Understanding Halal & Our Commitment to Authentic Zabiha Practices

Halal (حلال) is an Arabic term meaning "permissible", used to describe food that is allowed according to Islamic law. In contrast, haram refers to food that is forbidden. Islam considers all food halal unless it is explicitly prohibited in the Qur'an or hadith.

Halal food must meet strict criteria, including being free from prohibited substances and produced, processed, and stored using equipment and utensils that have been cleansed according to Islamic guidelines.

At Halal-N-Tayyib, we uphold Islamic values at every step, from the ethical raising and treatment of animals to their slaughter and processing. Our commitment includes:

✅ Strict adherence to Islamic guidelines for hand-slaughtering
✅ Using a sharpened knife to swiftly sever the jugular veins while reciting the name of Allah (SWT)
✅ Ensuring the animal never sees the blade and is kept away from other animals during slaughter
✅ Allowing sufficient time for the soul to depart and for the majority of blood to drain before processing begins
✅ Processing only after the animal has completely stopped moving

Zabiha: The True Halal Standard

While halal means permissible to eat, Zabiha refers specifically to the Islamic method of slaughter, which is a requirement in Shariah law. At Halal-N-Tayyib, we adhere to the strictest definition of Halal slaughter, ensuring the highest level of integrity and compliance with Islamic principles.
We are certified and monitored by HMS (Halal Monitoring Services)—the only organization in the U.S. with oversight from the Shariah Board of America, a non-profit dedicated to upholding authentic halal practices.

Our founder, Rachid, personally hand-slaughters every animal in strict accordance with HMS guidelines.
Why We Do Not Work with For-Profit CertifiersWe have chosen not to collaborate with for-profit certifying organizations due to their involvement in practices that compromise the integrity of Zabiha requirements. Many of these organizations:

❌ Allow machine slaughter
❌ Permit stunning and other questionable techniques
❌ Prioritize financial gain over strict halal compliance
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At Halal-N-Tayyib, we believe that true halal certification must be rooted in Islamic principles, not profit-driven motives. This is why we stand firmly with HMS and support their mission, which aligns with our values.

ZABIHA GUIDELINES

​Shariah Board of America​