*Taken from the original fsmi posting, January 11, 2012 in response for those who have asked for information regarding Halal food. Graffic descriptions enclosed.
Hello Firestorm:
Here on Firestorm we believe in bringing things out into the light where we can take a real good look at what they are and understand what we are dealing with, especially in regard to those things that are truly spiritual and relevant to the followers of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. We know to seek knowledge and wisdom and be wise as serpents and meek as doves, so head’s UP. Let’s turn on the lights and take a good look at Halal.
I have been receiving a lot of information concerning the term “Halal.” It is used in regard to how food is processed according to Muslim Requirements. We have seen requirements for the Jewish people and their food is marked “Kosher,” which means the food has been processed according to the Jewish requirements. Now, you may think that the halal process is no different than meat that is acceptable to the Jewish people certified kosher. However, unlike kosher food, where the “physical” processing of the meat is the focus, for Islam it is the physical AND spiritual component that makes the meat lawful.
First a general overview of what we are dealing with and why it is important.
There are four principle reasons why many Christians and others are and should be concerned about the increased presence of halal products in the marketplaces.
• The denial of choice to consumers, unless food is labeled, and alternatives provided.
• The commitment of many Muslims to Islamic mission ( dawa) and the Islamization of their non-Muslim host societies.
• The unnecessary suffering of animals involved in halal-compliant methods of slaughter.
• For Christians in particular, the Biblical teaching on the eating of food associated with non-Christian religious practice.
Let’s look a little closer into these categories.
Choice!
In Great Britain halal food has been secretly introduced in schools, hospitals, sporting venues and restaurants without the public ever been notified.
New Zealand has become the largest supplier of halal meats, with about 98% of lamb & 60% of cattle being slaughtered under halal methods.
New Zealand lamb sold in the USA is not labeled halal, but these numbers would indicate that if you buy NZ lamb you are probably buying halal lamb.
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Commitment!
It is the duty of Muslims to spread their rules to non-Muslims.
As large companies, such as Costco adopt halal products, they introduce sharia (law) into their structures. Hundreds of companies are becoming sharia compliant.
While the halal/haram system has always been a part of the Muslim religious doctrine, it was usually applied only to Muslims. The expansion of halal across the world is seen by many as part of a global Islamization project, designed to extend the reach of Sharia in both Muslim and non-Muslim states and to restore the power of Islam worldwide.
You had best research the definition of Sharia Law, especially if you are a woman. This is serious and it is sneaking into America like a frog in a pot of water where the temperature is raised so gradual, he doesn’t even suspect he is being boiled alive for dinner.
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Let’s start at the beginning and really turn the light on Halal and what it means.
“What is the significance of something Certified Halal to a Christian?”
In Arabic, the word halal means permitted or lawful. Halal foods are foods that are allowed under Islamic dietary guidelines. According to these guidelines from the Qu’ram (Koran),
Muslim followers cannot consume the following:
• pork or pork by products
• animals that were dead prior to slaughtering
• animals not slaughtered properly or not slaughtered in the Name of Allah.
• blood and blood products
• alcohol
• carnivorous animals
• birds of prey
• land animals without external ears
These prohibited foods and ingredients are called haram, meaning forbidden in Arabic. According to information released, Muslims are taught through the Qu’ram that all animals should be treated with respect and well cared for. The goal is to slaughter the animal, limiting the amount of pain the animal will endure.
Is this true? Many say NO! Islam requires that animals should be slaughtered in a way that ensures the draining of their blood before they are eaten. The Islamic method is to cut the animal’s throat while it is alive. Most Muslim slaughters do not “stun” the animal first, before slitting its throat, in the belief that drainage will be complete, “only” if the animal is “conscious.”
Many believe that halal slaughter is cruel. How can you conceive otherwise after reading a 2003 report from the Farm Animal Welfare Council? It reads.
When a very large transverse incision is made across the neck, a number of vital tissues are transected, including: skin, muscle, trachea, esophagus, carotid arteries, jugular veins, major nerve trunks (e.g. vagus and phrenic nerves) plus
numerous minor nerves.
Such a “drastic” cut will inevitably trigger a barrage of sensory information to the brain in a sensible (conscious) animal. We are persuaded that such a massive injury would result in significant pain and distress in the period “before” insensibility supervenes. In other words, the animal is conscious of PAIN and SUFFERING!
The Spiritual Issues:
Many Christians believe the method of killing without stunning to be cruel and therefore contrary to the Biblical creation mandate. Some endorse the call from animal welfare groups for the banning of halal slaughtering practices.
Christians! At the time the animal is slaughtered, the slaughterer proclaims in Arabic either the bismillah (in the name of Allah) or the shahada ( the Muslim creedal statement ( there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger). As a Christian this should send shudders through you. This meat could be at your grocery store now, unmarked!
Remember: (That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Acts 15:29
According to a Halal Authority Website, slaughtering animals by this method can only be done by a practicing Muslim, who “blesses” the blade, cries Allah Akbar” or has a tape playing the words over a loudspeaker. They face Mecca (turning their backs to Jerusalem) and they face the black stone, the very definition of idol worship before each animal’s throat is cut and while reciting a ritual prayer.
Remember, Muslims are prohibited from consuming animal blood and they have to say the prayer below saying Allah is great and greater than all other gods. Muslims can only eat food that is halal, that has been sacrificed to their idol, Allah…and with Allah’s name prayed over it.
Here is the prayer.
“IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL
“Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds (mankind, Jinns and all that exist). The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of Day of Judgment. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). Guide us to the Straight Way. The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray. (Quran, Sure Fateha)”
(Taken from: Member of World Halal Council and Association of American Halal Certifiers
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Next:
What food stores are carrying Halal Food?
Are we already eating Halal Food? How does that affect Christians?
Is Meat the Only Food that is now being processed in the Halal manner?
Can Christians Eat Food Dedicated to Idols
Can Christians Pray over Unholy Food and make it Holy