Do’s and Don’ts (Halal and Haram) in Islam According to the Quran and Hadith

Do’s and Don’ts in All Religion

No religion allows immoral or wrongful actions. The following things are prohibited in every religion:

• Lying
• Backbiting (Gheebah)
• Drinking alcohol (boozing)
• Adultery and fornication (Zina)
• Usury (Riba)

The religion that strictly follows these prohibitions is Islam, and its followers are called Muslims.

Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, Muslims are not given due respect. This is because many Muslims today do not follow the true teachings of Islam.

Qur’anic Command

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In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says:

“Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain from it.” (Surah Al-Hashr 59:7)

Permitted and Prohibited Actions in Islam

Islam clearly defines what permissible (Halal) is and prohibited (Haram). Every Muslim must follow these guidelines to live a righteous and dignified life.

Islam provides clear guidelines on what is permissible (Halal) and what is forbidden (Haram) in a Muslim’s life. These guidelines, derived from the Quran and Hadith, help Muslims lead a righteous and ethical life. Every action in Islam falls into one of five categories: Halal (permissible), Haram (forbidden), Mustahabb (recommended), Makruh (discouraged), and Mubah (neutral).

Following these principles ensures spiritual, physical, and social well-being. Ignoring them can lead to negative consequences in this life and the Hereafter. In this article, we will explore the Do’s and Don’ts in Islam according to the Quran and Hadith.

Concept Halal and Haram

Definition of Halal

Halal means lawful or permissible in Islam. It applies to all aspects of life, including food, clothing, business transactions, and daily activities. Anything that aligns with the teachings of the Quran and Hadith is considered Halal.

The Impact of Halal and Haram on a Muslim’s Life

• Following Halal ensures spiritual purity and moral integrity.
• Avoiding Haram helps maintain social justice, ethical conduct, and divine blessings.
• Neglecting these principles can lead to moral decay, personal hardship, and divine displeasure.

Halal and Haram in Faith and Worship

Acts of Worship (Ibadah)

• Halal: Performing daily prayers (Salah), fasting in Ramadan, giving Zakat (charity), and performing Hajj.
• Haram: Abandoning obligatory prayers, fasting without a valid reason, and neglecting religious duties.

Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah)

• Haram: Worshipping idols, seeking divine help from anyone other than Allah, believing in superstitions.
• Evidence: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Quran 4:48)

Bid’ah (Religious Innovations)

• Haram: Adding new rituals to Islam that were not practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Hadith: “Every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 4607)

Halal and Haram in Food and Drink

Permissible (Halal) Foods

• Meat from animals slaughtered in the name of Allah (Zabiha).
• Fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.
• Seafood (according to the majority of scholars).

Forbidden (Haram) Foods

• Pork and its by-products: “Indeed, He has forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.” (Quran 2:173)
• Carrion (dead animals not slaughtered Islamically).
• Blood and intoxicants.

Alcohol and Intoxicants

• Haram: Alcohol, drugs, and any substance that alters the mind.
• Hadith: “Every intoxicant is Khamr (alcohol), and every Khamr is Haram.” (Sahih Muslim 2003)

Halal and Haram in Business and Earnings

Ethical Trade and Honest Dealings

• Halal: Fair trade, honesty in transactions, and fulfilling contracts.
• Haram: Deception, bribery, and exploiting others in business.

Riba (Usury/Interest)

• Haram: Charging or receiving interest.
• Quran: “Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest.” (Quran 2:275)

Fraud and Deception in Business

• Haram: Selling defective goods without disclosure, price manipulation, and false advertising.

Halal and Haram in Relationships

Marriage and Family

Marriage in Islam is a sacred bond that promotes love, peace, and righteousness.

• Halal:
  • Marrying according to Islamic guidelines, with mutual consent and a valid contract (Nikah).
  • Treating spouses with kindness and fulfilling marital responsibilities.
  • Raising children with Islamic values.
• Haram:
  • Forced marriages.
  • Marrying close blood relatives prohibited in Islam.
  • Abusing or oppressing one’s spouse.

Adultery (Zina) and Its Prohibition

Islam strictly prohibits adultery and fornication.

• Quran: “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.” (Quran 17:32)
• Haram: Engaging in any form of pre-marital or extra-marital relationships.
• Punishment: Severe consequences in both this life and the Hereafter.

Modesty and Gender Interactions

• Halal: Modest behavior, respectful interactions, and lowering the gaze.
• Haram: Free mixing of non-mahram men and women, inappropriate conversations, and physical contact.
• Hadith: “A man is not alone with a woman but the third of them is Satan.” (Tirmidhi 2165)

Halal and Haram in Clothing and Appearance

Modest Dressing for Men and Women

Islam emphasizes dressing modestly to maintain dignity and morality.

• Halal:
  • Men covering from the navel to the knees.
  • Women covering their entire body except for the face and hands (according to most scholars).
• Haram:
  • Wearing revealing or tight clothing.
  • Imitating the opposite gender in dress.
  • Displaying excessive luxury and extravagance in clothing.

Importance of Hijab

The Hijab is more than a piece of clothing; it represents modesty, dignity, and obedience to Allah.

• Quran: “Tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity and not to display their beauty except what is apparent.” (Quran 24:31)

Halal and Haram in Social Conduct

Truthfulness and Honesty

• Halal: Speaking the truth, being trustworthy, and keeping promises.
• Haram: Lying, breaking trust, and engaging in deceitful behavior.
• Hadith: “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim 2607)

Backbiting (Gheebah) and Slander

• Haram: Talking negatively about someone behind their back.
• Quran: “And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?” (Quran 49:12)

Treating Others with Kindness and Justice

• Halal: Being kind to family, neighbors, and even strangers.
• Haram: Oppression, injustice, and mistreating others.

Halal and Haram in Entertainment and Leisure

Music and Its Rulings

Scholars have varying opinions on music.

• Halal: Islamic songs (Nasheeds) that promote good values.
• Haram: Music that promotes sin, immorality, or distracts from worship.
• Hadith: “There will be among my people those who will consider as lawful fornication, the wearing of silk (for men), drinking alcohol, and the use of musical instruments.” (Bukhari 5590)

Watching Inappropriate Content

• Haram: Viewing immoral or explicit content.
• Quran: “Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart – about all those

will be questioned.” (Quran 17:36)

Islamic Alternatives for Entertainment Halal: Sports, family gatherings, reading, and learning beneficial knowledge

Halal and Haram in Modern Technology and Social Media

Responsible Use of Social Media

• Halal: Using technology for learning, business, and spreading goodness.
• Haram: Cyberbullying, wasting time, and engaging in sinful conversations.

Spreading False Information

• Haram: Sharing unverified news or rumors.
• Quran: “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge.” (Quran 17:36)

Islamic Ethics in the Digital World

• Halal: Using technology responsibly, avoiding inappropriate content, and maintaining privacy.

Halal and Haram in Medicine and Health

Permissibility of Medical Treatments

• Halal: Seeking medical care, vaccinations, and necessary surgeries.
• Haram: Treatments that involve forbidden substances without necessity.

Use of Prohibited Substances in Medicine

• Haram: Using alcohol or drugs as medicine when alternatives exist.
• Hadith: “Allah has sent down the disease and the cure, and He has made for every disease a cure. So treat sickness, but do not treat it with Haram.” (Abu Dawood 3874)

Importance of Mental and Physical Well-being

Islam encourages a balanced lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.

Halal and Haram in Financial Matters

Islamic Banking and Finance

• Halal: Earning through lawful work, investing in Halal businesses.
• Haram: Interest-based loans, dishonest earnings, gambling.

Wealth Distribution and Charity

• Halal: Giving Zakat and Sadaqah (charity).
• Haram: Hoarding wealth without helping the needy.

Gambling and Its Prohibition

• Haram: Betting, lotteries, and speculative trading.
• Quran: “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling,

stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.” (Quran 5:90)

Halal and Haram in Celebrations and Festivals

Permissible Islamic Celebrations

• Halal: Celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
• Hadith: “Every nation has its festival, and this is our festival.” (Bukhari 952)

Non-Islamic Festivals and Their Rulings

• Haram: Celebrating non-Islamic religious festivals.
• Quran: “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” (Quran 109:6)

The Consequences of Following or Ignoring Halal and Haram

Rewards of Obeying Allah

• Blessings in life, protection from sin, and entry into Paradise.

Punishments for Engaging in Haram

• Suffering in this world and severe consequences in the Hereafter.

Seeking Repentance (Tawbah)

• Allah’s mercy is vast; sincere repentance leads to forgiveness.

Islam provides clear guidelines on what is Halal and Haram, ensuring a balanced, ethical, and spiritually fulfilling life. Following these guidelines leads to peace and success in both this world and the Hereafter. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge, follow the Quran and Hadith, and strive for righteousness.

FAQs

1. Can a Halal food become Haram?
   • Yes, if it is contaminated with Haram ingredients or improperly prepared.
2. Is listening to music completely Haram?
   • Scholars differ; however, music promoting immorality is unanimously forbidden.
3. Can a Muslim invest in stocks?
   • Yes, if the business is Halal and does not involve interest or unethical practices.
4. Is celebrating birthdays Haram?
   • It is debated, but many scholars advise against it as it has no Islamic basis.
5. How can one repent from Haram actions?

By sincerely repenting, making dua, and avoiding the sin in the future.