Halal meat is prepared and processed according to Islamic law, as defined in the Quran. It includes slaughtering the animal in the name of Allah and avoiding the use of any non-halal ingredients. Preparing halal meat requires a certain method of slaughter, as the halal animal must be treated with respect throughout its life and should not have to endure pain and distress during slaughter.
Halal is an Arabic word for allowed. The Australian Muslim population is diverse and multicultural, with a significant presence in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. In recent years, the demand for halal food has grown in this community, and many supermarkets and specialty meat shops now offer a variety of halal meat products.
Halal-certified butcher shops can be found in many suburban areas with high Muslim populations, and they are a popular source of halal meat for many families. Meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat foodstuffs are just some categories that have recently expanded to include halal certification, with many worldwide supermarkets stocking them. These items can also be found in specific varieties at online supermarkets and niche food retailers.
The availability of halal-certified meat, dairy, and prepared goods may also be found at major international supermarkets like Aldi and Coles where animal welfare is of importance. Besides traditional grocery stores, some of these items can be found in online specialized food sellers.
For those seeking more traditional halal products such as animals who were stunned before slaughter, several Middle Eastern and African grocery stores and specialty food shops offer a more comprehensive selection of halal meat, including lamb, beef, and chicken obtained without unnecessary suffering. Some of these stores also provide life and freshly slaughtered meat, which some Muslim community members prefer. It should be noted that meat from slaughter without pre-stunning is not halal according to Islamic scholars.
In addition to traditional halal meat, halal-certified restaurants, and takeaways serve dishes made with halal ingredients, including kebabs, curries, and other Middle Eastern and African specialties. These restaurants are popular among the Muslim community and non-Muslim customers seeking to try new and authentic cuisine.
In conclusion, the Australian Muslim population has access to a range of halal meat options, from traditional butchers and specialty food shops to significant supermarkets and halal-certified restaurants. The demand for halal meat continues to grow as more people become aware of the benefits of eating meat that has been prepared according to Islamic law.
