Understanding Halal Wellness Terminology

This glossary provides definitions for common terms related to halal wellness, nutrition, supplements, insurance, and Islamic concepts for health and wellbeing. Use this as a reference to better understand the content throughout our website and to enhance your knowledge of halal wellness principles.

A

Amanah (أمانة)

A moral responsibility or trust. In the context of halal wellness, it refers to our responsibility to take care of our bodies and health as a trust from Allah.

Adab (أدب)

Islamic etiquette or manners that guide behavior in various aspects of life, including health practices and interactions with healthcare providers.

B

Barakah (بركة)

Divine blessing or beneficence. In wellness contexts, it refers to the blessings that come from following halal practices and maintaining good health.

Bismillah (بسم الله)

"In the name of Allah." This phrase is recited before eating, taking medicine, or beginning health-related activities as a way of seeking Allah's blessing.

C

Collagen

A protein that provides structure to much of the body, including bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments. In the context of halal wellness, Muslims must ensure collagen supplements are derived from halal sources (not porcine) and are processed according to Islamic guidelines.

D

Darura (ضرورة)

Necessity or exigency. An Islamic legal principle that allows prohibited things to become permissible in cases of necessity, such as using non-halal medicine when no halal alternative exists and the treatment is essential.

Dua (دعاء)

Supplication or prayer to Allah. Making dua for good health and recovery from illness is an important aspect of Islamic wellness practices.

E

E-Numbers

Codes for substances used as food additives. Muslims need to verify the source of E-numbers in food and supplements as some may be derived from non-halal sources (e.g., E120 - carmine, derived from insects).

F

Fiqh (فقه)

Islamic jurisprudence or understanding of Islamic law, including rulings on health-related matters, food, medicine, and treatment options.

Fitrah (فطرة)

The natural, pure state in which humans are created. In health contexts, it refers to practices that align with our natural disposition, such as maintaining cleanliness and balanced nutrition.

G

Gharar (غرر)

Excessive uncertainty or risk. In the context of halal insurance, gharar refers to the uncertainty present in conventional insurance contracts, which makes them problematic from an Islamic perspective.

Gelatin

A substance derived from animal collagen, commonly used in supplements, vitamins, and foods. Muslims must ensure gelatin is derived from halal sources, as it's often made from pig skin or bones.

H

Halal (حلال)

Permissible or lawful according to Islamic law. In wellness contexts, it refers to foods, medicines, supplements, and practices that comply with Islamic guidelines.

Haram (حرام)

Forbidden or prohibited according to Islamic law. This includes foods, substances, and practices that Muslims must avoid for health and spiritual wellbeing.

Hijama (حجامة)

Cupping therapy, a traditional Islamic medical treatment where cups are placed on the skin to create suction, believed to remove impurities from the body and promote healing.

I

Istihalah (استحالة)

The complete transformation of a substance from one state to another, changing its properties. This concept is relevant in determining whether certain processed ingredients in food and supplements are halal.

J

Jism (جسم)

The physical body. In Islamic wellness, caring for the jism through proper nutrition, exercise, and medical care is considered a religious obligation.

K

Kosher

Food prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. While kosher and halal share some similarities, they are not identical, and Muslims should not automatically assume kosher products are halal without verification.

M

Makruh (مكروه)

Disliked or discouraged, but not forbidden, in Islamic law. Certain foods, ingredients, or practices may fall into this category in health contexts.

Maysir (ميسر)

Gambling or games of chance. In the context of halal insurance, conventional insurance is sometimes criticized for containing elements of maysir, which is prohibited in Islam.

Mushbooh (مشبوه)

Doubtful or questionable. Foods, ingredients, or practices that have uncertain halal status and should be avoided when possible.

N

Najis (نجس)

Impure or unclean substances that Muslims must avoid in food, medicine, and personal care products, such as pork derivatives and alcohol.

Q

Qalb (قلب)

The heart, both physical and spiritual. In Islamic wellness, maintaining a healthy qalb involves both physical heart health and spiritual purity.

R

Riba (ربا)

Interest or usury, prohibited in Islamic finance. In the context of halal insurance, conventional insurance involving interest-based investments is considered problematic.

Ruqyah (رقية)

Spiritual healing through recitation of Quranic verses and supplications, often used alongside conventional medical treatment in Islamic wellness practices.

S

Sunnah (سنة)

The traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), including his guidance on health, nutrition, and wellness.

Shubha (شبهة)

Doubt or suspicion regarding the permissibility of something. In health contexts, it refers to ingredients or practices of uncertain halal status.

T

Takaful (تكافل)

Islamic insurance based on principles of mutual cooperation and shared responsibility, providing a halal alternative to conventional insurance.

Tib Nabawi (طب نبوي)

Prophetic medicine, the medical practices and recommendations mentioned in the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).

Tayyib (طيب)

Pure, wholesome, and good. The Quran instructs Muslims to consume not only halal but also tayyib food and substances, emphasizing quality and wholesomeness.

U

Urf (عرف)

Custom or common practice within a community. In health contexts, cultural practices related to wellness that are acceptable within Islamic guidelines.

Z

Zamzam

Holy water from the Well of Zamzam in Mecca, believed to have healing properties and often used for both physical and spiritual wellness in Islamic tradition.

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