by Author Name Withheld 126

Created on: July 06, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2010

In Muslim culture, dietary law is defined by Sharia law (the path) and distinguishes between halal (lawful) and haram (unlawful). It is influenced by the Qur'an, Sunnah (acts of Muhammad), and Hadith (oral tradition) because they help elaborate and clarify the path of faith. Closer inspection of the verses and history of the Qur'an helps to illuminate the development of this unified and clearly defined path.

Various sura (chapters) in the Qur'an define proper dietary habits. Most of these are Medinan sura, which are called so because they were incorporated after arrival in Medina from Mecca. Those written prior are Meccan sura. The Medinan sura, for this reason, contain various dietary laws based on pilgrimage and establishing the newly founded free Muslim culture. The formation of this unity is known as ummah (community), which is a concept that blossomed in Medina.

A people with no central unity or culture have no clear path. A way of life emerged to include various social codes such as diet. Allah created as things, so the purpose of those things is understood through how they live. All of Islamic life is devoted to faith and submission to Allah. In turn, the ummah represents the manifestation through mind, heart, and body of Allah's truth. Diet helps to strengthen and promote each of these principles to the individual and the world.

-Pilgrimage-

Al-Baqara, the second chapter and first Medinan sura, states in section [2:196] that fasting may be observed by those unable to complete ritual Hajj and Umrah. This is invoked when an offering is sent in an individual's place, but such individual's hair is unable to be grown in observance. Further, violations of Ihraam (sanctity) during Hajj or Umrah require animal sacrifice; however, those unable to comply are given further sanctions of fasting. Three days during and ten days after returning from pilgrimage are required.

Ihraam begins at miqat (a stated place) where departure begins during Hajj and Umrah. Purity is a primary focus, which includes strict dietary law while making the pilgrimage. Killing of wild animals is only permitted in self defense. As outlined in Al-Ma'ida [5:2], hunting of wild game is forbidden during this time. Fishing is still allowed during this period and meat that was not prepared for the sake of the pilgrim observing Ihraam, but restrictions still apply to animals that die themselves, blood, the meat of pigs, and animals dedicated to other than Allah described in [5:3-4].

Section [5:96]

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