Kosher and Halal: How They Affect Muslim and Jewish Dietary Practices

Abstract

The Jewish kosher dietary laws and the Muslim halal dietary laws are an integral part of each religion as part of their larger legal frameworks. However, as food and drink are so central to people’s daily life, these laws often taken on a greater significance. Therefore, it is useful to understand these laws and how they function to meet the daily needs of their adherents. The kosher (kashrus) dietary laws determine which foods are “fit or proper” for consumption by Jewish consumers who observe these laws. The halal dietary laws determine which foods are “lawful” or permitted for Muslims. For both religions, the food laws are a small part of a comprehensive system of religious laws that cover many aspects of daily life. However, these laws establish a framework, but how an individual Jew or Muslim will live their life is a personal matter often influenced by the standards of the local community and often not necessarily following all of the laws. And the laws themselves will vary as there is no central body currently in a position to harmonize these laws. Although these variations in practice may at times be frustrating for those making products to serve these markets, it is also a great strength internally to be able to respect differences within the group and to learn to celebrate this diversity.