Halaal food - should it remain the status quo for a non-Muslim South Africa?
Halaal food is unavoidable in South Africa, despite Muslims being less than 2% of the population

In discussion with Tony Naidoo, who debated the issue of Halaal food on Safm, on 6 March 2008 (listen to or download the debate here) it became very clear that the South African Muslims (at least those that phoned in) are very militant about the topic and regard the raising of the issue as an attack on their religion. Tony made it quite clear that there is no problem with freedom for religions, like Islam, and for Halaal, but consumers and producers must not be coerced into buying Halaal food. To talk to Tony Naidoo for more information phone him on: 084 583 7369

Here are some of the main points which Tony raised when CFT discussed the issue with him:

1. The Political nature of Halaal; it is legal requirement of Islamic law. Sharia law is sneaking in the back door. In fact, in South Africa it is already in the door without any debate. Right now there is a huge debate about the issue in England and Canada – both countries resisting the Halaal foods being imposed upon their countries.

2. Economic aspect: It isunethical that a surcharge is included in price of an item and the consumer is not made aware of it. This surcharge goes to the Halaal Certification Body.

3. There is evidence that money (on the Islamic group’s own website) that the money is used to propagate Islam and to give employment to Muslims only. And, it used to advance Islamist political idiologies here and internationally.

4. Religiously and socially is not just a dietary requirement but a spiritual requirement. A Koranic injunction. Thus, wrong to impose one’s religion on other people.

Is it too much to expect "neutral" food? We don’t need Christian butter, Hindu cheese or Budhist milk. Each one can pray for their own blessing.

Here are some points from a Christian perspective from a brother who has done much research into the topic of Halaal and encourages people to write to the Sunday Times and other editorials about the issue:

If Christians and other non-Muslims remain passive and don't respond, it will seem that they are happy with the status quo. What are some of the important issues? 1. Payment of surcharge on halaal products. It is undisputed that manufacturers and producers pay large amounts for halaal certification (we have signed contracts) which is added to the cost of production and eventually absorbed by the final customer . To illustrate, suppose 2 manufacturers make identical chocolates. One of them pays an annual halaal fee of R250 000.00. This fee does not come out of the director's or shareholder's pocket, it gets added to the cost of the chocolate which makes the chocolate more expensive. Ask anyone in business and they will verify this process. If the selling price of both chocolates are the same, it may mean that other input costs of the halaal version is lower or the quality is actually inferior, or that the manufacturer is willing to make a smaller profit (which is highly unlikely). 2. The halaal certification bodies want to turn this debate into Christian/Muslim confrontation as a smokescreen to hide the real issues of exploitation and dishonesty. 3.A Muslim would not partake of Holy Communion which is a Biblical injunction or eat at a Hindu prayer. The Muslim community also campaigns against Christian prayers in schools and other public places. It is therefore over-presumptious to expect people of other faiths to unquestioningly consume halaal which is a Sharia injunction, and to pay for the privelege, to boot. 4.The commercialised halaal system run by the halaal certification bodies undermines the Sharia and disgraces the Muslim community. Muslims ought to take it upon themselves to abolish the corrupt halaal certication trade. What does this all mean? It means that halaal is a scam that has hoodwinked the entire SA public, including Muslims whom it is supposed to benefit. What can you do about this? Stand up for Truth. Voice your objection! The Sunday Times will publish an article exposing the halaal scam this weekend, probably in the Extra. Be sure to write letters to the editor expressing your outrage at this form of religious, political, social, and economic exploitation. Sacrifice a few minutes of your precious time, you won't regret it. And stop buying halaal products! Send this email to as many friends as you can at least ten. Do it right away, before the editor closes this topic. WE DID NOT RECEIVE A SPIRIT OF FEAR BUT OF LOVE, POWER, AND OF A SOUND MIND. SO PLEASE THINK.