halal
UK[həˈlɑːl]US[həˈlɑːl]
adj
(of food) prepared according to Muslim law
adj
permitted or allowed by Muslim law
Etymology
The word 'halal' entered English directly from the Arabic 'ḥalāl', meaning 'lawful' or 'permissible'. Its ultimate root is the Arabic verb 'ḥalla', which means 'to untie' or 'to solve', conceptually linked to the idea of releasing something from a state of prohibition. The term is a core concept in Islamic jurisprudence, specifically designating what is allowed under divine law. In English, its use is almost exclusively tied to the dietary laws of Islam, referring to meat from animals slaughtered in the prescribed manner and other permissible foods and actions.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Arabic, adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in English.
Examples
We only buy halal meat from the certified butcher.
The restaurant proudly displays its halal certification in the window.
The conference will serve halal and vegetarian meal options.