Why Sikhs don't eat Halal Meat Halal Meat Label What is Halal? Halal is Arabic for permissible. Halal food is that which adheres to Islamic law, as defined in the Koran. The Islamic form of slaughtering animals or poultry, dhabiha , involves killing through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe. Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter and all blood is drained from the carcass. During the process, a Muslim will recite a dedication, know as Tasmiya or Shahada . Problem with Halal The practice is barbaric and causes immense pain to the animal. The Royal Society of Protection against Cruelty to Animals ( RSPCA ) says slaughter without pre-stunning causes "unnecessary suffering". Halal - Animal Cruelty The animals are fully conscious as their throats are slit by a slaughterman as he utters prayers to Allah to ‘bless’ the animal. The creature then bleeds to death in a process that can take more than 30 seconds. Though t...