The Hallal
Halal is what is permitted in Islam. This concept helps a Muslim to orientate himself in everyday life. The opposite of it is haram, which means forbidden. The Qur'an enjoins on men to consume the lawful and the good.[1]
Not just food.
The word ⁇ halyal ⁇ is often found in food. But the question of what is allowed also concerns earnings and the handling of other people's property. For example, the Quran forbids the unjust appropriation of each other's property and indicates trade by mutual consent.[2]
A simple example: Buying something from an approved seller and taking someone else's thing without permission are two different things. It is important to pay attention not only to the object itself but also to how it was obtained.
How to Study This Topic
Start with clear examples from the Qur'an. And there is a clear commandment in it not to forbid the good things which Allah has made lawful.[3] This article explains the concept itself; detailed questions about a particular product or contract require a separate analysis.