Title: Regarding Kosher - Is it Halaal for Muslims? Question: After reading your answer regarding 'slaughtering an animal without taking God's name' and after reading the information from IFANCA about Kosher meat, which said Kosher is not Halaal because they don't take God's name while slaughtering the animal, I am confused whether kosher is really Halaal for Muslims. I hope you can help me by giving the appropriate answer. Thank you. Wassalam Answer: I have written to a few Jewish scholars to inform us whether the prohibitions mentioned in Islam - also mentioned in the Old Testament - are strictly followed by the Jewish community or not. Unfortunately, I have not yet received any response to my question. If I receive any response to the said question, I shall post it as an appendix to this answer. However, in the mean time, we can rely on the generally accepted definition of Kosher food. The Britannica, in its note on "Kosher" writes: In connection with the dietary laws, kosher implies (1) that the food is not derived from the animals, birds, or fish prohibited in Leviticus 11 or Deuteronomy 14; (2) that the animals or birds have been slaughtered by ritual method of shehitah ( see below); (3) that the meat has been salted to remove the blood (Deuteronomy 12:16, 23-25, and elsewhere) after the carcass has been critically examined for physical blemishes and that the ischiatic nerve has been removed from hindquarters (Genesis 32:32); and (4) that meat and milk have not been cooked together (Exodus 23:19) and that separate utensils have been employed. In consequence of (2), the term terefah (that which has been torn by beasts; Genesis 31:39) is extended to all food violating the law, even, incorrectly, to admixtures of leaven on Passover, though Kasher la-Pesach, "fit for Passover," is fairly correct. Defining the method of slaughter, Britannica writes: The special method of slaughtering animals, called shehitah , consists of an incision made across the neck of the animal or fowl by a qualified person especially trained for ritual slaughter, with a special knife that is razor-sharp and has a smooth edge with absolutely no nicks. The cutting must be made by moving the knife in a single swift and uninterrupted sweep, and not by pressure or by stabbing. The cut severs the main arteries, rendering the animal unconscious and permitting the blood to drain from the body. The slaughterer ( shohet ) recites a prayer before the act of shehitah. Please note the words "The slaughterer ( shohet ) recites a prayer before the act of shehitah ". These prayers have always consisted of invoking God's name on the animal being slaughtered. The point that the Jews do not invoke God's name on the animal being slaughtered does not seem to be correct. I do not, therefore, see any reason why certified "Kosher" food should be termed as prohibited. 28 th November 1999