Halal Food in Non-Muslim Countries: A Guide to Avoiding Haram Ingredients

Navigating Halal Food Options in Non-Muslim Countries: What You Need to Know

In the Name of Allāh, the Entirely Gracious, the Exclusively Merciful 

Question:

The questioner asks: Is it necessary for us Muslims living in non-Muslim countries to contact companies and investigate what they use in cakes, chocolates, and other products, especially concerning animal fats, to avoid consuming pork?

Answer:

A Muslim must be cautious about what they consume and take care of their religion. They should not eat just anything available in non-Muslim markets. It is essential to inquire and check. Generally, companies provide ingredient lists for their products, and if they mention “animal fat” without specifying the source, you should avoid it. This could potentially mean it is pork fat. Do not buy or consume anything unless you are certain or reasonably sure it does not contain forbidden substances, especially when living in a non-Muslim country. You must take extra precautions with your religion in such cases.

If you were living in a Muslim country, we would say the default assumption is that food is permissible unless proven otherwise. The standard in Muslim countries is to be cautious and avoid forbidden items. However, living in a non-Muslim country means the default assumption should be caution and taking extra care.

As for the Speech of Allah (عز وجل): 

{وَطَعَامُ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ حِلٌّۭ لَّكُمْ وَطَعَامُكُمْ حِلٌّۭ لَّهُمْ} 

“The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to them.” [Al-Ma’idah: 5] 

The reference here is to the slaughtered animals. Our slaughtered animals are permissible for them and their slaughtered animals are permissible for us, as long as they mention the name of Allah while slaughtering. This Ayah is further explained by other evidences, which clarify that the name of Allah must be mentioned.

It is important to note that animals might be slaughtered by atheists who are not from the people of the book, or they might be slaughtered in an improperly unlegislated manner, rendering them dead meat (carrion).

Even if the fat is not from pork, it could still be from an animal that died without proper slaughtering or not according to the Islamic method. The slaughtering done by someone who is not from the people of the book, or by someone who doesn’t slaughter according to the correct legislated way is also impermissible. 

Therefore, what is free from animal fat or animal oils, and instead contains plant-based oils or fats, is more cautious and permissible. It is safer for you to avoid potential harm to your religious obligations. May Allah guide you and us to what is best.

#Fatwas_on_Fiqh 

#Fatwas_on_Food_Sacrifice_Slaughter

فتاوى فضيلة الشيخ محمد بن حزام الفضلي البعداني حفظه الله وتولاه