Halal is an Arabic word that means permissible.. In terms of food, it means food that is permissible according to Islamic law. For a meat to be certified halal, it cannot be a forbidden cut (such as meat from hindquarters) or animal (such as pork.). The slaughter of a halal animal is called zabihah and there are certain guidelines to follow: 1  Allah's (God's) name must be pronounced during slaughter. 2  The instrument must be very sharp to ensure humane slaughter. 3  The animal must be slit at the throat. 4  The animal must not be unconscious.