Madeleine Hull
Many religions have specific dietary requirements that their followers must adhere to. These religious dietary laws are codified in written religious texts and holy scriptures, and they determine the food-related behaviours of individuals. For example, Jewish dietary laws, known as kosher, require that all foods must be prepared in a certain way, with a common restriction being the separation of dairy and meat products. Islamic dietary laws, known as halal, also dictate what foods are permissible to be eaten, with rules derived from the Qur'an and Hadith. These guidelines prohibit alcohol, pork, certain types of seafood, and birds of prey, among other things. In Buddhism, vegetarianism is a cornerstone, while veganism is also becoming more popular. In addition to these specific dietary rules, religious fasting is also a periodic custom that can alter nutritional status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religious dietary laws | Religious dietary laws are codified in written religious texts and holy scriptures, though the extent to which individuals follow them depends on their religiosity. |
| Religious dietary laws and health | Religious dietary laws can have an impact on an individual's nutritional status and health. For example, the prohibition of pork in Judaism and Islam and the vegetarian diet in Hinduism and Buddhism. |
| Religious dietary laws and culture | Religious dietary laws are deeply entrenched in the religious, social, and economic aspects of life and carry symbolic meanings. |
| Religious dietary laws and mindfulness | Spiritual practices encourage mindfulness, presence, and gratitude in daily activities, including dietary choices. |
| Religious dietary laws and respect | Having respect for religious dietary differences allows for a better understanding of each other and the creation of an inclusive dining experience for all. |
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What You'll Learn
Judaism and kosher laws
Judaism's dietary laws are known as kashrut, which comes from the Hebrew word 'kosher', meaning 'fit', 'proper', or 'correct'. Kashrut is a body of Jewish law that deals with what foods can and cannot be eaten, and how those foods must be prepared and consumed. Kosher food is any food that complies with these strict rules and is therefore fit for consumption by Jewish people.
The laws of kashrut are outlined in the Torah, the first part of the Jewish bible, and observant Jews follow these laws to show their belief and obedience to God. The Torah does not specify a reason for these laws, but some theologians have suggested that the laws are symbolic: kosher animals represent virtues, while non-kosher animals represent vices. Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin suggests that the dietary laws are designed as a "call to holiness", requiring self-control and elevating the act of eating into a religious ritual.
The rules of kashrut are extensive, but they derive from a few simple, straightforward rules. Certain animals may not be eaten at all, including those that do not have split hooves and do not chew the cud (eat grass). This restriction includes the flesh, organs, eggs, and milk of these forbidden animals. Birds of prey are also forbidden, and only clean birds (those that do not eat other animals) can be eaten. Of the animals that may be eaten, they must be slaughtered in accordance with Jewish law, a practice known as shechita. A certified person, known as a shochet, carries out the slaughter, and the meat must be soaked to remove any traces of blood before cooking. All blood must be drained from the meat or broiled out of it before it is eaten.
In addition to these rules, meat and dairy products must be kept and consumed separately, and all utensils and equipment used to process and clean meat and dairy must be kept separate. After eating meat, one must wait a certain amount of time before consuming any dairy products. There are also special rules during Passover, when all leavened grain products are forbidden.
Keeping kosher can be challenging, especially when eating in non-kosher restaurants or at the homes of people who do not keep kosher. However, kosher food is widely available in many places, with some supermarkets offering kosher food sections, and kosher supermarkets, shops, and restaurants catering to Jewish communities. Food manufacturers may also produce ordinary foods to kosher standards, and kosher certification labels can be found on food packaging to indicate that the product meets the necessary requirements.
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Islam and halal laws
Islam prescribes a set of dietary guidelines for its believers to follow. Islamic dietary law, as outlined in the Quran, distinguishes between food and drink that are allowed (halal) and those that are prohibited (haram). These rules serve to unite followers as a cohesive group and, according to some scholars, they also serve to establish a unique Islamic identity.
The dietary laws are found in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, as well as in collections of traditions attributed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The Quran states that Muslims are allowed to eat what is "good" (Quran 2:168) – that is, food and drink identified as pure, clean, wholesome, nourishing, and pleasing to taste. In general, everything is allowed (halal) except what has been specifically forbidden. Under certain circumstances, even prohibited food and drink can be consumed without it being considered a sin. For example, in a situation of possible starvation, it would be considered non-sinful to consume otherwise forbidden food or drink if no halal food is available.
The term halal is an Arabic word that translates to "permitted" or "lawful". While it is usually used in the context of food, it can also be used to describe other permissible things. For instance, halal income implies that one earned their money honestly, without cheating, stealing, or usury. The opposite of halal is haram, which means "forbidden" in Arabic. Forbidden food substances include alcohol, pork, frog, carrion, the meat of carnivores, and animals that died due to illness, injury, stunning, poisoning, or slaughtering not in the name of God.
In the context of meat, halal or zabihah (also spelled zabiha or dhabiha) means that the animal was slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines. Islam places great emphasis on how an animal's life ends and how it is treated at the time of slaughter. All life, including that of animals, is considered sacred and must be treated humanely. This includes mentioning God's name when slaughtering the animal, slaughtering it by swiftly slitting its throat with a sharp object, and draining its blood. The animal should not suffer in any way and should not see the blade before slaughter. The knife must be razor-sharp and free from any blood from a previous slaughter. All of the animal's blood must be drained before consumption.
Muslims also observe fasting during Ramadan, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this period, Muslims focus on self-restraint or sawm (Arabic: to refrain), abstaining from food, drink, sexual activity, and immoral behavior between dawn and dusk. After dusk, Muslims break their fast during a meal called iftar with family and friends.
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Hinduism and vegetarianism
Hinduism, the oldest living religion in the world, is often referred to as the Sanātana Dharma, or the "eternal way". It is a religion as well as a "way of life", and its adherents can be found all over the world, with large populations in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Hinduism is often associated with vegetarianism, and it is true that Hindu scripture has long supported the spiritual benefits of a vegetarian diet. The Tirukkuṛaḷ, an ancient Indian secular text of Hindu or Jain origin, emphasizes ahimsa and insists on moral vegetarianism or veganism. The text criticizes "non-vegetarianism", questioning how "one can be possessed of kindness, who, to increase his own flesh, eats the flesh of other creatures". The Mahabharata also states that "the sins generated by violence curtail the life of the perpetrator. Therefore, even those who are anxious for their own welfare should abstain from meat-eating".
However, vegetarianism is not a mandatory rule in Hinduism, and the reality is more complicated. Vegetarianism is seen as ritually purer, but it is not followed by all Hindus. In certain regions or communities of India, meat and fish have always been valued, and the taste for meat seems to be growing today. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 44% of Hindus say they are vegetarian, and another 39% restrict their consumption of meat in some way. This may be due to financial constraints, as meat is expensive and remains an occasional food for many, or due to regional differences, as meat and fish are perceived differently in various parts of India. For example, Brahmins from Kashmir eat meat, while Brahmins from Bengal eat fish.
The practice of vegetarianism in Hinduism is rooted in Indian morality and customs, and it coexists with a "western vision" of vegetarianism that is associated with health and a balanced diet. It is a choice that is individual rather than collective and is influenced by factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and financial means.
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Christianity and fasting
Fasting is a common practice in many religions, including Christianity. It is an act of abstaining from food for a period of time, often accompanied by prayer, and is done to seek God more earnestly. In Christianity, fasting is seen as a way to deepen one's relationship with God and express one's dependence on Him, especially in times of crisis or special need.
The C.S. Lewis Institute, a Christian organisation, offers guidance on Christian fasting. It suggests that fasting is a way to seek God with greater urgency and earnestness, and that it can be a powerful tool when combined with prayer. According to the Institute, Jesus encouraged asking, seeking, and knocking in prayer (Matt. 7:7), and fasting can be seen as knocking loudly on the gates of heaven.
Fasting is also mentioned in the Bible, with Jesus Himself partaking in a 40-day fast in the desert (Matthew 4:2). Additionally, the book of Acts records that the early Christians in the church at Antioch were worshipping and fasting (Acts 13:2).
Christian fasting is not limited to abstaining from food. As Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a Christian author, said, "Fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose." This could include fasting from television, social media, or other regular enjoyments, and redirecting that time towards seeking God.
When considering a fast, it is important to have a plan and purpose. Each fast should have a specific spiritual intention, whether it is fighting against sin, pleading for someone's salvation, or longing for a deeper connection with God. Fasting is not meant to be an excuse for unloving behaviour; instead, it should be an opportunity to show greater love and care for others.
Fasting can be a challenging practice, and one may encounter physical discomfort or resistance from cravings. However, the discipline of fasting can help redirect one's focus towards God and strengthen one's spiritual, physical, and mental well-being.
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Seventh-day Adventists and veganism
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, founded in 1863, has promoted healthy living and abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs since its inception. The church's dietary pattern is based on the biblical Book of Leviticus, emphasizing whole plant foods, such as legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, while discouraging the consumption of animal products.
The Seventh-day Adventist diet is a whole-foods, plant-based diet that has been associated with numerous health benefits. Research has shown that this diet can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and colon cancer. Loma Linda, California, home to a large community of Seventh-day Adventists, is known for the health and longevity of its residents.
While not all Seventh-day Adventists are vegetarians, the church advocates a plant-based diet, believing that a healthy body is integral to serving God. Approximately 40% of Adventists follow a plant-based diet, with some being vegan and excluding all animal products, while others include eggs, low-fat dairy, and fish, or consume certain meats.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been instrumental in promoting veganism and vegetarianism, with co-founder Ellen G. White teaching that those seeking spiritual growth and purity should avoid meat and dairy. The church's health message is deeply intertwined with its identity, and its influence extends beyond its adherents, impacting kitchen cupboards across the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Some examples of diets followed for religious reasons include:
- Kosher diet — followed by Jewish people, this diet requires that all foods be prepared in a certain way. The most common restriction is the separation of dairy and meat products, and the prohibition of shellfish, pork, and other non-kosher animal species.
- Halal diet — followed by Muslims, this diet prohibits alcohol, pork products, certain types of seafood and birds, unclean animals, blood or blood products, and food mixed with animal-derived ingredients.
- Buddhist diet — this diet is vegetarian or vegan, eschewing any type of animal product, including eggs and dairy.
- Hindu diet — some Hindus follow a vegetarian or vegan diet due to principles of non-violence, while others may consume meat but avoid beef.
People may follow a religious diet to stay true to their beliefs and for spiritual reasons. Additionally, certain religious diets may be followed for health and wellness purposes. For example, the kosher diet is attractive to non-Jewish consumers for reasons related to health, food safety, lactose intolerance, and other dietary restrictions.
Religious diets that prohibit all animal foods, such as the Buddhist and Hindu diets, are likely to have long-term effects on nutritional status and health. Similarly, periodic customs such as religious fasting may result in short-term alterations in nutritional status.
Religious diets can influence food choices by dictating what foods are permissible to eat and how they must be prepared. For example, the Halal diet followed by Muslims prohibits alcohol and certain types of meat, while the Kosher diet followed by Jews requires the separation of dairy and meat products.
To adapt to a religious diet, it is important to research the specific requirements and restrictions of the diet, as well as any necessary substitutions. With increasing awareness and education about religious diets, it is becoming easier to accommodate different dietary needs in a respectful way.
