Kosher labels
- Thread starter Summer03
- Start date
TheHumbleWun
Banned
Salamalaikum, I have been looking into why there are kosher labels on fruit drinks, here is something I found online:
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=744988
"Pure apple juice" generally has gelatin made from the ( skin cartilage, bones and meat of non kosher animals) added to remove the pectin from the juice and to give it a clear appearance. The pectin attaches itself to the gelatin and both are filtered out. Kashrut problems can arise in the filtering method or if the juice is heated before filtering. Even a "cloudy" juice which would seem to indicate that no clarifying agent has been added, sometimes indicates the opposite: the gelatin has been added but not totally removed, in order to give it a "natural" appearance
However, apparently the kosher labels on bottled water aren't necessary:
"Plain bottled water (non-carbonated and unflavored) does not need a Kosher symbol. Although you may find many companies that have a kosher symbol on their bottled water it is really just to satisfy the concern of the over scrupulous individual, but is technically not necessary."
http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=555&o=306
Kosher Symblols:
* OU - A circle with a U inside, much like the © symbol.* This is probably the most widely used and easily recognizable certification. Given by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations.
* OK - A circle with a K inside, also similar to the copyright symbol. Given by the Organized Kashrus Laboratories.
* Kכ - The letter K in a large Hebrew Kaf. Given by the Kosher Supervision Service.
* VKH - A vertical rectangle containing a small K near the top, a large V in the middle intersecting a large H at the bottom. Given by Vaad Horabonim (Vaad Hakashrus) of Massachusetts.
* כשר - The Hebrew letters (read from right to left) Kaf, Shin, Reish spelling the Hebrew word Kasher. Given by Rabbi Solomon B. Shapiro, Flushing, NY.
* Torah-K - A horizontal torah scroll with a large K in the middle. Given by Vaad Hakashrus of Denver.
May Allah give us all the correct guidance with regards to these issues, ameen.
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=744988
"Pure apple juice" generally has gelatin made from the ( skin cartilage, bones and meat of non kosher animals) added to remove the pectin from the juice and to give it a clear appearance. The pectin attaches itself to the gelatin and both are filtered out. Kashrut problems can arise in the filtering method or if the juice is heated before filtering. Even a "cloudy" juice which would seem to indicate that no clarifying agent has been added, sometimes indicates the opposite: the gelatin has been added but not totally removed, in order to give it a "natural" appearance
However, apparently the kosher labels on bottled water aren't necessary:
"Plain bottled water (non-carbonated and unflavored) does not need a Kosher symbol. Although you may find many companies that have a kosher symbol on their bottled water it is really just to satisfy the concern of the over scrupulous individual, but is technically not necessary."
http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=555&o=306
Kosher Symblols:
* OU - A circle with a U inside, much like the © symbol.* This is probably the most widely used and easily recognizable certification. Given by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations.
* OK - A circle with a K inside, also similar to the copyright symbol. Given by the Organized Kashrus Laboratories.
* Kכ - The letter K in a large Hebrew Kaf. Given by the Kosher Supervision Service.
* VKH - A vertical rectangle containing a small K near the top, a large V in the middle intersecting a large H at the bottom. Given by Vaad Horabonim (Vaad Hakashrus) of Massachusetts.
* כשר - The Hebrew letters (read from right to left) Kaf, Shin, Reish spelling the Hebrew word Kasher. Given by Rabbi Solomon B. Shapiro, Flushing, NY.
* Torah-K - A horizontal torah scroll with a large K in the middle. Given by Vaad Hakashrus of Denver.
May Allah give us all the correct guidance with regards to these issues, ameen.
salam aleikum
jazakallah khair for the post
Yea I always check for those labels ,but the products that dont have those labels doesnt mean not halal .Sometimes I just read ingredients instead
waaleikum salam
jazakallah khair for the post
Yea I always check for those labels ,but the products that dont have those labels doesnt mean not halal .Sometimes I just read ingredients instead
waaleikum salam
TheHumbleWun
Banned
Asalaamalikum,
As Muslims, we are generally allowed to eat food from Al Khitab (people of the book/Jews and Christians), specifically Kosher, which the Jews eat. Jews are also strict when it comes to animal slaughtering. Kosher food is halal because it is slaughtered in the way ordered by God. On other hand, Christians use machines and do not follow proper slaughtering of the animal, thus their meat is not in accordance to Islamic rulings.
TheHumbleWun
Banned
Asalaamalikum,
Does anyone know if Jews are allowed to eat halal food? Is halal food the same as kosher for the Jews?
Does anyone know if Jews are allowed to eat halal food? Is halal food the same as kosher for the Jews?
TheHumbleWun
Banned
Asalaamalikum,
I wish we had Halal symbols on food products. Inshallah one day......
Muslimah-S
Seek The Almighty
Walikumasalam
Jazzakallahu Khair for the clarification I was confused too.
Interesting topic.
TheHumbleWun
Banned
Salaam,
Jazakallah khair.
I can see they are using a symbols on that site to indicate what is halal or not, but to my knowledge we do not currently have a halal trademark on food products at the supermarkets.
Meraj
Brother
:salam2:
i wonder is it only way of slaughter enough for kosher to become halal....as in islam we need to slaughter in the name of ALLAH...but wat abt the jews.....i am bit confused,,,plz if u have authentic source which proves it .....
jazak ALLAH kheirann
TheHumbleWun
Banned
Asalaamalikum,
I hope this helps:
Is Kosher Halal
Often times Muslim consumers tend to assume 'Kosher' is similar to 'Halal'. Although the slaughtering rituals of Jewish people resemble those of Muslims; kosher and halal are two different entities carrying a different meaning and spirit. Muslims, therefore, are provided with the following basic information about Kosher so they can exercise care in distinguishing halal from kosher.
Kashrut (in Hebrew) is the system of Jewish dietary laws. Kosher (kashur in Hebrew) means 'fit, or proper for use' according to Jewish law. Examples of kosher are: the meat of the 'fore quarter*' of the cattle slaughtered ritually, fruits, vegetables, all fish that have fins*, all wines*, all cheeses*, gelatin*.
The opposite of Kosher, as applied to food in Treif (in Yiddish), or trefah (in Hebrew) meaning 'not suitable for use', or 'forbidden'. Trefah literally means 'torn by a wild beast' (Exodus 22:30). Examples of Trefah are: blood, swine, rabbit*, all shell fish*, wild birds such as wild hen*, wild duck*, and the birds of prey.
(*) These food items exhibit a marked difference between kosher and Halal as well as trefah and haram. The differences are explained elsewhere in this section.
Caution to Muslim Consumers:
Halal is a comprehensive Islamic term encompassing not only the matters of food and drink, but all other matters of daily life. Islam being the final and perfect way of life for humanity, it supersedes all the previously revealed religions including Christianity and Judaism. The rituals in all matters were perfected by God (al-Quran 5:3)
According to Islamic Jurisprudence, no one except God can change forbidden (Haram) things into lawful (halal) for vice-versa. It is forbidden for people to change the lawful (Halal) things into unlawful (Haram), or vice-versa.
Halal is a unique Islamic concept and eating zabiha (Islamically slaughtered) meat is a distinguishing part of a Muslim's identity as expressed by Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
Salient differences between kosher and halal are:
Islam prohibits all intoxicating alcohols, liquors, wines and drugs. kashrut regards all wines kosher. Hence food items and drinks showing the kosher symbol containing alcohol are not halal.
Gelatin is considered Kosher by many Jews regardless of its source of origin. If the gelatin is prepared from non-zabiha, Muslims consider it haram (prohibited). Hence foods items such as marshmallows, yogurt, etc., showing kosher symbols are not always halal.
Enzymes (irrespective of their sources even from non-kosher animals) in cheese making are considered mere secretion(pirsah b'almah) according to some kashrut organizations, hence all cheeses are considered kosher. Muslims look for the source of the enzyme in cheese making. If it is coming from the swine, it is considered haram(forbidden). Hence cheeses showing kosher symbols may not be halal.
Jews do not pronounce the name of God on each animal while slaughtering. They feel that uttering the name of God, out of context, is wasteful. Muslims on the other hand pronounce the name of Allah on all animals while slaughtering.
The salient differences between kosher and halal have been illustrated so that Muslim consumers can distinguish halal from kosher.
Muslims in non-Muslim countries should strive to follow the Islamic injunctions in their diet (as well as in every walk of life) and establish their own businesses and institutions to cater to the needs of the Muslim Ummah. By doing so, not only the identity of the Muslims will be preserved, but they will be recognized and respected for their beliefs and practices.
Differences within Kosher:
There are different sects within Judaism and there are several hundred Jewish Kosher authorities in the US who certify Kosher based on extremely liberal to extremely conservative rules. Therefore it is difficult to come up with one uniform opinion regarding Kosher practices. A symbols "k" for kosher is not governed by any authority. Any manufacturer can use it at will. A website guiding Jews about Kosher states "it may take a great deal of detective work to ascertain the standard that a particular rabbi is using." For this reason many Muslims when buying anything kosher look for "u" in a circle which are more conservative Kosher symbol.
http://www.soundvision.com/info/halalhealthy/halal.kosher.asp
1. Introduction
Judaic and Islamic dietary laws have and do bring Jews and Muslims together. Both the Kosher and Halal signs and symbols have given solace to both minorities living in a majority secular or Christian society.
In this research, we explain what, why, and how our dietary laws are similar. Any difference in our dietary laws is analyzed and discussed to conclude that Muslims are equally observant to the Divine Kosher (Kashrut) Laws.
2. Similarities
In General
1. Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Scriptural Law.
2. All blood must be drained from the meat or broiled out of it before it is eaten.
3. Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten.
4. Utensils that have come into contact with non-kosher food may not be used with kosher food.
In Detail
In both Judaism and Islam, we have a wide variety of identical dietary laws:
The Torah;
“..any animal that has cloven hooves and chews its cud. Lev. 11:3; Deut. 14:6
The Quran:
"O ye who believe! fulfil (all) obligations. Lawful unto you (for food) are all cattle four-footed animals, with the exceptions named: But animals of the chase are forbidden while ye are in the sacred precincts or in pilgrim garb: for Allah doth command according to His will and plan.” Surah 5:1
The Torah;
Of the things that are in the waters, you may eat anything that has fins and scales. Lev. 11:9; Deut. 14:9
The Quran:
”Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food,- for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel” Surah 5:96
The Torah;
The mammals and birds that may be eaten must be slaughtered in accordance with Jewish law. (Deut. 12:21).
The Quran:
"Eat the meat of the animals on which name of Allah has been invoked, if you are believer" (6 :118).
"Do not eat meat of animal on which the name of Allah has not been invoked because this is an act of sin" (6 : 121).
The Torah;
We may not eat animals that died of natural causes (Deut. 14:21)
The Quran:
"Forbidden to you (as food) are dead animals” (5 : 4).
The Torah;
birds of prey or scavengers (Lev. 11:13-19; Deut. 14:11-18)
Sayings of Prophet Muhammad:
Similarly, someone in ihram should not kill any predatory birds..” Malik's Muwatta, Book 20:, Number 20.26.92.
The Torah;
prohibits consumption of blood. Lev. 7:26-27; Lev. 17:10-14
The Quran;
Forbidden to you (for food) ……..blood (5:3)
The Torah;
“And the swine, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. “ Le 11:7
The Quran:
” He has only forbidden you ….. the flesh of swine…” (16:115)
The Torah;
“Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations” Le 10:9
The Quran:
"They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider” 2:219
Therefore, the essential and core harmful substances have been preserved as forbidden in the Quran as it has been in the Torah.
Regarding the slight differences, we see that un-harmful substances which may have been inflicted or self-inflicted rules in the Torah, are cured by the Holy Quran.
3. Differences
We find that the foods that have been forbidden in the Torah yet allowed in the Quran are the ones that do not cause harm or illness according to medical tests. Health, is the central theme in both the Torah and Koran. Forbidden foods are labeled as “unclean” substances. The aspect is stated in the Holy Quran:
"(And it is said unto them): Eat and drink in health (as a reward) for what ye used to do” (52:19)
With the Monotheist’s health and well being a priority, nutritional foods which were previously forbidden such as shrimp, rabbit, (parts of a camel), sea food such lobster and as shell fish in proportion, are today allowed in Islam.
4. How and Why
The Holy Quran explains two main reasons why a few of the dietary laws are different. The reasoning is based on inflicted and self inflicted dietary laws in the Bible both of which are cured in the Koran.
Meaning that some of the food restrictions were placed on the Israelites as a form of punishment rather than a health issue because of some mis-behavior, hence, “inflicted on the Jews”.
Another explanation stated in the Holy Quran is that the Rabbis made some foods un-lawful that God in the Bible never restricted Jews from eating, hence “self inflicted prohibitions” which the Quran revives both with Love and Truth.
a. Love, removing the infliction
There are proven healthy laws in the Torah. God in the Torah is a loving God who cares for His people, unless His people rebel…
“because they had not executed My judgments, but had despised My statutes and had polluted My Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. Therefore I gave them also statutes (Laws) that were not good and judgments whereby they should not live; and I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all who openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.” Ezekiel 20:24-26
This Biblical commandment was in reference to various Laws for Israelites being made stricter and even life threatening, including dietary laws because the Israelites disobeyed God.
An opposite example of this abrogation is when Abraham is commanded to sacrifice his son, when Abraham was obedient, God changed His commandment mercifully with the substitution of the ram.
When God sent the Holy Quran as a mercy to humans, God reminds us of the Ezekiel 20:24 event in Sura 6:146:
“And to those who were Jews We made unlawful every animal with undivided hoof, and of oxen and sheep We made unlawful to them the fat of both, except such as was on their backs or the entrails or what was mixed with bones: this was a punishment We gave them on account of their rebellion, and We are surely Truthful.” (see also 3:93 and 4:160).
Such a restriction in the desert of Israel and Arabia, would surely kill the follower through starvation and make the number of followers small in number as God had promised to make Israelites desolate.
For example, God forbade both nutritional and non-nutritional foods for the Israelites while forgiving those who repented and returned to Allah.
To the best of our modern scientific knowledge, there is no reason why rabbit or camel meat is any less healthy than cow or goat meat. With the scarcity of food in the desert, being forbidden from eating healthy meat meant death.
Therefore God sent down the forgiving message in the Holy Quran, for the Israelites who repented, their dietary laws were kept kosher, but with mercy rather than a curse:
“We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.” Surah 17:82
“ ..This (Qur'an) is insight from your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy for a people that believe.” Surah 7:204
An example of this dietary mercy is recorded in the Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad:
"The sacrificial camels we have made for you as among the symbols from Allah: in them is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat ye thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: thus have We made animals subject to you, that ye may be grateful.” Surah 22:36
God reveals in this verse that camels actually are nutritional, whereas in the Torah they were forbidden not because of health reasons like pork, but because of disobedience of Israelites. God also explains that we were mercifully allowed to eat previously forbidden meats so that we can be content and not beg.
In Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), the elements of starvation and mercy are also recorded:
“Once the journey food diminished and the people were reduced to poverty. They went to the Prophet and asked his permission to slaughter their camels, and he agreed.” Volume 3, Book 44, Number 664
Rather than begging for food or starving to death because of a Biblical law placed on ancient Israelites because of some ancient disobedience, today’s Monotheists are forgiven and allowed to eat all healthy foods while still restricted from unhealthy foods.
b. Self inflicted
There are Jewish dietary laws which were created by Rabbis, rather than recorded in the Torah. We categorize such laws as self inflicted laws, forbidding foods on yourself that God has made lawful.
An example of this Rabbi created food restriction is the Separation of Meat and Dairy.
Because of such human made laws forbidding the bounty and blessings from God, the Quran was sent by God and states:
“All food was lawful to the children of Israel except that which Israel had forbidden to itself, before the Torah was revealed. Say: Bring then the Torah and read it, if you are truthful.” (3:93)
5. Conclusion
Hallal (permissible in Islam), is Kosher (permissible for Jews) as a blessing and mercy from Allah. Jewish lives have been saved by the mercy sent by God in the Quran, Jewish children and adults are allowed to live again enjoying the healthy bounty God has provided for us.
Peace
http://www.jews-for-allah.org/Jews-and-Muslims-Agree/halal_is_kosher.htm
