Is This Haram?
Search for food, ingredients, or products to find out whether they are halal, haram, or doubtful according to Islamic guidelines.
Understanding Halal and Haram in Islam
In Islam, halal (permissible) and haram (prohibited) are fundamental concepts that guide a Muslim's daily choices — from food and drink to financial transactions and lifestyle decisions.
What Makes Something Haram?
The primary sources for determining halal and haram are:
- The Quran — Allah's direct revelation, which explicitly prohibits certain foods like pork (2:173), intoxicants (5:90), and blood.
- The Sunnah — The teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which provide additional guidance on permissible and prohibited items.
- Scholarly consensus (Ijma) — Agreed-upon rulings by qualified Islamic scholars.
What Does “Mashbooh” Mean?
Mashbooh (doubtful/questionable) refers to items where the ruling is unclear or where scholars have differing opinions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised: “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” (Tirmidhi)
Common Ingredients to Watch For
Many processed foods contain ingredients that may be derived from haram sources. Some common ones to check include: gelatin, glycerin, L-cysteine (E920), carmine (E120), and animal-derived emulsifiers. Always look for halal certification or verify the source of these ingredients.