Halal is an Arabic word that means permitted, lawful, or allowed under Islamic law. In the context of food, Halal refers to anything that is safe to eat, clean, and prepared according to Islamic guidelines. This includes using Halal ingredients, avoiding pork and alcohol, and ensuring food is not contaminated by anything haram (forbidden). Halal also covers the way animals are slaughtered, hygiene practices, and the overall handling process from preparation to serving.