The Islamic culture has many prominent facts about it.

Facts such as the way of the

religion to the way the people dress. The dietary restrictions or laws are a very strict part of the
culture and religion. The dietary restrictions have a very specific meaning and purpose. I will
discuss in this paper what the restrictions are. What they mean to the religion and culture. Also
how they affect everyday life for the Islamic person compared to men vs woman.
The Islamic culture is very large in todays society. There are an estimated 6 million to 7
million Muslims in America whose unique food practices are guided by religious laws and
influenced by cultural differences. Muslims are concerned about what is in their food, forcing
them to be skillful readers of ingredient lists. Food ingredients that come from multiple sources,
such as gelatin, emulsifiers, and enzymes, necessitate the Muslim consumer to do some research
to confirm whether they are lawful.
When it comes to what foods are halal, or lawful in the Islamic faith there is a long list
that is forbidden or restricted from eating. This list includes Pork, lard or any porcine substance
Gelatin from animal source which is not halal Meat that is not slaughtered in the prescribed
Islamic way, Meat coming from a lawful animal which died before slaughter. Blood (direct or
indirect) any food or drink with alcohol in it (all intoxicant and hazardous drinks) any human
substance or part, All carnivorous animals and birds of prey, and Some non halal additives.
The word Halal can be defined as any object or an action which is permissible to use or
engage in, according to Islamic law.(Wikipedia) These foods are derived from commandments
found in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, as well as the Hadith and Sunnah, libraries
cataloguing things Prophet Mohammed is reported to have said and done(todaysdietitian) Also

is based on how the meat is slaughtered. Dhabh ah is a prescribed method of ritual, animal
slaughter; it does not apply to most aquatic animals. This is because all seafood is allowed.
The Quran states that the animal must be slaughtered specifically by a Muslim. This
method of slaughtering animals consists of using a well-sharpened knife to make a swift, deep
incision that cuts the front of the throat, the carotid artery, windpipe, and jugular veins. The head
of an animal that is slaughtered using halal methods is aligned with the qiblah. In addition to the
direction (The Islamic Bulletin)
The Islamic culture and region has on main law relating food. Muslim dietary practice is
fundamentally about obeying God. All practicing Muslim believers obey God Almighty by
eating halal and avoiding the forbidden. The health benefits of the Muslim diet merely qualify
the wisdom of Gods word and shed light on Gods benevolence. It is Gods commandments that
are crucial; the health benefits are secondary.
There are certain periods of time where the people fast. Fasting for Muslims means
abstaining from all foods and beverages, including gum and water, as well as medication and
smoking, from dawn to sunset. The two meals they do eat are suhur meaning immediately before
dawn and iftar meaning immediately after sunset. The Islamic people fast during Ramadan. This
time period is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar year. They fast for that entire month eating
only when the sun is not out. Muslims are encouraged to fast 6 days during the month of
Shawwal (the month after Ramadan), on the 10th day of Muharram (the first month in the
Islamic calendar), and on the 9th day of Zul Hijjah (the month of Hajj pilgrimage
(Faithandfood) There are some exemptions to fasting and they are travel, menstruation, illness,

older age, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. However, many Muslims with medical conditions
insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs.
People may ask how this affects the everyday life of the Islamic person. It is very
discouraged in Islam to eat in a restaurant which serves forbidden food and alcohol or to buy
anything from it. Sitting at a table where alcohol is served is forbidden too. Restaurants with
smokers are to be avoided too (Faithandfood) Fasting does not pose any medical risks to
healthy individuals. The main chronic diseases of concern are diabetes, heart disease,
hypertension, renal disease, and peptic ulcers. Care plans must be individualized, as many
patients with these conditions can fast without adverse events
People may also wonder what significant meaning do these dietary practices have on the
religion and how are they related to the religion. Fasting is considered an opportunity to earn the
approval of Allah. A time to wipe out previous sins, and to understand the suffering of the poor.
Fasting is also partly to be in control of appetite and to avoid food addiction. It is the fourth ritual
observance in the Five Pillars of Islam.
So in conclusion there are many diverse dietary restrictions in the Islamic culture and
religion. Many include the way the meat was slaughtered from the food allowed to eat. Also the
time of day you can eat and the exceptions for that. All of which bring the people closer to god.
All of which cleanse the body and soul of all sin and makes the person pure.

Work Cited/ Bibliography

1. Katme, Majid. "Faith and Food - the Way to Your Heart." Faith and Food - the
Way to Your Heart. N.p., 2009. Web. 30 Nov. 2014.
2. El-Zibdeh, Nour. "Understanding Muslim Fasting Practices." Understanding
Muslim Fasting Practices. N.p., Aug.-Sept. 2009. Web. 01 Dec. 2014
3. "Islamic Dietary Laws." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Nov. 2014. Web.
30 Nov. 2014.
4. "Islamic Dietary Laws and Practices." Islamic Dietary Laws. The Islamic
Bulletin, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
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http://pewresearch.org/pubs/483/muslim-americans
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