The Qur’an and Muslim tradition established a comprehensive set of taboos, many of which parallel those found in the Hebrew Bible. A significant portion of these regulations pertains to dietary laws, defining what is permissible (halal) and what is forbidden (haram). Like Jewish dietary laws, Islamic practices require the ritual slaughter of animals by cutting their throats to drain the arterial blood while invoking the name of Allah (bismillah/In the name of Allah). This method ensures the animal’s death is quick and humane while maintaining the spiritual sanctity of the act.

Muslims are strictly prohibited from consuming pork, which is regarded as the most unclean of meats in Islamic tradition. Similarly, dogs are traditionally considered unclean to eat, though it is permitted to keep dogs for practical purposes such as guarding livestock, property, or hunting. In some cultures, dogs are also kept as pets, reflecting a diversity of practices within the Islamic world.

The consumption of certain animals, such as birds of prey, carnivorous beasts, donkeys, and mules, is also forbidden. However, in some Central Asian Islamic societies, horse meat was historically permissible, whereas it can be seen as taboo in other Islamic societies.

Dietary laws became particularly significant as Islam spread to urban areas and came into contact with Christian populations, where maintaining distinct Muslim dietary practices helped reinforce communal and religious identity.

In addition to dietary prohibitions, Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol in any form, as intoxicants are seen as harmful to both the body and mind, hindering spiritual devotion. Gambling is likewise prohibited, as it is considered a source of social discord and moral corruption. These regulations reflect Islam’s emphasis on discipline, community cohesion, and moral integrity, underscoring the faith’s holistic approach to guiding both personal and communal life.

There are numerous taboos specific to various Islamic cultures, but dietary restrictions tend to be widely shared across these communities. If you, dear reader, belong to an Islamic culture and are aware of a unique cultural taboo specific to your community, we’d love to hear about it. Feel free to share where you’re from and what the taboo is in the comments below!