Ömer Özgür KEG, located in Graz, Austria serves a great selection of delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian Turkish dishes. The food served here is Halal and unique and the restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere. If you're looking for flavorful and traditional Turkish food, Ömer Özgür KEG is a must-visit. Also, please note that alcohol is not served here. ...more
Ömer Özgür KEG, located in Graz, Austria serves a great selection of delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian Turkish dishes. The food served here is Halal and unique and the restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere. If you're looking for flavorful and traditional Turkish food, Ömer Özgür KEG is a must-visit. Also, please note that alcohol is not served here.
CrescentRating: Not CrescentRated
5 Paulustorgasse, Graz, Styria 8010
+43 664 145 1046
Picking Malaysia as your holiday destination? Prepare your pen and paper, because we will show you our best selection of Malaysia’s popular places to visit and its hidden gems, where you and your besties or partner can explore, experience, and fulfill your need for adventure. Here is our compilation of top places to visit in Malaysia for the perfect getaway, quick wins and exotic yet romantic attractions. Via Giphy From West Malaysia, let us bring you to… 1. Kuala Lumpur - Explore the world's melting pot When going to Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination. In this world’s melting pot, you can do almost anything. From enjoying the view of the Petronas Towers or KL’s Bird Park to indulging yourself in a culinary adventure, you wont run out of places to visit in KL. Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kampung Baru Credit: @ishokureisetsu on Instagram Located just a 9-minute drive from Petronas is one of KL’s most popular nasi lemak stalls, Nasi Lemak Wanjo Kampung Baru. Be sure to not miss this local dish! Halal status: Muslim-owned Opening hours: Open daily; 6.30AM - 12AM Address: 8, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Mansion Tea Stall Credit: @visitklofficial on Instagram Your Malaysian culinary adventure is not over yet! Not far from there, you can try out the famous Malaysian Teh Tarik at Mansion Tea Stall to end your KL journey. They serve Roti Canai and other Indian - Malaysian food, and they’re open 24 hours a day! Also, don’t miss out on KL’s Chinatown to hunt for street food, and Central Market (also known as Pasar Seni) that’s only 3-5 minutes away to find Malaysian antiques, handcrafted artworks, traditional fabrics, handbags, and clothes! Halal status: Halal Opening hours: 24 hours Address: Jalan Masjid India No 2, Lorong Bunus Satu, Selangor Mansion, Kuala Lumpur 50100 Malaysia 2. Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion Credit: @cheongfatttzemansion on Instagram Wanna have a taste of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ actual filming location? Try visiting this mansion. It was owned by the legendary Chinese tycoon Cheong Fatt Tze, and is now a museum cum heritage boutique hotel. Have a quick tour to explore the majestic Blue Mansion, or have a romantic night here in this huge and luxurious mansion! Tour ticket price: 24 RM / person Address: Lot 22, 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Tour times: Monday-Sunday 11 AM and 2 PM 3. AirRider Indoor Skydiving at Petaling Jaya Credit: @airriderindoorskydiving on Instagram Defy gravity with Indoor Skydiving. AirRider Indoor Skydiving is an Australian-certified skydiving simulator in Malaysia. With AirRider, you can skydive in a safe and controlled indoor environment complete with professional instructors. Scream your lungs out, do some tricks and most importantly HAVE FUN! Ticket Price: 89-99RM/Simulation Location: 1 Utama Shopping Centre, 1 Utama E, 圣雷, City, 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia 4. Langkawi Skybridge and Skydiving Skybridge Langkawi Credit: @the_amazing_orient on Instagram Skybridge, or as the locals call it, ‘Jembatan Langit’ Langkawi is a 125m curved pedestrian cable-suspension bridge at the highest point of Mount Mat Cincang. Enjoy a breathtaking view while having an adrenaline rush crossing the 660m deck above sea level. Hold your partner’s hand tight! Ticket Price: 6 RM/adult (SkyBridge Ticketing Counter at Top Station) Location: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia Skydive Langkawi Credit: @skydive_langkawi on Instagram This is the one and only coastal skydiving location that you can experience in Asia. Get ready to jump from a plane and soar the beach’s skyline. Be prepared and be present to fully enjoy each and every moment. They offer a platinum package option where photo and video documentations are included from the start – the jump, the dive, and the landing. It goes without saying, we can only skydive if the weather is good. So be prepared, there’s a chance for a reschedule because of bad weather. Most importantly, be sure of your health and conditions before deciding to choose this superb attraction! Price: Package start from 1595RM/person Location: Office 7 Lot 35 Komplek ABZ Jalan Airport, 07100 Padang Matsirat, Kedah, Malaysia 5. Fireflies Sighting and Dinner on Boat in Kampung Kuantan Credit: @ireyh._.h on Instagram Here you can experience traditional boat fireflies sighting and local seafood dinner in a package. They will take you on a boat trip through the river banks of Kampung Kuantan where you can witness the fireflies dance through the night in their natural twinkle lights searching for mates. Also enjoy the scrumptious seafood dinner together onboard at the boat. What a humble yet romantic night to remember! Clear weather and moonless night is best for fireflies sighting, and since this is a nighty open air attraction, do not forget to pack your anti-mosquito lotion with you! Price: Start from 200RM/package Location: Kampung Kuantan, Bestari Jaya, Selangor Opening hours: 7:45 PM Now let’s go to the Eastern part of Malaysia… 1. Have a thrilling adventure in Kota Kinabalu The Coral Flyer Credit: @zoegill_ on Instagram Only in Kota Kinabalu can you experience a whole other level of ziplining – from one island to another. Yes! Known as The Coral Flyer, this Island to Island Zipline is the longest one in the World! Located at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the zipline stretches between Gaya and Sapi Island. Its speed can reach up to 65KM/H. No worries about safety. It’s a priority there where they use the highest quality system and tools. Pack your Go-Pro with you and don’t forget to pray and say bismillah before you launch! Ticket Price: Around 325 RM Address: Pulau Sapi, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Kota Kinabalu’s Night Market Credit: @Jonnyclow on Unsplash For lovers of exotic food, South East Asia is well known for its durian. Malaysia, to be specific, is home to various durians, and Kota Kinabalu’s Night Market is the best place for a durian feast. If you enjoy the strong and creamy Musang King variant, this is the place for you. And have you heard of ‘Durio Graveolens’, the rare red or orange coloured durian that has that softer taste and smooth texture? This place has those too! So, what are you waiting for? Put this on your list and prepare to explore and hunt this prickly fruit down at Jalan Segama. Pack your bargaining skills with you and sharpen your nose to pick the ripe ones. May the luck of durian lovers be with you! Address: Segama Night Market, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Opening hours: Open daily 5-11 pm Kundasang Mountain Town Credit: @kundasang__ on Instagram Want a bit of a relaxing adventure? Go to Kundasang Mountain Town! Near Kinabalu Mountain, there is a hidden gem called Kundasang, the highest town in Malaysia. Imagine chill green scenic valleys with cows grazing here and there. What a perfect getaway from your urban life, where you can slow down and enjoy the farm life. You can visit Desa Cattle Dairy Farm and try their fresh dairy products too. Wait ‘til you taste the fresh milk and handmade gelato because they are out of this world! Price: Entrance Desa Cattle Dairy Farm RM5/person Location: 100KM north of Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang Ranau, Sabah Opening hours: 8am – 5pm 2. Enjoy nature’s beauty at Pulau Tiga Credit: @hannah_twamley on Instagram Pulau Tiga is where you should go when you want to have an unforgettable holiday in Sabah. Grab some spare clothes and soap! Because we’re about to take you to the muddy experience. Other than its island’s beauty, Pulau Tiga also has its natural volcanic mud. You’ll be thrilled by the active volcanic mud at the west side, which is also the highest part of Pulau Tiga. Get dirty and have fun, let your inner child out to play loud. Finish your muddy game by enjoying a beautiful sunset of Pulau Tiga on the way back. Price: 30 RM / person boat trip to or from Pulau Tiga Location: Kuala Penyu, Pulau Tiga, Sabah 3. Stay in the remote woods with Tabin Wildlife Resort, Lahad Datu Credit: Ostrovok Craving for some real peace? We have just the right place for you! This remote escape site of Tabin Wildlife Resort in Lahad Datu will remove all the stress in your mind. Just you and your besties or loved ones, getting lost in the woods, the home of the rhinos and elephants. Refresh your mind and soul with and feel the jungle beats as you connect back to nature. Location: Lahad Datu, Sabah Download the HalalTrip app for more insights on places around the world! Check out The Halal Travel Podcast hosted by Hazirah, Nurul and Raudha as they talk candidly about travel, food, life and everything else in between and sometimes with awesome guests! Listen now! Check out The Halal Travel Podcast hosted by Hazirah, Nurul and Raudha as they talk candidly about travel, food, life and everything else in between and sometimes with awesome guests! Listen now! ...
For the newlyweds (or any couples), start packing your bags for Sri Lanka! via GIPHY Galle Face Beach - Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka Morning walks along Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches is a must! Even this beach that is located so close to the city centre is a breathtaking sight in the early morning. Take a romantic stroll with your spouse and just spend some quality time to get to know each other. Beach on Colombo Plan Road However, if you seek more thrill, something like combining beaches with railway tracks, then walk along Colombo Plan Road. It is a tranquil sight of the sea with occasional loud train sounds as the trains pass by the tracks on its way to Galle station. While you are there, stay on to catch a little bit of sunset. All you need is your life partner by your side and a sweet silence as you both listen to the muse of the sea. Negombo beach - Negombo, Sri Lanka If you need some private time with your spouse, Negombo Beach is the beach for you. There are very much lesser people here so you can walk along the beach and have a romantic conversation undisturbed! Amagi Aria Hotel - 640/82 Suhada Mawatha, Puttalam - Colombo Rd, Negombo 11500, Sri Lanka Even better, why not stay at the Amagi Aria Hotel and whisper words of forever as the sun sets leaving you and your spouse with warm lovely feelings. This is the perfect spot to have a heart-to-heart talk with your spouse. Alright, enough about the beaches! Let's go on to talk about just how gorgeous the train ride in Sri Lanka is! Image Credit: YamuThere are so many beautiful places to visit via train. Places such as Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy are among the top few for the must-visit! The journey to the mentioned places itself is such a breathtaking sight. Views en route from Colombo to Kandy Kandy Train Station Things to do in Ella: 1.The Nine Arch Bridge Image Credit: Salt in our Hair This gorgeous bridge is located right outside of Ella. It will take about 30 minutes to walk through the woods and reach a beautiful tea field. Be there with your beloved and sip a cup of delicious Sri Lankan tea while watching trains pass by. 2. Swim at Diyaluma Falls Diyaluma waterfall - in Badulla district on the Colombo-Badulla highway, about 6km east of the regional town of Koslanda, and around 30km south of Ella.Image Credit: Pinterest The Diyaluma waterfall is 220-meter high and is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. On top of the waterfall, it has different levels of natural pools where you can swim. To get to this waterfall is not an easy task! A two-hour tuk-tuk ride from Ella to Poonagala through quintessentially lush Sri Lankan tea plantations followed by a hike downhill through long, dry grass for about 30mins before getting to the upper Diyaluma falls. A short hike further would bring you and your partner to the edge of the world, watching the cascading water drop 220m to the valley below. This is the start of a very challenging honeymoon thus far in Sri Lanka. However, such tasks would allow for a different kind of bonding as you learn more about your partner and even yourself! 3. Climb Little Adam’s Peak Image Credit: Wandervisions To get to Little Adam’s Peak, you need to follow the trail which is right next to Ella Flower Garden Resort (3rd Mile Post, Passara Road, Ella 90090, Sri Lanka). An alternative entrance is also located at 98 Acres Resort (Greenland Estate, Ella - Passara Rd, Ella, Sri Lanka) and marked by a white Buddha. Just follow the trails and you would only need about an hour before you reach the top and have a lovely sunset view with the-love-of-your-life. Things to do in Nuwara Eliya: 1. Go to the Tea Plantations Image Credit: Travel Triangle Nuwara Eliya has so many tea plantation fields. One of them is the Pedro Tea Estate. Pedro Estate is about 3.5km east of Nuwara Eliya station and is a 20 minutes drive by rickshaw from the station. You both can have an educational tour of the tea plantations here and learn the process of tea planting! 2. Take a stroll in Victoria Park Image Credit: Kingsford Residences Well, why not take a stroll in Victoria Park (Badulla Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200) and have a lovely chat while sipping a nice cuppa tea? This lovely walk with your soulmate will leave you with a tingling feeling and many gorgeous photos together! 3. Gregory Lake Image Credit: Sri Lanka Finder This enchanting lake (Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka) is a must to visit. It is just a 5 minutes ride on a rickshaw from Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy a breezy walk and cooling weather which definitely calls for a lovely picnic or a sweet ride on the swan boats. Over at this lake, it compels you to show how much you love your spouse by doing things together and caring for each other! THE THING to do in Kandy: Well, we did mention that this honeymoon destination is not for the weak-hearted as the hike at Little Adam's Peak over in Ella was just the start of all hikes. In Kandy, climbing up Adam's Peak is a must if you want to learn the ultimate truth about your partner's character and yours too! Image Credit: Atlas And Boots Adam’s Peak is located at South Central Sri Lanka and the nearest town is Dalhousie which is the start of the trek up the mountain. Taking the taxi/Grab/Uber/Private car rental from Kandy to Dalhousie is the fastest option to get here as compared to coming by bus or train. The ride takes about an hour and a half. The best time to start climbing Adam’s Peak is in the wee hours (start at 12 am or slightly later) as the climb takes between 2 to 4 hours (depending on fitness levels). This climb will be an opportunity to encourage each other as the total number of steps is about 5000 to 6000 crumbling steps and inclined trekking. Reaching to the 1000th step is already a great achievement but will definitely test you as your legs may go numb or feel very sore. However, with constant coaxing from the beloved, the pain would turn into motivation as watching the sunrise at the peak of the mountain is a glorious sight which leaves you feeling a sense of achievement. It takes a lot for couples to reach the top but hey, love conquers all (even the challenging Adam’s Peak!). Sunrise at the top of Adam’s PeakImage Credit: The Partying Traveler One of the best feelings in the world is to pray with your spouse. Sri Lanka has a gorgeous mosque located at 2nd Cross Street, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The mosque goes by the name of Red Mosque or Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid. Image Credit: Atlas Obscura Well, this honeymoon destination has loads of challenging activities to do with your spouse. Despite the pain, it is definitely a worthwhile trip to do together. Marriage may not always be smooth. There may be challenges. Well, challenges are meant to be conquered together, just like how challenging-Sri Lanka was conquered together! ...
Austria is truly a land like no other. It is the perfect blend of history, modernity, and nature. It’s been touted as a majestic and magical land due to its charm and beauty. These are just a few Austria is everyone’s dream travel destination. Here are 10 reasons why a Muslim-friendly visit to Austria is exactly what you need. Credit- Giphy.com 1. A Rich Islamic History! Islam in Austria is the largest and fasting growing minority, from 4.2% in 2001 to 7% currently. But it also has deep roots in Austria, dating all the way back to 1500s, through trade, war, and migration. 2. Sufficient Prayer Facilities Picture Credit - newsinfo.inquirer.net There are many mosques, Islamic centers and prayer rooms in Austria, Vienna in particular, thanks to the growing number of Muslims in Austria. A Muslim-friendly visit to Austria will include a visit to these mosques, including the Islamic Center in Vienna, the Kuba Mosque, Schura Mosque, and more. 3.Availability of Halal Food Picture Credit - www.ibtimes.com.au Halal food in Austria is also available quite easily due to the previously mentioned reasons. Austrian cuisine is full of flavor and variety, and their desserts in particular are to die for. You cannot miss the Apfelschlangerl (apple strudel), the Sachertorte (check for the addition of alcohol), the many varieties of sweet and savory dumplings, or the Viennese coffee! 4.Breathtaking Cityscapes Austria’s cities and villages are full of stunning architecture and buildings that will make you feel like you are in a fairytale land. Some of Austria’s top sights include touring the many castles, cathedrals, fortresses and palaces around the country that are breathtakingly beautiful. 5. Years of History and Tradition Austria is a land of culture that is still very much rooted in history; which is still quite evident even today from the architecture and people. Your list of what to see in Austria would include many museums and historic sites that tell the tale of Austria and its people over the years, like Kunsthistorisches Museum, Naturhistorisches Museum (The Museum of Natural History), the Museum of Military History, and the Sigmund Freud Museum. 6. Landscapes to Die For! Austria is a gem of natural beauty. Wherever you look, there are stunning landscapes green pastures, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear lakes making some of the top attractions in Austria. 7. Endless Sightseeing Options Austria is full of weird, original, and absolutely fascinating places to see, like The Murinsel in Graz (a futuristic ship looking contraption floating in the Mur river), and Hundertwasserhaus (a colorful and quirky apartment that looks like its straight out of a Tim Burton movie). 8. Winter Sports The Austrian Alps are the perfect place for snow, skiing, hiking, snowboarding and more! With slopes that are fit for the Olympics and soft, powdery snow, skiing alone is a great reason why you should visit Austria. 9. The Flora and Fauna Austria is also a great place to experience wildlife. One of the top attractions in Austria is the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, or “Vienna Zoo”, situated on the grounds of the famed Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. It is also the world’s oldest zoo! You can also experience the exotic wildlife out and about in nature. 10. Relatively Easy on the Pocket Austria is a great destination for the modern traveler. It has a vast and extremely efficient public transport system, making it easier to get around. English is also widely spoken and understood, even in the villages to some extent. And it is also a less expensive choice than Switzerland while offering all the same beauty, charm, and unforgettable memories! For more Travel Tips and destination ideas, check out our travel blog or download the HalalTrip Islamic Travel App for more information on nearby halal restaurants and mosques near you....
From the moment you throw your hat into the air, there is a sense of freedom. Between the time that you graduate till whenever life starts up again is space for you to be more you – by doing things you didn’t have the time for in the recent months or even years – and space to get out of your comfort zone, experiment, and surprise yourself by doing things you never thought you would. Why not? It’s time to live a little. If you have a travel itch from having worked yourself too hard or spent too long doing the same things, we have just the list for you: on where to travel after graduating from college. There are cheap and exciting travel destinations for your post-grad adventure, and a little something for everyone, we hope! Credit - giphy.com 1) Peru If you’re looking for a little culture, adventure, history, and a good workout, trekking the trail of Machu Pichu in Peru is the place for you. Of course, Machu Picchu itself is incredible and should be on your bucket list, but the hike there is worth a mention too. The best time to go is between May and September, and it takes you through the jungle, ruins, and beautiful mountain scenery. Make no mistake, the hike you’ll be taking is mountainous, so you will have to have some level of fitness to be on it. Peru also allows you to participate in projects for however long or short of a time you are there for. So take the opportunity to give back to the world by helping build water tanks to improve access to drinkable water. Your small effort goes a long way! Even if it is South America, Peru is a great graduation trip idea. 2) Australia Want to go Down Under? Australia has fabulous sites to see, not to mention great deep sea diving to view their marine life, as well as giving you the chance to see a great white shark up close and personal. Don’t worry, your chances of getting eaten are slim as you will be caged while the shark swims free. It’s enough to say that this sport is for adrenalin junkies because it takes some guts to be so close to one of the world’s scariest predators. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself by trying it out and having one of the best post-graduation trips. The best feeling comes from giving back – to people and to this amazing earth – so lend a hand in preserving the nature you see and let it last longer for much more to enjoy. 3) India The months before graduation are generally stressful and hectic, and all you want to do is get away and have a relaxing holiday. If you’re looking for places to go after high school graduation – or college – India is a great option. Not only is this graduation trip idea cheap, but there is so much to experience there. It is also one of the best graduation trips for families as there’s nothing like good company to make a trip more fun. From delicious street food (most places are vegetarian) to visiting the Taj Mahal – a Wonder of the World has to be on everyone’s bucket list – shopping for incredibly gorgeous ethnic wear, and even visiting schools in rural villages to remind yourself what a blessing your life is; this is one place that strikes a lot of chords. 4) Dubai A tourism capital of the Middle East, Dubai is the perfect place to shop, eat, and experience a whole bunch of things in just one city – the perfect place for high school graduation vacation ideas. It is definitely the most Halal-friendly graduation trip on this list. There is no need to double check about restaurants being Halal as you can take the fact that you are in a Muslim country for granted. Despite being in the Middle East, the multicultural population assures incredibly diverse food that stays true to its origins, so you can eat your way around the world without breaking the bank in terms of travel. Not only does Dubai boast the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa), the only 7-star hotel in the world (Burj Al Arab), the biggest mall (Dubai Mall), and more, but they also host brands from across the globe which makes shopping extremely easy. From skiing in the day to a desert safari that same night, bungee jumping, paragliding, stomach-dropping rides at Wild Wadi Water Park, your high school graduation trip will definitely have a jam-packed schedule. 5) Kenya The Maasai Mara is the most popular safari in Africa, and rightly so. Bordering Tanzania, Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to the Big Five. Also known as safari royalty, the African lion, the African leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, and the black or white rhino are generally the most sought-after animals to see. It is the best place to see lions in their natural habitat and to feel like one with the world. Migration period takes place between July and October where you can see hordes of wildebeest, zebra and antelope crossing the Mara River. Adjacent to the Maasai Mara Reserve is Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Much larger than Maasai Mara, it feels less crowded and is also perfect to spot lions and cheetah in action. The Great Migration here happens from November to June, when herds of zebra and wildebeest come together to graze, mate, and give birth. This trip will certainly go down as adventure student travel, and to see the animals in their natural habitat is a truly humbling experience. 6) Nepal When it comes to affordable graduation trips, Nepal is a safe bet. It might not seem like the country has much to offer, but hiking to the base of Mount Everest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Climbing the mountain is a task that you may or may not want to attempt one day, but the hike to the base is not to be missed. Meeting the people on the way, immersing yourself in culture and taking in the breath-taking sights is something to write home about. And after all that, when you are back in civilisation, volunteer at an orphanage and spend time with the children. Going that extra mile makes for an extra special graduation trip. The hike is best done from March to May and September to November when monsoon season has not set in. 7) Prague A great high school graduation trip idea is the quaint city of Prague in the Czech Republic. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992 as it is steeped in history which is very evident in the ancient well-kept building. The architecture is part of the reason that Prague is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and there is such a charm present in the city that you have to see it at least once in your life. History buffs will delight in roaming the streets and soaking in the sights, the skyline and the culture present. It is home to Prague Castle, the Royal Palace, the intricately detailed St Vitus Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock that still works to date, and so much more to be explored. 8) Greece Images of picturesque towns on hills by the coast, surrounded by the bluest seas come to mind. Rhodes Town in Greece is home to historic sites and modern luxuries. Split into Old Town and New Town – you guessed it – the Old Town contains medieval castles, Roman ruins, a maze of ancient streets and a cathedral present under the Byzantine rule. The New Town releases one from the olden charm to trendy boutiques and bistros and of course, the beach. Greek cuisine sports some delicious dishes, but don’t hesitate to ask how it was prepared – whether it contains alcohol or anything you should be concerned about – and when in doubt, always stick to seafood and vegetarian options. There is fresh seafood available as it is a coastal area. With so many places to go, take your pick and book your tickets. Your adventure awaits! ...
Halal vs. Haram Picture Credit: The Independent SG You probably have heard the terms “Halal” and “Haram” at some point in your life, but you might not know what it means, what do Muslims eat and not eat and why. Here's a breakdown of what the term Halal means and what the term Haram means. What is the difference between Halal and Haram Halal and Haram are two Arabic words. They form an integral part of how Muslim view all aspects of life. Halal: This is an Arabic word which means lawful or permissible. It does not just refer to things that a Muslim is allowed to eat but also encompasses everything lawful in a Muslim's life. Nevertheless, it is most often uttered in reference to food. Haram: Haram is the Arabic word that is opposite to Halal; it means something is forbidden or unlawful for Muslims to consume, use or do. Halal and Haram in the Qur'an Here are some of the verses in the Qur'an which refers to Halal and haram, in particular to food: In the words of Allah (SWT): "O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome, and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an avowed enemy of you." [Qur'an: 2:168] "They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, "Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah ." Indeed, Allah is swift in account." [Qur'an: 5:4] "O messengers! Eat from what is good and lawful, and act righteously. Indeed, I fully know what you do." [Qur'an: 23:51] What is Halal Meat Picture Credit: BBC You might have wondered what is a 'Halal' chicken, after all, all chickens look the same! So, what is it that makes this chicken, or beef, or mutton 'Halal' and others not? What exactly is the difference between Halal and non-Halal meat? The answer is that it depends on the way that the animal is bought up, and how it is slaughtered. Halal meat is the flesh of the animal that has been slaughtered in the way prescribed by Qur'an and Hadeeth; this method is called 'Zabihah'. This procedure was taught to Muslims as the best way to slaughter an animal in order to cause it the least amount of pain. A few important criteria that must be followed in order to slaughter an animal in the Islamic way. They are as follows: The slaughter of the animal must be carried out by a Muslim. The animal must not be dead. Animals for slaughter must not be grouped together or allowed to watch the slaughter of other animals in their herd. As with most things Muslims do, it must begin with the utterance of 'Bismillah', which means 'In the name of Allah. The animal must be slaughtered with a precise cut to its throat, severing it's carotid artery, trachea and jugular veins. The slaughter must be carried out with the use of a razor-sharp knife to ensure a quick death and that the animal dies as quickly as possible. The animal must be hung upside down in order to allow all the blood to drain. Find Halal Food and Restaurants Near You Types of Halal Food Picture Credit: Regal Hotel The general consensus is that everything that is not prohibited is Halal. We'll take a look at the types of Haram foods in more detail below, but for now, here's a list of the types of food that are considered Halal: Meat that is slaughtered in the Islamic manner Fish and other creatures of the sea (they need not be slaughtered) Fruits and vegetables Dairy products (barring cheese made using non-Halal rennet, etc.) Types of Haram Foods Here's a list of foods that are forbidden in Islam. To knowingly eat or drink any of them is a major sin unless it is an extreme case where no other food or drink is available and the person is in danger of starvation, or for medicinal purposes (granted there are no other alternates). Meat that is not slaughtered according to the methods prescribed by Qur’an and Hadeeth. Alcohol Pork or pork by-products Blood Food that may contain any combination of the above three (gelatin made from Haram meat, cakes with alcohol, etc.). Delving further into the category of meat that is not Halal also considers the types of animals that one is not allowed to eat and the way in which the animal dies. These are the types of animals/meat that are Haram: Carnivorous animals/birds (animals that eat the flesh of other animals or drink their blood). Animals that have been dedicated to or slaughtered in the name of anyone other than Allah. Animals/birds that have been dedicated to idols. Animals/birds that have died due to natural causes. Animals/birds that die due to strangulation. Animals/birds that die from being beaten. Animals/birds that die falling down from a height. Animals/birds that are killed and gored by a beast of prey. Animals that live on both land and in water (amphibians) such as frogs and salamanders. Why Do Muslims Eat Halal Food Picture Credit: The Muslim Press The reason that we Muslims only eat Halal meat is for two reasons: to make sure that we are putting into our bodies is healthy and clean, and to make sure that it has been slaughtered in the most humane way possible. As we saw above, the Zabihah method of slaughter ensures that both of these criteria are met. It makes for a quick and efficient slaughter, and also focuses on bringing the animal up in a way that it is not mistreated. Animals that are bred for Islamic slaughter must be fed healthy fruits and vegetables (and nothing that is considered Haram for the regular Muslim), and clean. It must not be tortured or harmed in any way and be given enough space to roam, graze and get plenty of fresh air. The list of Haram meat listed above follows these guidelines. Carnivorous animals will have non-Halal meat or blood in their digestive systems, and animals that have died from the various reasons described in the same list might have contracted some form of infection or diseases; therefore, they are prohibited. When Muslims go out to eat, we look for assurance that the food is Halal. One reason is to make sure that the meat served has been slaughtered in the Islamic method, and the other is to be certain that the dish does not contain other types of Haram food (e.g. alcohol, pig's oil, etc.). How To Identify Halal Foods Eating something that is Haram knowingly is a major sin, and one that every Muslim should refrain from. Allah has provided us with such bountiful foods, and there is so much that we can enjoy, so we must make sure to stay away from that which is considered unlawful. It is also a sin if you neglect to find out whether the food is Halal or not, and it is best to stay away from foods that you are unsure of. Here are a few ways to identify Halal foods in your country: Packaged Halal foods often carry a “Halal Certified” logo awarded by the Muslim council or Halal supervisory board of your country. Some foods simply have the word “Halal” printed on them; this is fine too, but be careful in considering whether you are able to trust the source. If there is no Halal symbol, look for the vegetarian sign. This is the one that looks like a green square with a green dot in the middle. Check the ingredients to make sure it doesn't contain alcohol (most packaged goods will not), and you're good to go. Always check the labels. Checking the ingredients listed on the package is your best bet on figuring out if the food is Halal or not. In the case of confectioneries, look out for “gelatin” listed in the ingredients. If the package has no Halal or vegetarian symbol, then it's most probably not Halal gelatin. Some foods containing the non-vegetarian symbol, which looks similar to the vegetarian symbol but maroon in colour, can also be Halal. This may be because it contains eggs, and since there are no Halal and Haram eggs, there is no need to worry. If this is the case, it is usually mentioned underneath the maroon square and circle symbol. Check for foods containing emulsifiers. Look for Halal and Haram E-Codes online, or you can even download apps that scan the ingredients and tell you if it's Halal or not. But many emulsifiers may be derived from plant or animal sources (maybe Halal or non-Halal), so not all products will be the Halal or Haram. Nevertheless, here are a few of the Haram E-Codes to look out for: - E120 Cochineal: red colouring derived from female insects. - E441 Gelatine: derived from the bones/hides of cattle/sheep. - E542 Edible Bone Phosphate: extracted from animal bones. - E904 Shellac: a resin from the lac insect. If you are eating at a restaurant that claims to be Halal certified, insist on seeing their certification. If they do not have one, they will tell you that they source the meat from Halal suppliers and do not serve pork or alcohol. In this case, ask to see the certification of their meat supplier. Refrain from eating, even vegetarian dishes, from restaurants that serve dishes that contain alcohol, non-Halal meat or pork. This is because they probably use the same utensils to cook both dishes, and it is quite possible that there is cross-contamination even if the dishes have been washed. Some restaurants serve alcohol on the side. If everything else checks out, this is fine, but if there are other options, it would be better to go for them. If you're looking to buy Halal meat, local Muslim-owned butcheries are the ideal place for them. Muslim-owned restaurants also are credible, but if it is a chain restaurant, check their certifications before eating there. 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