The question of whether a food is halal or not has always stirred up controversy. However, the secret to answering this question is simply to know the source and ingredients used in making the dish. So, is turkey bacon halal or haram?
Well, turkey bacon is halal. Although regular bacon is made of salted and cured pork, turkey bacon is made of turkey meat and does not contain pork. This means that it is halal to consume.
If you want to know how turkey bacon is made, why turkey bacon is halal, and other halal meats, then read on.
What does the word “halal” mean?
The word halal simply refers to lawful, permissive, or allowed under Islamic law. The opposite of halal is haram, which means forbidden, unlawful, or prohibited.
What does it mean for meat to be halal?
For meat or any food to be halal, it means that it adheres to the Islamic rules or laws that have been defined in the Quran. This law states that all animals must be slaughtered in accordance or in a manner called dhabiha.
This dhabiha law requires that the animal must be cut through the jugular vein, windpipe, and carotid artery. Then it is drained of blood completely since the consumption of blood is haram in Islamic law.
While the blood is drained, the dhabiha law states that a Muslim recites a dictation. This dictation is called tasmiya or shahada.
It is also important to note that if an animal dies of illness or an infection, it is not halal. Because it is believed that its blood is tainted and this is wrong under Islamic law (haram).
Is turkey bacon halal?
Yes, turkey bacon is halal. The common misconception lies in the fact that it is called bacon. While the most common type of bacon eaten is made of pork, turkey bacon is made of 100 percent turkey and not pork.
However, another confusing fact may be that turkey is a type of bird, and birds are considered haram. As mentioned earlier, predator birds are not halal, but birds of prey are.
Predators are referred to as hunters or attackers, and a turkey falls under the prey category. I don’t think you’ve ever heard of a turkey that hunts other animals.
Predator birds include owls, falcons, eagles, vultures, etc. Birds of prey include chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys.
What makes turkey bacon halal?
Turkey bacon is ground turkey meat mixed with seasonings and preservatives. Asides from being a bird of prey which qualifies it as halal, other criteria make it halal.
Turkey is slaughtered following Islamic law or guidelines. The Islamic Services of America has issued certificates to various turkey bacon vendors after inspecting that the laws are followed.
Also, turkey bacon is mostly lean cuts like the breasts. This turkey cut is then salted properly, refrigerated, and cured to remove moisture.
Afterward, the meat is hung and allowed to dry properly. While this process takes place, the turkey bacon mustn’t come in contact with other meat that is considered haram.
This is the main reason why only specific butchers are given a certificate or license to produce turkey bacon. That being said, it doesn’t mean that all turkey bacon made by butchers without this certificate is haram.
You can do well to enquire more if the turkey used was slaughtered following Islamic law.
Is turkey bacon healthy?
Now, I guess you’re wondering if all this stress is worth it; well, the answer is yes. Turkey bacon is one of the healthiest kinds of bacon you can have because it is made of lean meat.
Below are some of the health benefits of turkey bacon:
1. It is rich in protein
Turkey bacon has a high amount of protein in it. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and bone formation, and It is also used in hormones and enzyme production.
2. Moderate amount of calories
Each portion or serving of turkey bacon contains between 30 to 38 calories, and this is relatively moderate. These calories contain micronutrients that your body burns for energy.
3. Boost the immune system
Turkey bacon is loaded with zinc, which is essential for numerous activities. However, one of the most essential roles zinc plays in the body is to help fight diseases, lowering the risk of getting viruses or infections.
4. Helps oxygen circulation
The red cells in your body require a fair amount of iron to help the body circulate oxygen around the body. And turkey bacon is an excellent source of iron.
Pork vs turkey bacon – Which is healthier?
- In terms of nutrients, turkey bacon is considered a healthier option. Although, they both offer a similar amount of protein per serving, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
- However, turkey bacon offers more calories and way less fat than pork bacon.
- In terms of taste, they both taste similar, but turkey bacon tastes just a bit less gamey.
Other animals that are not halal
Regardless of how the animal is slaughtered, certain animals must not be eaten. According to the Islamic Services of America, these animals include:
- Pork (also bi-products of pork)
- Horses
- Donkeys
- Fang animals (such as cats, bears, dogs, etc.)
- Monkeys
- Reptiles
- Birds (that are predators but not prey).
FAQs
Is it permissible for Muslims to eat bacon?
Eating bacon is considered forbidden. However, if the bacon is made of turkey or beef that was slaughtered following Islamic laws, then it’s permissible. Do well to enquire which meat was used first.
What are the best-trusted halal bacon brands in the United States?
Some of the best halal turkey brands are; Deen Halal Turkey Bacon, Midamar Halal Hickory Smoked Breakfast Beef Strips, and Hormel Black Label Fully Cooked Bacon.
Can you eat turkey bacon every day?
No, you can’t. No matter the number of nutrients gotten from any dish, excess intake is not good for your health.
Is turkey bacon and halal bacon the same thing?
Not specifically. While all turkey bacon is considered halal bacon, all halal bacon is not considered turkey bacon, as it could be made from other halal meat. This meat could be chicken or duck.
Conclusion: Is turkey bacon halal?
Yes, it is. This is because it is made from turkey meat and not pork which is forbidden according to Islamic laws. You can also enjoy other halal bacon such as chicken or duck since they are permissive.
Thank you for reading this article.
Check Millenora for more articles on the nutritional benefits of different types of meat.
