Welcome to the Shariah Council of the United States Q&A section! If you have any questions related to Halal practices, Islamic law (الشريعة الإسلامية), or our certification process, we encourage you to reach out to us at [email protected]
Our answers are sourced from knowledgeable imams and scholars in Islamic jurisprudence, ensuring that you receive accurate and reliable guidance. We base our responses on the Qur’an (القرآن), Sunnah (السنة), and the rich tradition of Islamic legal thought. Rest assured, all inquiries are kept confidential, and no questions are published, ensuring your privacy is fully protected.
Thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to assisting you with your questions.
Basics of Islam
أساسيات الإسلام
Islam (الإسلام) is a comprehensive way of life that offers guidance in every aspect of existence. Below are some fundamental principles that form the foundation of the faith:
- Shahadah (الشهادة): The declaration of faith, stating,
“أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمداً رسول الله”
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” This is the central belief that defines a Muslim. - Salah (الصلاة): The five daily prayers are a direct link between the believer and Allah. They are observed at specific times throughout the day: Fajr (فجر), Dhuhr (ظهر), Asr (عصر), Maghrib (مغرب), and Isha (عشاء).
- Zakat (الزكاة): Zakat is the obligatory act of charity. Every eligible Muslim must give a portion of their wealth to support those in need. It purifies wealth and helps build a just and balanced society.
- Sawm (الصوم): Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan (رمضان) is a key pillar of Islam. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sinful behavior from dawn until sunset, seeking nearness to Allah and developing self-restraint.
- Hajj (الحج): The pilgrimage to Makkah (مكة) is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able. Hajj demonstrates the unity of Muslims and their submission to Allah.
Key Islamic Concepts
- Halal (حلال): Refers to actions or items permissible under Islamic law.
- Haram (حرام): Refers to anything forbidden by Islamic law.
- Shariah (الشريعة): The body of Islamic law derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah that governs all aspects of a Muslim’s life, from personal conduct to community interactions.
- Fatwa (فتوى): A legal opinion issued by an Islamic scholar based on the principles of Shariah. It provides guidance for contemporary issues.
- Ijtihad (اجتهاد): The process of deriving legal rulings through independent reasoning based on Shariah when clear guidance from the Qur’an or Sunnah is not available.
- Dua (الدعاء): Supplication or prayer to Allah for guidance, help, or forgiveness.
- Taqwa (التقوى): Consciousness of Allah and living a life mindful of one’s duties towards Him.
Halal Practices and Shariah Compliance
ممارسات الحلال والامتثال للشريعة
At the Shariah Council of the United States, we ensure strict adherence to the principles of Shariah in our Halal certification. Halal (حلال) goes beyond permissible food; it is a way of maintaining spiritual purity and ethical integrity in daily life.
- What is Halal?
Halal means lawful, and for food to be considered Halal, it must meet specific criteria set by Islamic law. The food must be pure, clean, and free from anything that is forbidden (حرام). - Dhabihah (ذبيحة): The Islamic method of slaughter involves making a swift and humane cut to the trachea (الحلقوم), esophagus (المريء), and both jugular veins (الوريدان الوداجيان). This must be done while invoking the name of Allah, saying Bismillah Allahu Akbar (بسم الله الله أكبر), ensuring that the act is done with the highest level of reverence and responsibility.
- Earning Halal:
Islam emphasizes that both the food we consume and the income we earn must be Halal. Income derived from unethical or forbidden activities—such as selling alcohol (الكحول), gambling (القمار), or other impermissible trades—taints our sustenance. As the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
“إن الله طيب لا يقبل إلا طيباً” – “Indeed, Allah is pure and does not accept anything but that which is pure.” (Sahih Muslim).
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
We look forward to assisting you!