Islam is collectively a set of guidelines and rules: “a way of life,” modeled by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Muslims are practitioners of the Sunnah; this practice is for our benefit alone. We are Muslims because we believe Islam provides the mandates.  Muslims pray 5 times a day, because that is the commandment from Allah.  Similarly, Muslims pay Zakat (almsgiving) because that too is a commandment from Allah.  Hence, the following commandment must be given due analysis as well, “O humankind, eat from whatever is on earth (that is) lawful and pure” (Quran 2:168). Hence consuming Halal is an essential commandment of Allah The Exalted and is a crucial part of the Islamic faith. If one wishes to become closer to Allah The Exalted and engage in spiritual progression, then it all starts with eating Halal.
Just as Islam has provided guidelines for other activities, such as transactions, finances, and family life among others, Islamic law is also quite exceptionally and rigorously detailed in its treatment of Halal consumption. It is evident that Halal consumption is incumbent upon Muslims:

“Whoever prays as we [Muslims] pray and faces the Ka’ba[during prayer]
and eats our slaughtered animals, he is a Muslim for whom is the protection of Allah and His Messenger.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

In this hadith, ritualistic prayer is associated with eating Halal. It is now apparent that this is a distinguishing feature of Muslims; Islam gives importance to an act others perceive as insignificant. The necessity of a Muslim slaughterer as default is proof itself that food of Halal origin has a special place in Islamic Law. Muslims are required to eat Halal as a testimony of one’s identity, love and submission to Allah The Exalted.
Interestingly, the act of eating Halal has a direct consequence on our ’Ibadah. It is clear that each of us should be peculiar regarding what we eat depending on our situation.  The phrase “you are what you eat” holds a great amount of truth in Islam.  When one looks at the actions of the Sahaba (Companions) and the Salaf-us-Saliheen (Pious Predecessors), outlined in “What the Classical Scholars said,” one realizes that their great success could partially be attributed to their cautious watch over Halal consumption. A bodybuilder consumes high protein and low fat because lifting weights is dependent on certain dietary needs. Similarly, a Muslim require Halal intake because Salat is based upon our spiritual condition.  Just as a Muslim’s prayer is jeopardized if he or she is in a state of outward physical impurity, how can our prayers or supplications be worthy of acceptance if we offer them while impurity runs through the veins of our bodies?¹   On the Day of Judgment, we will have to present our deeds according to our actions. Would anyone want to have a good deed blemished by impurities? Would anyone want to be denied Paradise simply due to Haram food:

Ka`b Ibn Ujrah relates that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said, “A body nourished with Haram will not enter Jannah.” (Tirmidhi)

Muslims are designed to be followers of the Prophets. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the fundamental role model to emulate. Hence, it is no surprise that the Last and Final Messenger emphasized the importance of Halal food:

S'ad (RA) relates: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said “O S'ad purify your food (and as a result) you will become one who's supplications are accepted. I swear by He in whose hands the soul of Muhammad (SAW) lies, verily a servant (of Allah) tosses a Haram morsel in his stomach (due to which) no deed is accepted from him for 40 days.” (Tabarani)

This hadith not only highlights the importance of Halal food, but reveals the dire consequences of eating impermissibly. This conclusion is further evident in the following Hadith…

The Prophet (SAW) made mention of a man who undergoes a lengthy journey in a state that he is dishevelled and dusty. He spreads his hands towards the sky (calling), “O my Lord, O my Lord”, however his food is Haram, his drink is Haram, his clothes are Haram and he has been nourished with Haram! So how will his call be answered?” (Sahih Muslim)