The paradigm of modern food products and its relevance with the concept of food in the Quran

Abstract

Food is a primary necessity for humans, classified into halal and tayyib in the Quran. Halal refers to items allowed in Islamic law or syara’, while ṭayyib food is considered healthy, proportional or moderate, and safe to eat. Consequently, this research was initiated due to the observation of consumers' negligence regarding halal and ṭayyib food consumption based on food type, benefits, and composition. It aimed to explore the perspective of the Quran towards these categories of food following the health conditions formulated by mufassir (Quran commentator) and its relationship between Quranic elaborations, scholarly reviews, and contextual concepts of healthy food in the contemporary era. The problems explored in this research concerned: 1) the concept of ḥalalan ṭayyiban food in the Quran according to mufassir and 2) the relationship between scholarly reviews of ḥalalan ṭayyiban and the concept of healthy food in the contemporary era. A conceptual approach was used to resolve these issues by applying the mauḍu'i (thematic) interpretation method and the healthy food theory. This study used secondary data obtained through library research and analysed and deciphered by qualitative methods. The results showed that ulama (religious leaders) formulated the ḥalalan ṭayyiban verses using the tahlili and mauḍu'i methods and applied the bi al-ma'thur and bi al-ra'yi interpretations by separating the two words. The word halal is considered to connote illegitimate objects, while ṭayyib uses more medical approaches, local customs, and the nation's progress. However, the implementation should be simultaneous, as using ḥalalan ṭayyiban foods and beverages will undoubtedly affect physical and spiritual health. This implies abiding by the commands of the Almighty and ignoring the prohibitions will enable an individual to obtain tranquillity. The term ḥalalan ṭayyiban defines food as a substance that nourishes the human body after consumption according to the recommendation of Allah SWT (Glory to him, the holy), improves physical well-being, and fosters mental or spiritual health.