animals that die as a result of strangulation, violent blows or fall from a height, as well as animals gored to death or (partially) eaten by wild beasts unless you salvage (and slaughter) them (before they die). Also forbidden are animals slaughtered before idols, altars and monuments (dedicated to beings other than Allah) as well as meat distributed by resorting to raffle. These are sins. Today, the unbelievers have given up hope about (wishing) your faith (away). Do not fear them; fear me! I have this day perfected your way of life for you, and I have completed My favor upon you. I have chosen Islam  (submission) to be your religion. If one is compelled by hunger (to eat the forbidden food) and not by a desire to deviate and debauch then of course Allah is the most Forgiving and the most Merciful.

[005:005] This day all wholesome things are made lawful for you. The food of the people of the scriptures is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them.

The above verses explain a good deal of all that is forbidden for us and all that is permissible to eat. From these verses, the important thing that we learn is that, any meat that is offered in any other name than Allah is not permissible for us to eat. According to scholars, same goes for other food items. We cannot eat any food which has been used any religious ceremony of other religions. Similarly, the modern day biddah and the food associated with them is also not consumable because all that food is cooked with the intention of either to remember some one or to provide sawab from food. There is no such a thing in islam. Allahu Alam.

Similarly, these verses tell us that the food from people of book is permissible for us and our food is permissible for them. That is, we can consume there cooked food because they have received the divine message which has been the same throughout the life of earth.  Thus, we can consume all permissible things in a lawful manner. But all permissible things become unlawful as soon as they are dealt with unlawfully.