Halal
Muslims are allowed to eat what is "good" (Qur'an 2:168) - that is, what is pure, clean, wholesome, nourishing, and pleasing to the taste. In general, everything is allowed (halal) except what has been specifically forbidden.
Haram
Muslims are enjoined by their religion to abstain from eating certain foods. This is in the interest of health and cleanliness, and in obedience to God. In the Qur'an (2:173, 5:3, 5:90-91, 6:145, 16:115), the following foods and drinks are strictly prohibited by God (haram):
- dead meat (i.e. carcass of an already-dead animal)
- blood
- flesh of swine (pork)
- intoxicating drinks
- meat of an animal that has been sacrificed to idols
- meat of an animal that died from strangulation or blunt force
- meat from which wild animals have already eaten