December 2025
In the Noble Qur’aan in chapter 3, verse 102, a fundamental requirement of being a Muslim is outlined.
“ O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah with right observance, and die not save as those who have surrendered (unto Him)
In a matter of a few days, schools around the country will begin to close for the annual summer vacation. Offices, businesses and many industries will follow suit with their annual shutdown. Many South Africans plan their annual leave to extend their break, taking time off between the public holidays to create a longer period away from work for travel or family time and get togethers.
Muslims too will be undertaking travel to various holiday destinations both within the country as well as abroad. During this period, Muslim travelers face challenges in finding Halaal food and services due to a lack of standardized certification, misleading terminology like “Halaal-friendly,” and variations in individual religious practices and expectations. Challenges include limited availability of Halaal options in some regions, misinterpretations of religious rules like substituting Kosher for Halaal or relying on the misunderstood Hadith of “say Bismillah and eat” and inconsistent standards even in Muslim-owned establishments
A Muslim on holiday can’t be like everyone else. The Final religion of Islam is an all weather everyday religion with the objective of pleasing Allah towards the final return to Him. There is no break from Islam and its laws regardless of season, occasions or events. Whilst many Muslims by the grace of Allah Ta’ala, remain guarded with their salaah, dress Islamically, observe their daily obligations, how many afford the same importance to the consumption of strictly Halaal food. With the consumption of Haraam food, Duaa, which is the essence of Ibaadah, is rendered useless and also stifles one’s ability to do righteous deeds.
Businesses capitalize on this period to increase their sales and employ all sorts of marketing strategies to reach their goals. The restaurant industry is no different, and needless to say happens to be one of the busiest industries during the festive season. After all, everyone needs to eat.
We caution every Muslim to be extra vigilant in guarding their imaan during the holiday season and provide guidance against pitfalls. Click on the links below for detailed explanations
HALAAL FRIENDLY
In Islam there is no such concept. Something is either fully Halaal or not. Halaal Friendly is more the friend of Haraam than Halaal.
https://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2021/media/Halaal_Gazette_20.pdf
WE ARE ONLY HAVING COFFEE
What could be Haraam in a cup of coffee or tea?
https://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/flashn24.htm
THE PLACE IS MUSLIM OWNED
Does a Muslim Owned restaurant not need Halaal certification? Is being Muslim sufficient?
http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2013/flashn77.htm
GENERIC HALAAL SIGNS
Not every Halaal sign means Halaal. The use of generic logos is not governed by any legislation. A non-Muslim restaurant owner was once questioned about the Halaal sign that she displayed on her business premises. Her reply was: “I do not know anything about Halaal. All I know is that it attracts Muslim customers.”
KOSHER IS THE NEXT BEST OPTION
Does a Muslim have the option of Kosher in the absence of Halaal?
https://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2021/media/Halaal_Gazette_18.pdf
THE DANGER IN THE DELIVERY
Haraam products can also be transported in the same carrier box? And there is the possibility that the call centre taking your order and designating pick up from the closest outlet which could be a non-Halal store. We have several cases in our files on such incidents.
http://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2020/flashn155.html
WHAT COULD BE HARAAM IN BAKED GOODS?
There is more to a loaf of bread or a slice of cake than that which meets the eye in terms of Haraam ingredients?
https://www.sanha.org.za/flashnews/2021/media/Halaal_Gazette_22.pdf
SAY BISMILLAAH AND EAT
Clarity on this misunderstood Hadeeth and relying on just the head of the argument
https://sanha.org.za/2023/08/20/128-just-say-bismillah-eat/
Go right with Halaal on the Go
Our offices will be closed for our Annual Shutdown as follows:
Closes: 24th December 2025
Re-opens: 5th January 2026
