Legislative Guidance on Foods Provisions: AnExplanatory and Objective Study

Abstract

 This research aims to shed some light on the most crucial Sharia law relating to the consumption of Halāl food based on selected verses from Sūrat Al-Mā’idah in order to create awareness among the Muslims regarding the provisions of foods that are permissible and forbidden. However, it is noted that some Muslims who are less devoted to their religious values do not bother eating in such foreign food chains or restaurants and never questioned whether the food served is Halāl or Harām. Such a behavior clearly contradicts the Quranic guidance in making sure of the status of Halāl on the food served.  

The discussion is also expected to benefit the international and domestic food companies with a greater concern on Sharia teachings on food handling from production to marketing and from preparation to serving. This research uses inductive method in tracing the verses of Qur’ān that indicate provisions of foods in Sūrat Al-Mā’idah and their explanations (exegesis) based on the authentic books of Tafsir and Prophetic Tradition (Sunnah). Subsequently, an analytic-deductive approach is used to conclude the most important Sharia guidance related to the consumption of food.  

The author has discovered fourteen important findings of Sharia guidance related to the consumption of food and divided them into general and special instructions, and has discussed them in this paper. Finally, the study recommended activating these legislative guidelines in Muslims' daily life, and circulating them to the Halāl centers and their international laboratories which promote the standards of Halāl food. Especially that food is indispensable for humans and lots of money is spent on it.