Most religions have rules about food. Some religions are stricter than others and within religious groups there will be some followers who are stricter than others. What follows is a rough guide.

Islam in the holy book the Qur'an, does not permit pork or pork products to be eaten, including pig fat used in the production of other foods. Carnivorous animals are not permitted. Any sea animals which do not have fins or scales (such as crabs, prawns, squid) are considered undesirable by some Muslims. Alcohol in any form is not permitted. Permissible meat other than pork can only be eaten if it is prepared in the correct way. Prayers must be said during the slaughter and the blood must be able to flow from the animal's body. Meat prepared in the correct way is known as halal meat. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are not allowed to eat from dawn to sunset. However young children, pregnant women and the sick are often exempted.

Judaism, the Jewish religion, food regulations are known as kashrut. Food which is acceptable is kosher. Kosher food includes animals with split hooves and which chew the cud (including sheep and cows, but not pigs). Most fowl and their eggs are acceptable except birds of prey. Fish is acceptable as long as it has fins and scales. Prawns, crab and squid are not acceptable. Kosher meat must be slaughtered in the correct way by a qualified butcher (known as a shochet). The animal's blood must be allowed to drain from the body through a slit in the throat before being soaked or salted. Jews observe other regulations in food preparation and if you are cooking a meal for Jewish guests it is best to check with them first to make sure what their requirements are.

Hindus, are often vegetarians which comes from the principle of ahimsa (not harming). Those who aren't are not permitted to eat beef because the cow is a sacred animal. Strict Hindus will not eat fish or eggs but milkand other dairy products are considered acceptable because no killing has taken place. Many Sikhs are also vegetarian. Those who do eat meat can eat it only if it is jhatka which means the animal has been killed instantly with one stroke. Sikhs are not permitted to eat halal meat or drink alcohol. In Buddhism there are less food restrictions than in some other religions.

Buddhist however will try to avoid intentionally killing. Monks and nuns are usually stricter and some are vegetarians. Others will eat meat if they understand that the animal has not been killed specifically so they can eat. In Chinese forms of Buddhism garlic and onions are avoided because they are thought to heat the blood and make meditation more difficult.

Religion and Alcohol

Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims and to followers of a numbers of other faiths including Baha'i. Many Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and some Christians also choose not to drink alcohol. Some religious people also avoid stimulant drinks that contain caffeine, tea and coffee for example.

Vegetarians

Type 1) Semi Vegetarians - These 'vegetarians' eat all types of foods in their diet - including meat. However these individuals limit the amount of animal products they consume. I would be considered a semi vegetarian.

Type 2) Lacto Vegetarians - Individuals in this group are a step up from the semi vegetarians. They avoid all animal products except for dairy products in their diet.

Type 3) Lacto-ovo Vegetarians - This type of vegetarian diet excludes all meat except for dairy and eggs. Not too different from the previous type.

Type 4) Vegans - These are the 'hard-core" vegetarians who avoid all animal products in their diet, such as meats, dairy products, and eggs. The vegan diet rely on lentils, beans, soy products etc…

On the designated days, Catholics may abstain from all food, or they may restrict meat and meat products. Water or non stimulant liquids are usually allowed during the fast.