Unit: Food and drink
The principle: everything is permitted unless forbidden.
Allah says: "O people, eat from what is lawful and good on the earth" (2:168). The general principle in food is permission: nothing is forbidden unless a clear text forbids it. Halal means permitted, and tayyib means good, wholesome and pure.
The Qur'an names what is forbidden to eat: carrion, flowing blood, pork, and what was slaughtered in the name of other than Allah (2:173, 5:3). Intoxicants are forbidden too (5:90). Necessity changes the ruling: "Whoever is forced, not desiring it nor exceeding the limit, there is no sin on him" (2:173).
Animals must be slaughtered according to the rules (mentioning Allah's name and a swift cut). Scholars differ on details such as pre-slaughter stunning and on meat of the People of the Book (5:5). Schools of law and contemporary scholars differ on some practical details; this lesson gives the common principles and flags differences without settling them. For your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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