What is the criterion for determining which foods are lawful (halal) and unlawful (haram) based on divine texts?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
That which the Arabs designated as good or pure ('tayyib') is lawful, and that which they designated as foul or disgusting ('khabith') is forbidden, according to the verse: 'He makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil things' (Quran 7:157). This is further clarified by the explicit prohibitions mentioned in the Quran, such as carrion, blood, pork, and what is slaughtered in the name of other than God (Quran 5:3). Everything outside of these explicit prohibitions is lawful if the Arabs deem it 'tayyib' (good/pure), supported by Quran 7:157 and Quran 5:4. Conversely, what the Arabs find repulsive ('khabith') is forbidden.
Supporting text
The standard for determining what is deemed pure or foul is based on the custom of the people of Hijaz among the city dwellers, as they were the addressees of the Book and the Sunnah. The customs of the desert dwellers (ahl al-badi) are not considered due to their necessity and hunger, as they eat whatever they find. For unfamiliar items found in Muslim cities, they are referenced to the closest similar item in Hijaz; if no similar item exists, they fall under the general permission stated in Quran 6:145 and the hadith: 'And what Allah remained silent about is what He has pardoned.'