Understanding Halal: A Key Part of Ramadan and Beyond

Where Does My Halal Meat Come From? Book Cover

2 April 2025

As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a time of joy, gratitude, and communal feasting. Central to these celebrations is the concept of Halal. The word Halal in Arabic is used to refer to things that are permissible. It is a holistic term used to describe how Muslims engage in business transactions, how they marry and the food they eat.

~ Written by Dr Awal Fuseini, Senior Halal Manager, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

When used in relation to meat, it refers to meat that is suitable for consumption by Muslims. According to the rules of Halal meat production, derived from Islamic holy books, a short prayer similar to Grace must be mentioned by the slaughterer at the time of bleeding the animal. It is vital that the knife used is very sharp, and the person bleeding the animal must be a competent adult, male or female, who has reached the age of maturity. The animal must be from a permissible species, for instance Muslims are forbidden from consuming pork, so pigs cannot be processed for Halal. Sheep, cattle, camels and poultry are common species of animals that are regarded as permissible for Halal meat production.

Animal welfare is an important aspect of Halal. Contrary to common misconceptions, most Halal meat in the UK is pre-stunned in a manner similar to regular meat. However to be acceptable for Halal the stun must not cause the death of any animal. With Muslims accounting for 30% of lamb consumption in the UK, Halal meat is an integral part of the food industry, particularly during key religious occasions like Eid.

As communities come together to mark the end of Ramadan, it is essential for people of all backgrounds to understand what Halal truly means. For this reason Rizvan Khalid and I have co-authored a book for children to learn more about Halal practises in meat production. Covering topics such as livestock farming, meat as part of a balanced diet, and the process of Halal production, this book serves as an accessible resource for fostering greater awareness and inclusivity.

A brief synopsis:

Have you ever wondered where the meat on your plate comes from, and what makes it halal? In Where Does My Halal Meat Come From? discover how animals are cared for by hardworking farmers, what they eat, and what they need to stay happy and healthy.

Learn about the different ways to make sure that the meat we eat is halal, the important role butchers and vets play, and why meat is a valuable part of a balanced diet. Through easy-to-understand explanations, and honouring the values of care, respect, and gratitude for the food we enjoy, this book helps curious minds understand the entire process, from farm to fork!

Reading age: 5-13 years

The book is available to order form Amazon.