Issue No.141 – December 2023
It is that time of the year when families take their well-deserved break. For some, just staying at home is the ideal, whilst others embark on a journey exploring holiday destinations.
Every journey has its risks and rewards. Whilst prospective travellers acquaint themselves with the physical dangers and challenges of their chosen travel routes, for Muslims, the perils extend to their spiritual well-being too. What they consume on travels has an impact on their spiritual selves. Muslims know that the du’aa of a traveller is amongst those that are readily accepted by Almighty Allah. Muslims ought to be just as aware that du’aas are rejected because of Haraam consumption.
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned [the case] of a man who, having journeyed far, whilst being dishevelled and covered in dust, stretches his hands out to the heavens (in supplication) saying, “O Lord! O Lord!,” while his food is Haraam (unlawful), his drink is Haraam, his clothing is Haraam, and he has been nourished with Haraam, so how can [his supplication] be answered? Sahih Muslim
Many strategies are used by businesses to increase their share of the lucrative holiday market and to attract customers to their establishments. It is imperative that Muslim holiday-makers are forewarned of some of the strategies and concepts which are employed during the holiday season – see notations below.
“Outlets advertised as Halaal-Friendly”
Halaal-Friendly can be Haraam deadly. Click here to understand it.
http://www.sanha.org.za/hgazette/20/Halaal_Gazette_20.pdf
“We only go in for coffee. It is an insult to think that as Muslims, we will consume the alcohol that is served”
Give such places a wide berth. Get the Islamic ruling here:
http://www.sanha.org.za/hgazette/21/Halaal_Gazette_21.pdf
“The place is Muslim-owned and does not need certification”
Place your reliance on a proven independent third party quality assurance system.
Click here for a narrative: http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2013/flashn77.htm
“Dubious Halaal signs”
Sometimes generic Halaal signs and Islamic signage are placed at restaurants with the sole intent of attracting Muslim patrons. A conscientious Muslim will always insist on a Halaal sign and certificate issued by a reputable and competent Halaal certifying body.
“When we cannot find Halaal we go for Kosher. That is safest as it is closest to Halaal”
The link below illustrates that substituting Kosher for Halaal is a grave error which can compromise one’s faith.
http://www.sanha.org.za/hgazette/18/Halaal_Gazette_18.pdf
“We use our food apps to order from the Halaal menus of delivery services”
Currently there is no service provider certified for the exclusive delivery of Halaal food. This means that no protocols are in place which regulates the service to prevent contamination with Haraam items or even receiving one’s order erroneously from a non-Halaal vendor. Click to view:
http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2020/flashn155.html
“How wrong can we go by sticking to breads and cakes from a bakery?”
Certification of bakery outlets is amongst the most critical areas of Halaal certification
Click here for our “Knead to Know” article:
http://www.sanha.org.za/hgazette/22/Halaal_Gazette_22.pdf
“Just say Bismillah and Eat”
Get an understanding of this oft misused Hadith.
https://cloudmail.offinet.co.za/service/home/~/?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=266586&part=2
The Du’aas of a Traveller are Readily Accepted. Haraam Food Which Impacts on One’s Ibadah and Du’aas are Not Travel Companions.
Our offices will be closed for our Annual shutdown as follows:
DATES: 22nd December 2023 till 1st of January 2024.
As the need for Halaal verification becomes more critical during the holiday season of travel and leisure, our helpline will be operating a limited assistance service as follows:
Date: 27 December to 29 December 2023
Times: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Number: 0861 786 111
AT YOUR SERVICE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
MAY ALMIGHTY ALLAH GRANT ALL SAFE TRAVELS AND QUALITY FAMILY TIME DURING THE HOLIDAYS, AAMEEN.
