Issue No.217 – December 2022 : Jumada al-Ula 1444

Load shedding is a preventative action to reduce load on the national electricity grid to avoid a collapse when demand outstrips supply. Planned interruptions are carried out to rotate the available electricity between users. South Africans have been living with the bane and frustration of load shedding for 15 years, with ever increasing frequency of late. It has a devastating impact on the economy and on the lives of our citizens. Affecting everyone, it has given rise to loss of jobs (job shedding), water rationing (water shedding), emigration (knowledge shedding) etc.

What about Halaal? This is a Divine injunction, the importance of which, in the life of a Muslim, cannot be overstated. It is a direct commandment of Allah Almighty to eat from the Halaal (lawful) and Tayyib (pure) things which He has provided and to avoid the path of the doubtful and forbidden, which has been likened to following the footsteps of Shaytaan.

Allah Almighty says: “O you People! Eat of what is on earth, Halaal and pure, and do not follow the footsteps of the Satan; Indeed, for he is to you an open enemy”. (Chapter 2, Verse 168)

Indeed, the very act of consuming Halaal without compromise is a testimony to our belief in Allah Almighty and his Revelation. There can never be load shedding on this personal responsibility and accountability. Occasions and times do not abrogate nor relax this obligation. It is once again the holiday period where people travel far and wide to take that well deserved break from the mundane, break free from dreary routines and work schedules, and enjoy quality time and relaxation with family and friends. The risk profile of consuming Haraam, albeit inadvertently, is highest at this time of the year. Many misconceptions, misinformation and a lax attitude can cloud one’s, judgment and lead to complacency in making food choices.

Capitalising on the holiday period, many restaurants/eateries make Halaal claims and employ advertising strategies, aimed at luring Muslim holiday-makers, some of which are untrue and misleading to consumers. Muslims are exhorted to be on guard against the following terms and practices:

1. 1. HALAAL FRIENDLY
      This can be Haraam deadly. Click here to understand why –
      https://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2021/media/Halaal_Gazette_20.pdf
   2. JUST A CUP OF COFFEE
      “We only have the coffee and not the alcohol they serve.” Click here to get the Islamic ruling on patronising such places.
      https://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2021/media/Halaal_Gazette_21.pdf
   3. KOSHER
      Opting for Kosher in the absence of Halaal as it is “closest to Halaal” is incorrect.Click here to understand the differences between Halaal and Kosher –
      https://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2021/media/Halaal_Gazette_18.pdf

1. 1. SAFETY IN BREAD AND CAKES
      Click here to satisfy your Knead to Know:
      https://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2021/media/Halaal_Gazette_22.pdf

1. 1. MUSLIM OWNED ESTABLISHMENT
      We cannot cast aspersions on any such persons and establishments. If you believe and are satisfied that the establishment is indeed Muslim-owned and the owner has the necessary expertise to provide the required Halaal assurance, you may exercise your freedom of choice. Click here to understand why it is important that even Muslim-owned establishments obtain Halaal certification –
      http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2013/flashn77.htm

1. FOOD DELIVERY APPS
   Currently there is no service provider certified for the exclusive delivery of Halaal food. This means that no protocols are in place to regulate the service and prevent possible contamination with Haraam items or even receiving one’s order erroneously from a non-Halaal vendor. Click here for further insight –
   http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2020/flashn155.html
2. GENERIC HALAAL SIGNS
   These Halaal signs downloaded from the internet are displayed with the sole purpose of attracting Muslim patrons. Remember, a body nourished by even a single morsel of Haraam becomes worthy of hellfire!

NO LOAD SHEDDING OF OUR VALUES DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND