Good news for Muslims who keep it halal (Arabic for permissible): All vegan foods and ingredients—not counting alcohol—are naturally this way! Being vegan and using vegan personal-care products and household cleaners are the best and easiest ways to ensure that you’re keeping halal. Any product that’s tested on animals violates Islamic teachings of kindness and respect for animals. The only way to be sure is to purchase halal-certified cruelty-free products.
Some vegan and vegan-friendly companies or brands—including Boca, Imagine Foods Inc., MorningStar Farms, Tofutti Brands Inc., and Yves Veggie Cuisine—have obtained halal certification so that Muslims can enjoy them. Companies that are known for animal-friendly products—such as The Body Shop, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Kiss My Face, and Tom’s of Maine—have also received this certification. Contact your favorite companies to make sure they offer permissible products (i.e., with halal ingredients and no animal testing).
There are also restaurants—including The Halal Guys, The Vegan Halal Cart, The Halal Shack, and Aladdin’s Eatery—that offer vegan halal options. To avoid any surprises, be sure to ask a restaurant about its menu before you go there. And if you know of any restaurants that offer tasty options, let us know on social media so we can share with others who may be looking for the same thing.
To learn more about why being vegan and being Muslim go hand in hand and how going vegan benefits animals, the environment, and human health, see “Animals in Islam.”
