The purpose of this information is to assist Muslims or non-Muslims to better understand the term ‘Halal’ and its importance to Muslims.
One Islam – Many Muslims
While Islam is a single faith, Muslims are a diverse community with roots in over 70 countries, including almost 2 million Muslims in Canada alone. Halal refers to what is permissible under Islamic law, especially when it comes to food and lifestyle practices. It is not just about avoiding what is haram (forbidden), but about embracing a way of life that aligns with faith and ethical values. For Muslims, food laws are deeply connected to their worship and daily practices, reflecting a commitment to health, gratitude, and devotion. Explore the FAQs below to gain a deeper understanding of Halal and its role in Muslim life.
Allah means God.
Muslims use the word. Allah is “the God,”.
When translating Arabic expressions; translate all the words for consistency. The translation of “Allahu Akbar,” for example, would be “God is greater,” or “God is Great” not “Allah is greater.”
Muslims are followers of Islam, one of the three Abrahamic faiths, along with Christianity and Judaism. Islam has members around the world and, like Christianity; most of its members are peaceful, law-abiding citizens who worship the one God. Muslims believe Mohammed to be the final Messenger of God. His message is a universal one and is the culmination of the teaching of all earlier prophets such as Jesus, Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Isaac and David. Also, as with Christianity and other faith traditions throughout history, its teachings have been used by some people to justify violence.
Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted. In reference to food, it is the dietary standard, as prescribed in the Qur’an (the Muslim scripture). The opposite of halal is haram, which means unlawful or prohibited. Halal and haram are universal terms that apply to all facets of life. These terms are commonly used in relation to food products, meat products, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and food contact materials and others.
Islam places great emphasis in the way in which an animal’s life ends, which has to be in accordance with Islamic regulations. Life is a sacred blessing of God to creation, animals as well as humans.
If the life of an animal has to be ended for human survival, then its life should only be taken in the name of God. Hence, the phrase bismillah (‘in the name of God’) must be uttered just before slaughtering an animal.
Muslims cannot consume the meat of animals that are sacrificed in a name other than God. Any animal slaughtered in the name of a person alive or dead, any deity or idol will be considered as haram and therefore it is not permissible for Muslims to consume that meat.
In the meat and poultry food industry, animals such as cows, veal, lamb, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, ducks, game birds, bison, venison, etc; are considered halal, but they must be slaughtered and prepared according to Islamic laws in order for their meat to be suitable for consumption (see below).
Fish and seafood (with the exception of crocodiles, alligators and frogs) are generally acceptable for Muslims but as always check first, as there may be a personal dietary preference or allergy. The preparation of the fish or seafood should not include alcohol (ie batter or wine, or anything considered haram).
In general every food is considered halal in Islam unless it is specially prohibited by the Qur’an or the Hadith . By official definition, halal foods are those that are:
Free from any component that Muslims are prohibited from consuming according to Islamic law (Shariah).
Processed, made, produced, manufactured and/or stored using utensils, equipment and/or machinery that have been cleansed according to Islamic law.
Muslims eat to maintain a strong and healthy physique in order to be able to contribute their knowledge and effort for the welfare of the society. Muslims are supposed to make an effort to obtain the best quality nutritionally. It is mentioned in a Hadith that the prayer of a person is rejected by Allah if the food consumed is prohibited (haram).
Canada Halal Examination & Certification (CHEC) only takes responsibility for verifying that the products it certifies are genuinely Halal. We oversee numerous companies involved in a variety of industries such as food and beverage, abattoir operations, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Please look for the (CHEC) logo on products if you are unsure. You can also directly contact the manufacturer but be cautious, as there could still be some ingredients that they are not aware of as being doubtful and/or Haram. For this reason, ensuring the product is properly Halal certified is ideal for peace of mind. And always remember, if in doubt, do without!
There are hundreds of halal certification organizations around the world. Their websites offer more information about the certification process. Consumers are advised to research their food sources carefully to determine the validity of any halal certificate, and each certifying organization has its own procedures and requirements.
Canada Halal Examination & Certification (CHEC) founded in 2002 and started operation in 2005, is supported by the Islamic Council for North America and the Islamic Communities in Canada. We specialize in the inspection and certification of products and production methods for the food industry according to the Islamic halal regulations. Through our halal monitoring and certification system, we offer consumers and businesses alike a guaranteed, trusted certification for halal products according to Islamic laws. Reports are examined by the Council of Islamic Scholars in Canada, which must agree to the granting of all certificates. Our halal product logo stands for proven halal quality.
We feel that Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala has given knowledge of Halal foods for the purpose to spread to all Muslims so that they can eat only Halal foods.
Canada Halal EC Alhamdulillah has been providing Halal Certification in Canada, the United States, and Muslims throughout the world.
This halal certification procedure involves three steps :
The Quran is the holy book for Muslims, who believe it contains the word of God revealed to the prophet Muhammad. The Quran, or `recitation’ was revealed over a period of 22 years. Muslims regard it as the direct word of God speaking in the first person. The usage of “Koran” like “Moslem” is not favored by Muslims. The Quran is not the Muslim “Bible,” because the Bible is seen as a secondary text while the Quran is a primary source of revelation. The Quran is a seal and purifier of all the previous scriptures. It speaks of distortions that crept into earlier texts and gives the message that all prophets and messengers brought in a pure and unadulterated form. The Quran recognises previous revelations like the Torah and the Gospel as well as labels together respectfully the Jews, Christians and Muslims as “the People of the Book”. The Quran has been translated into many languages, including English, and is available on the Web. Other spellings are Qur’an and Koran. Variations come from transliterating Arabic into English.
The leader of prayer at a mosque is usually called an Imam. He might also be called a Sheikh [scholar/person of Islamic knowledge]. One of an Imam’s responsibilities is to give sermons on Friday, the holiest day of the typical Islamic week. To journalists, an Imam can be an important local community leader and a good source of information about local Muslims.
The leader of prayer at a mosque is usually called an Imam. He might also be called a Sheikh [scholar/person of Islamic knowledge]. One of an Imam’s responsibilities is to give sermons on Friday, the holiest day of the typical Islamic week. To journalists, an Imam can be an important local community leader and a good source of information about local Muslims.
In cases of necessity, prohibited things may become permissible (Halal) for the duration of the emergency or need, as Islam puts a priority on life over death. Refer to Qur’an at Chapter 2:173 (Al Baqarah).
Halal products are derived from animals and/or poultry that have been prepared according to Islamic law under the following statement, “In the name of God – God is the Greatest/Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”.
Halal products and production are properly separated and clearly identified from non-halal products.
Halal Certification is the process of having a qualified, independent, third-party
supervise the production of food products, attesting that they were produced in
conformity with the preparation and ingredient standards of the halal lifestyle.
The supervisory third-party then issues Halal Certification to the producer
attesting to halal conformity on a per product basis.
The CHEC Logo symbol on your products or services indicates that their Halal status is being independently monitored by the staff of the CHEC’s Halal Division. That symbol is recognized by the Halal consumer as the sign that your products meet the strictest standards of Halal.
We are committed to providing our clients with the best possible service. A client’s satisfaction is our definition of success.
We are committed to providing our clients with best Halal standards and reputation. With the CHEC symbol you can be sure that your products will be marketable, recognized and accepted.
Our Imams, managers and representatives are highly skilled and respected for their experience and ability to strategically apply their expertise to each client’s individual circumstances.
We are committed to providing our clients with fair fees. Our fees are based on the specific service we provide which suits the business needs and budgets. We do not profit from our clients’ seals. Our interests are aligned with our clients: to grow their sales and increase the Halal availablity to whom needs it.
We are committed to our clients feeling secure in their relationship with us. We offer the security of working with an organization with global reputation through our affiliates and partners. High accountability, experiences staff, all combines to provide our clients with the service they desire and deserve.
Contact us and discover why we are a recognized leader in the Halal market!
It must meet the standards from the Quran and the Prophet’s sayings, and it must be prepared in the most hygienic conditions, meeting the highest food safety standards.
What is the difference between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?
Historically, these are the two main branches of Islam, and their distinction has to do with the successor of the prophet Muhammad. Sunnis believe his successors were elected religious leaders; Shi’a believe that the prophet appointed Ali ibn Abi Taleb. The answer is much more complicated than this, though, because there are other differences and new ones have arisen over the years.
What is the difference between Islam and being Muslims?
Islam is the religion, and a Muslim is a follower of the religion. It is like the difference between Christianity and Christian. The adjective form is Islamic.
All foods are considered halal except the following (which are haram):
– Alcoholic drinks and intoxicants
– Non-Halal Animal Fat
– Enzymes* (Microbial Enzymes are permissible)
– Gelatine* – from non-Halal source (fish gelatine is Halal)
– L-cysteine
– Lard
– Lipase* (only animal lipase need be avoided)
– Non-Halal Animal Shortening
– Pork, Bacon / Ham and anything from pigs
– Unspecified Meat Broth
– Rennet* (All forms should be avoided except for plant / microbial /
synthetic – rennet obtained from halal slaughtered animal is
permissible).
– Stock* (a blend of mix species broth or meat stock).
– Tallow* (non-Halal species).
– Carnivorous animals, birds of prey and certain other animals.
– Foods contaminated with any of the above products.
And others…
(*May be consumed if derived from Halal animals.)
Foods containing ingredients such as gelatin, enzymes, emulsifiers, and flavours are questionable, because the origin of these ingredients is not known. Further investigation may be required.
Muslims are only allowed to eat meat that has been prepared according to Islamic law. This method is often challenged by animal rights activists as ‘causing unnecessary suffering to the animal’. Muslims disagree and say that Islamic law on killing animals is designed to reduce the pain and distress that the animal suffers.
CHEC has strict rules with regards to Islamic slaughter. These rules state:
The slaughterer must be a Muslim.
The slaughterer must say the name of God before making the cut.
The name of God is said in order to emphasise the sanctity of life and that the animal is being killed for food with God’s consent.
The animal must be killed by cutting the throat with one continuous motion of a sharp knife.
The cut must sever at least four of the trachea, oesophagus, and the two blood vessels on either side of the throat.
The spinal cord must not be cut.
Animals must be well treated before being killed.
Animals must not see other animals being killed.
The knife must not be sharpened in the animal’s presence.
The knife blade must be free of blemishes that might tear the wound.
The animal must not be in an uncomfortable position.
The animal must be allowed to bleed out and be completely dead before further processing.
Some experts say that the animal killed in this way does not suffer if the cut is made quickly and cleanly, because it loses consciousness before the brain can perceive any pain: “the Islamic way of slaughtering is the most humane method of slaughter.
An animal’s throat is cut in one swift motion with a razor sharp knife. Unconsciousness is achieved within seconds and death occurs due to cerebral hypoxia not blood loss.
Animal fat or protein (halal animal, halal slaughtered?)
Anti-oxidants (animal or plant source?)
Dairy Products (enzymes/cheese/whey?)
Emulsifiers (animal or plant source?)
Enzymes (animal/microbial/plants?)
Flavoring agents (non halal ingredients?)
L-Cysteine and other amino acids (source?)
Gelatin (animals, halal certified?)
Glycerin (animals or plant?)
Vitamins (carriers?)
Other ingredients may need further inspection…
Three simple steps: Evaluation-Inspection- Certifying.
Should the company is successfully certified; ongoing monitoring will be occurring by the inspector based on the need and nature of the business.
Contact us for more information should you have further inquiries.
More than two million Muslims in Canada want the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the food they eat is Halal.
Our goal at the Canadian Halal Inspection and Certification Commission (CHEC) is to make that a reality. We have been certifying our products for 20 years and are considered one of Canada’s most trusted certification bodies. According to the jurisprudence of Imam Sadiq (AS).
The process of obtaining Halal Certification for food is an application that provides many advantages to both manufacturers and customers. These advantages are:
Consumers can make an informed decision based on their taste thanks to the certificate. At the same time, thanks to the continuous inspection process of Halal Certification for food, customers can safely eat the food they buy.
The “Halal kitchen”, which belongs to the food industry, has recently gained great popularity in the global economy. Companies that obtain Halal Certification will supply their goods to the global “Halal Food” industry, increasing their competitiveness. Let’s assume that a product has a Halal certificate with Canada Halal EC accreditation. In this case, it will be able to distribute and market its goods as “Halal” in all countries and prove that it has obtained the certificate with which it sells Halal products in other countries. This will enable a product with a Halal certificate accredited by Canada Halal EC to stand out from domestic and foreign competitors while bringing prestige and trust to the customer community concerned with halal food.
The certification confirms that not only are the Halal Law standards for the “Halal Food” product met, but that food safety and sanitation procedures are strictly followed in the product/processing services as well.
Quality. Trust. Halal. Since 2004, CHEC has been a trusted leader in Halal certification, ensuring compliance with authentic Halal standards.
We’ll also keep you up-to-date on the latest news and updates.