Category: Religious studies

According to the Qur'an, a set of clear dietary guidelines known as *Halal* and *Haram* define what is permissible and forbidden for Muslims to consume. Knowing what foods aren't allowed in Islam is essential for observant Muslims seeking to adhere to their religious principles. This guide will explore the specific foods and ingredients that fall into the category of *Haram* (forbidden).

The Bible presents a complex and evolving view on diet, with guidelines changing significantly between the Old and New Testaments. This article explores what foods are allowed on the Bible diet, referencing various scriptural periods and popular modern interpretations.

According to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, John the Baptist’s food was explicitly noted as “locusts and wild honey”. This detail is significant not just for its unusual nature, but also for what it reveals about John's prophetic role, his ascetic lifestyle in the wilderness, and his message to a generation of Israelites.

According to the biblical book of Daniel, chapter 1, the young prophet and his three companions initially consumed a diet of pulse and water for a period of ten days. This intentional dietary choice was part of a divinely inspired test that would determine their fate in the Babylonian court.

While India has a significant non-vegetarian population, a 2021 Pew Research Center study showed that Jains are nearly all vegetarians, and vegetarianism is more prevalent in certain Hindu regions. This highlights that understanding what is the culture where you can't eat meat requires exploring a spectrum of global traditions.

While many people assume all monks follow a strict vegetarian diet, the reality is far more complex and varied across different traditions. Do all monks avoid eating meat? The answer depends heavily on the specific Buddhist school, geographic location, and monastic rules they observe.

According to Statista, the global halal food market is worth over US$2 trillion, a testament to its widespread consumption and appeal. But beyond religious adherence, what's so special about Halal meat that makes it a preferred choice for millions globally, including many non-Muslims?

According to a 2015 NPR report, the historical basis for the belief that pigs are unclean largely relates to ancient sanitary practices and the animal's natural scavenging behaviors. Today, this ancient perception that pigs are really unclean to eat is challenged by advancements in food science and hygiene, leading to a complex modern understanding.

Globally, millions adhere to dietary laws that dictate which foods are permissible, with religious texts and cultural traditions often defining **which meat is prohibited**. These restrictions are rooted in beliefs concerning purity, compassion, and divine command, shaping eating habits for centuries across diverse communities.

According to the World Health Organization, over 7 million people die annually from tobacco smoking. This raises a critical question for many practicing various forms of fasting: does smoking actually break your fast, and what are the specific rules?