What is Halal and Haram in the Quran?
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"Halal" is an Arabic word used to describe things that are lawful. Whereas "Haram" is the opposite and means unlawful.
How many times have you heard someone tell you: "This is Haram, That is Halal."? If you're a Muslim, then you probably hear these words repeated around you every day. If haven't heard them yet, surely you will hear them in school, you will hear them on many of those "Islamic" shows, you will hear your parents say them, you will hear scholars and Imams say them, and, you will find tons of books written on the subject.
Just click on any of the traditional Islamic web sites and read any Q&A or "Fatwa" section they may have.
You should find something like this (someone actually asked this question in an Islamic site):"Is it Halal to eat in a Microwave in which Pork has been heated?"
The terms "Halal & Haram" are so commonly said, you will find that most people now carry it in their day-to-day vocabulary and say "Haram" to something they don't like or think is wrong without even thinking.
TRUE MEANING
"Halal" is an Arabic word used to describe things that are lawful. Whereas "Haram" is the opposite and means unlawful.
These two words are synonymous with God and can be found throughout the Quran. Both words when uttered by God are binding and irrevocable. What God has made lawful stays so, and what God has made unlawful stays so.
To illustrate this point, below is an attempt by the Prophet Muhammad himself to reverse a Lawful thing that was decreed by God in order to please his wives:
O prophet, why do you make unlawful what God has made lawful for you, seeking to please your wives? God is Forgiver, Merciful. God has already given the law, regarding the cancellation of oaths. And God is your Lord, and He is the Knowledgeable, the Wise. (Qur'an: 66:1-2)
On this subject we find that our Lord reprimanded the Prophet Muhammad for uttering these words and re-confirmed His laws on the subject.
INVENTING LIES ABOUT GOD
And do not say, as to what your tongues falsely describe: "This is lawful, and that is forbidden;" that you seek to invent lies about God. Those who invent lies about God will not succeed. (Qur'an 16:116)
A small enjoyment, and they will have a painful retribution. (Qur'an 16:117)
This is just how serious those words we hear uttered every day are. Those who speak in God's name and tell lies about Him will have no consequence but to receive a "painful retribution" on the Day of Judgement when we all face our Divine Creator.
God has made clear to us what is lawful and what is unlawful… only the foolish would attempt to speak untruth in God’s name.
Say: "Have you seen what God has sent down to you from provisions, then you have made some of it forbidden and some lawful?" Say: "Did God authorize you, or do you invent lies about God?" (Qur'an 10:59)
Say: "Who has made unlawful the nice things that God has brought forth for His servants and the good provisions?" Say: "They are meant for those who believe during this worldly life, and they will be exclusive for them on the Day of Resurrection." It is such that We explain the revelations for those who know. (Qur'an 7:32)
Say: "Bring forth your witnesses who bear witness that God has made this unlawful." If they bear witness, then do not bear witness with them, nor follow the desires of those who deny Our revelations, and those who do not believe in the Hereafter; and they make equals with their Lord! (Qur'an 6:150)