Variations du licite : la consommation de viandes halals par des musulmans à Brasília

Abstract

This paper discusses the consumption of halal beef and chicken (produced according to Islamic law) by Muslims living in Brasilia, and the relationship between consumption and their religious identities. Based on in-depth interviews with residents of the federal capital, as well as electronic questionnaires sent to the embassies of countries with significant Muslim populations, and to other members of the local Muslim community, the analysis shows that various factors influence the consumption of halal meat (beef or chicken availability, purchasing power, migration backgrounds, and especially different understandings of what can be considered halal food), and its relations to religious identity. The articulation of these factors establishes social and moral differences among Muslims themselves.

Keywords

• Halal meat
• Halal chicken
• Islam
• Muslims
• identity
• food