The Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: 

“That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus, he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour, but he who falls into doubtful matters eventually falls into that which is unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah’s sanctuary is His prohibitions (Mahaarimuhu). Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh which, if it is sound, the entire body is sound, and if it is corrupted, the entire body is corrupted. Truly, it is the heart.”(Bukhaari & Muslim) 

This Hadith is among the great principles of Islam. In a few concise words, it brings together jurisprudence, ethics, spirituality and self-discipline. 

What may appear to be a legal discussion about Halaal, Haraam and doubtful matters is, in reality, a profound lesson on human behaviour and spiritual decline. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam describes a gradual progression: 

• First, one becomes comfortable with ambiguity.
• Then one repeatedly approaches the boundary.
• Eventually, the boundary itself becomes blurred.
• Finally, the heart loses its sensitivity to transgression.

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not merely instruct us to avoid Haraam. He encouraged us to stay away from doubtful matters where uncertainty exists. By doing so, a person protects both his religion and his honour. 

This principle is especially relevant in matters of Halaal consumption. Every Muslim has a responsibility to ensure that what enters his body is clearly Halaal. Consuming Haraam, or carelessly disregarding doubtful matters, amounts to crossing the limits set by Allah Ta’ala. Islamic teachings further emphasise that Haraam consumption adversely affects one’s spirituality and may become a barrier to the acceptance of Du’aa. 

As we enter Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year, we are reminded that a blessed year begins with obedience to Allah Ta’ala. The pious predecessors and scholars have long emphasised that safeguarding oneself from Haraam and doubtful matters is among the foundations of spiritual success and Divine acceptance. 

For the past three decades, SANHA, by the Grace of Allah Ta’ala and the support of the Muslim community, has remained committed to identifying and highlighting the boundaries between Halaal and Haraam through its independent Halaal certification and monitoring processes. This enables Muslim consumers to make informed choices and consume with confidence and peace of mind. 

As we commence the new Islamic year, let us renew our commitment to seeking that which is clearly Halaal, avoiding that which is doubtful, and being mindful of the sacred boundaries established by Allah Ta’ala.