How Religions Impact Food Practices of the Followers Research Paper

How Religions Impact Food Practices of the Followers - Research Paper Example The author of the paper tells that Muslims generally follow the Koran which has laid down a number of rules concerning food but within Islam itself, there are many different sects that observe dietary rules depending upon the degree of orthodoxy. The Koran permits that only animals with a cloven hoof can be consumed. According to this, pigs, carnivorous animals, and birds, except chicken are forbidden. The law also states that animals have to be slaughtered in a ritualistic manner by making an incision at the jugular vein and draining the blood. This slaughter has to be accompanied by prayers so that the meat becomes legitimate (halal) for consumption. Otherwise, food is prohibited (haram). A prayer during slaughter is to acknowledge that life is sacred and one must kill only with God’s permission. Prohibited foods include pork and pork-derived foods, including lard and bacon. Meat that is halal must have the blood drained from it and must be slaughtered in a humane fashion. S ome Muslims eat kosher products because the dietary laws are similar to the Jewish dietary laws. Utensils have to be clean an uncontaminated by haram substances. Shellfish or sharks are not permitted because only fish with scales are permitted for consumption. Alcohol is totally permitted. During the month of Ramadan, which is the fasting month, except young children or very old or ill, have to fast from sunrise to sunset, without any food or drink. Pregnant, lactating women and menstruating women are exempted for the time being but have to make it up sometime during the year.