According to the Hui's dietary rules, the meat of pig, dog, horse, donkey, mule as well as all birds and beasts of prey is not allowed. They are also prohibited from eating the blood of any animal, and from eating any living that dies naturally. Alcoholic drink is strictly forbidden. These restrictions all originate from the stipulations of Islam. Any edible birds and animals have to be slaughtered by the ahung who is authorized to do so. While the animals are being slaughtered, scriptures have to be chanted; otherwise, the meat can not be eaten. The Hui people generally like to drink "tea in a covered bowl" which is made of crystal sugar, red jujube, longan and Chinese wolfberry.