Are you under the common misconception that Halal & Kosher are the same things? While this statement is factually correct per se, there are certain differences between these two terms. Halal is an Arabic word that means ‘permissible’ or ‘lawful’, its antonym is ‘Haram’ which means ‘forbidden’. Kosher is Jewish, the term is derived from the Hebrew dietary law ‘Kashrut’ which means ‘proper’ or ‘fit’. It is common knowledge that these terms are linked to food consumption, people can hardly tell them apart. Some of the best Halal restaurants in Houston cater to Kosher needs as well. By the end of this article, you will know the difference between Halal & Kosher. So keep reading if you want to share this information in your friends’ circle. Something new to talk about maybe? Let’s find out!
Origin Of Halal & Kosher
This is one of the similarities between Halal & Kosher, that they originate from deep-rooted traditions which go centuries back. Halal originates from the Islamic Holy book ‘Quran’, whereas Kosher originates from the Jewish Holy book ‘Torah’.
The Similarities Between Halal & Kosher
The process of meat slaughtering is similar between Halal & Kosher guidelines. This process includes one swift and rapid cut on the neck and letting the blood be completely drained. Halal and Kosher are not just foods, but they are lifestyles. Halal and Kosher dietary restrictions are set by the respective religions. Pork consumption is strictly forbidden in both these patterns. These dietary restrictions and preferences are not just designated for food consumption, but also preparation methods and sanitizing the utensils. Animals that were found deceased can not be consumed. (That is heartbreaking because we had been craving a classic serving of roadkill cuisine).
The Differences Between Halal & Kosher
Following are the differences between Halal and Kosher :
- Halal lifestyle includes following the Islamic dietary rules, while Kosher means following the Jewish dietary rules.
- Halal isn’t just limited to dietary restrictions and preferences, it extends to everything permissible for Muslims every day. Kosher is mostly limited to food, but it can also extend to describe things that are proper in daily life.
- Meat slaughtered by a Muslim is Halal, whereas the meat slaughtered by a Jew is permissible for Jews.
- If prayer has not been made before slaughtering meat, it is still permissible for Jews. On the contrary slaughtered meat is not permissible for Muslims without a prayer conducted before the process.
- If fruits and vegetables have bugs, and they are removed, Muslims can consider it Halal. Those who lead Kosher lifestyles cannot consume fruits or vegetables even after removing bugs.
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- Meat and dairy products can be consumed simultaneously according to Islamic dietary laws. At the same time, you need to have at least a 6-hour gap between consuming dairy and meat. If any utensil is used to prepare dairy products is used to cook meat, the food becomes non-Kosher. If meat and dairy products are added to the same dish at the same time, the dish becomes non-Kosher.
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited for Muslims. In other words, it is Haram. If the ingredients are Kosher, and the entire wine-making process is monitored by Jews, then they can consume alcohol.
- All herbivores (excluding domestic donkeys), locusts, and marine animals are permissible for Muslims. Apart from crows and birds of prey, almost all birds are Halal. Kosher dietary preferences include mammals with split hooves and birds that are not declared improper in the religious book. Scaled fish with fins are permissibly allowed for those who lead a Kosher lifestyle.
- All kinds of dairy products are permissible for Muslims, whereas the Kosher diet allows dairy products collected from Kosher mammals.
Benefits Of Kosher & Halal
Nothing can determine which dietary law/lifestyle is healthier, however, nothing can deny the benefits of Halal & Kosher. Following are some of the benefits of Kosher & proper.
Kosher
One of the most noteworthy benefits of Kosher is being able to know how each ingredient had been processed. This ensures high-quality food, consumer satisfaction, and several health benefits.
Halal
Like Kosher, when you opt for proper food, you know what you consume. An alcohol-free life can protect you from alcohol-related liver problems and is better for the long run.
Based on the above-mentioned guidelines and details, it is quite obvious that proper and Kosher are not entirely similar and not entirely different at the same time. How is it that after reading this, the questions increase? Can Muslims eat food that has been prepared by the Kosher methods (and vice versa)? Well, the answer to this is rather simple, if neither of the dietary rules is being compromised, then why not? It is highly recommended to purchase and consume Halal & Kosher meals which are officially certified or labeled authentic. Some of the best Halal restaurants in Houston include New York Deli & Coffee Shop, and Tempura Halal & Genesis Steakhouse. The best part about these restaurants is that their menus are Kosher-friendly. If you know someone who might be looking for Kosher food, pass the information forward!
