Generally in Islam, every object and action is considered halah (permissible) unless there is a prohibition of it in the Islamic scriptures.  If it is forbidden in Islamic law (Shar’iah) then it is considered haram.

The most common thing considered whether it is halal or not is food. The one meat that is considered haram is pork.  For all other animals, in order to be considered halal, the meat must come from a supplier that uses halal practices. Specifically, the slaughter must be performed by a Muslim, who must precede the slaughter by invoking the name of Allah, most commonly by saying “Bismillah” (“In the name of God”) and then three times “Allahu akbar” (God is the greatest). Then, the animal must be slaughtered with a sharp knife by cutting the throat, windpipe and the blood vessels in the neck (while the animal is conscious), causing the animal’s death without cutting the spinal cord. Lastly, the blood from the veins must be drained.

Foods that are labeled “kosher” can be permissible since the Judaic rules for slaughtering animals is similar to Islamic rules.

Consumption of alcohol or blood is considered haram.

If there is absolutely no other halal food available and the Muslim is forced by necessity, then a Muslim is allowed to eat non-halal food.

“He has forbidden you from eating only dead meat and blood and the flesh of pigs and that which has been offered as sacrifice to other than Allah.  But whoever is driven by necessity – neither desiring nor exceeding – it is no sin on him.  Truly Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Singularly Compassionate.” (Qur’an 2:173)

If none of your local supermarkets carry halal or kosher meat, there are places you can order halal meat on the internet.

Since we are talking about food, I want to include a quote from “Secrets of the Heart” by Sidi Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal.It is about over eating. ” It is said that satiety (or excessive eating) has six blameworthy qualities.  One, it takes the fear of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) out of the heart.  Two, it removes mercy toward others because the one who experiences satiety, thinks that everyone else feels the same. Three, it makes the person too heavy to (easily) perform the obligatory rites.  Four, it veils the person from the subtle perception of wisdom.  Five, it prevents wisdom and warnings from entering to the heart.  And six, it initiates many diseases.”