Muslim colloquialism referring to the physical distance maintained between a (presumably) pious individual and members of the opposite sex. A similar concept among some Christians is that of "leaving room for the Holy Ghost." Also similar to the idea of "social distancing," albeit without a medical rationale.
As the rest of his classmates, most of them women, filtered into the lecture hall, Amir placed a textbook on the seats on either side of him to ensure that the halal gap was maintained.
by SherbertWest July 20, 2022