Halal-certified foods, which are prepared a certain way according to Islamic teaching, are becoming more popular every year. Consumers can rest assured that meats slaughtered according to halal practices are “clean” according to Leviticus 11. In addition, halal also certifies that as much blood as possible has been drained out during slaughter. These are both biblically correct principles. However, there is more to the issue.

Information posted online by Muslim organizations such as the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) states that “halal certification” involves a blessing by a Muslim representative prior to slaughter. It also appears that the actual slaughtering needs to be done by a Muslim.

Let’s first consider scriptural principles. The New Testament discusses an issue of the first century regarding whether or not to eat meats that had been offered to a pagan idol. What Paul wrote on that topic can provide guidance on halal foods. Please see our study guide titled, “What Does the Bible Teach About Clean and Unclean Meats?”

In the chapter, "Does the New Testament Abolish Meat Distinctions?"  the study aid states, “Paul explained that ‘an idol is nothing’ (1 Corinthians 8:4), clarifying that it was not intrinsically harmful to eat meats that had been sacrificed to an idol. That an animal had been sacrificed to a pagan god had no bearing on whether the meat was suitable for food.”

The study aid discusses 1 Corinthians 8 on the subject of meats that had been offered to pagan idols. The apostle Paul explained that offering meats to idols does nothing to change the nutritional value of that meat—and it can be eaten if it is “clean” meat according to God’s food laws of Leviticus 11.

However, some in Corinth were weak in conscience. That means that eating clean meats that had been offered to a pagan god was offensive to some of the members. In this situation, Paul taught that it was wrong to do anything that might cause them to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:12-13).

Today, nearly 2,000 years after Paul’s time, the same thing can happen due to how meats are slaughtered. Many foods are offered to various gods during the slaughtering process. Halal food laws govern what is slaughtered, how it is slaughtered, and for whom or what it is offered. So do kosher laws for Jews.

We can apply Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 8:4 as a principle. Truly the “idol is nothing.” From this we can conclude that meat today is not altered in any way even when it is slaughtered according to halal or kosher laws. The same is true for any practice among peoples around the world where clean meats may be offered to a god, idol or to nature itself.

Foods that are marked halal or kosher will have been blessed by a cleric or priest or rabbi. That does not mean we cannot enjoy the roast, chicken or fish—as long as they are clean meats. The Bible also teaches us that “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). If eating foods that are marked as being acceptable according to halal or kosher laws bothers a person, he or she should not consume it or try to coerce others to eat it.

The question above gets into the area of whether a Christian can participate in the regulations included in halal slaughtering. The greatest challenge for a Christian will be the required blessing prior to slaughtering an animal. ISNA states that slaughter is to be done by a Muslim after stating in the Arabic language, “In the name of Allah the greatest.” Paying fees for halal certification are involved.

It should be understood that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is not exactly the same as the god recognized in the Islamic faith as Allah. To encourage Islamic halal prayers to be conducted on the farm should be carefully thought through. Even though the meat itself is still “clean” to eat afterwards, the person may be participating in the ritual more than is appropriate for a Christian.

In making a decision, it is important to study scriptural passages such as Romans 14:1-23; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 1 Corinthians 10:14-33, and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, and to pray about this. The farmer should ask God to guide and inspire the decision. It is good to back away from the situation at hand and honestly consider the question, “What am I responsible for before God?” Jesus gave the first and great commandment in Matthew 22:37 by saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

The United Church of God does not have an official policy regarding whether a Christian can participate in halal certification. Only the person knows his or her own conscience before God. We recommend researching the topic thoroughly.