Muslims are commanded by Allah (swt) in the Qur`an to eat only pure, wholesome and permissible food that is fit for human consumption. The Qur`an says:

"O, ye men! Eat of what is in the earth lawful and wholesome and follow not the footsteps of Satan; for verily he is an open enemy to you." Al-Baqara 2:168

"O, ye who believe! Eat of good things. We have provided with and render thanks to Allah. If Him it is ye worship." Al-Baqara 2:17

In another place in the Qur`an Allah (swt) says;

"And eat of what Allah hath given you (for food) that which is lawful and wholesome, and fear Allah in whom ye believe." Al-Maida 5:88

Even the food which could come to hand from captives of war, according to Qur`an has to be:

"Eat then of what ye acquired in war, of things (which be) lawful and good and fear Allah, verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, the Most merciful." Al-Anfal 10:69

©Halal Food Authority 2006