Islamic+Food

Forbidden Foods: by Annierose and lexi
toc Muslims categorize foods into three different categories; Halal, Haram, and Questionable foods. The Halal foods are the lawful and permitted foods while the Haram foods are strictly forbidden. Photobucket, [], 4/4/12 Foods that are strictly forbidden included all products originating from a pig because the swine is considered unclean. Some others include animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughter, alcoholic drinks and intoxicants, and carnivorous animals or birds and blood.Some questionable foods are foods that are from an unknown origin and are likely to be contaminated with one of the Haram foods. Some of these foods include gelatin, enzymes, emulsifiers, flavoring agents, animals fats or proteins, antioxidants, dairy products, glycerin, added vitamins, and amino acids. As many of these are in a variety of foods, devout muslims must read the ingredients of all processed foods before determining of it is Halal. When in a muslim country, many restaurants must have a seal of government approval guaranteeing that their food is Halal.

Muslim Eating Habits:
At meal times, Muslims must follow specific eating rituals while eating. Muslims eat with their family members and start eating only after reciting this prayer. "Oh Allah! Bless the food you have bestowed upon us and protect is from the torment of hell. In the name of Allah we start". Muslims are instructed to eat slowly and in moderation as gluttony is against the Koran. Muslims eat their food with their fingers. However, they only touch their food with the thumb and the next two fingers of the right hand as the left is considered unclean. No criticism is allowed on food and guests as well as family members are expected to try a little of everything. The host is always the first to start eating in order to demonstrate that the food is not poisoned. He is also the last to stop eating. "Kurutob Eating with Hands", Wikipedia, [], 2007, 4/4/12

Fasting during Ramadan:
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.During Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast for the entire month.This is to practice Taqwaa meaning self control, as well as loyalty to the Islamic faith. From dawn to sunset, Muslims aren't allowed to eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or take medication from dawn to sunset. They are also expected to feed a poor person during this time. During Ramadan, Muslims only eat two main meals called the suhur and the iftar. The suhur is the meal eaten right before dawn and the iftar is the meal eaten right after sunset. Breaking Ramadan is often done by eating milk and dates. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a holiday called the Eid ul Fitr. This is marked by a festive day time meal, the first that practicing Muslims would have in a month. "Visibility of Ramadan Crescent", Islamic Crescents' Observation Project (ICOP),  2012, 2/1/12

Traditional Islamic Food:
Islamic meals are usually light with some halal meats as well fresh fruits and vegetables during Ramadan. In the other months, Muslims prepare very intricate meals with meat. The meat is often chicken or mutton. Curry sauce is also a very popular topping. Muslims cook with a large variety of herbs and spices including thyme, curry, henna, corriander, and fenugreek. They also use many fruits like melon pomegranate, and quince. Lastly, dessert is very important. Muslim desserts include Custard Pancakes, Stuffed Dates, and sweet breads. This is a video about Muslim views on eating. "Stuffed Sweet Dates Recipe", The Food Network, [], 2012, 4/4/12

Bibliography:
"What Is In Our Food", Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, ,1999, 1/31/12 "Islamic Food 'Etiquite' is completely different from the Western One", ISESCO, , 2000, 1/31/12 "Islam in a Changing World", Council on Foreign Relations, , 2011, 1/31/12 "Ramadan- 20th July", BBC,, 2012, 1/31/12