6 Halal Manufacturing Errors to Avoid

Blogs Home Financing for Muslims When it comes to purchasing a home, or a mortgage, these loans are not void of the accrual of interest. Under Islamic Shariah laws, paying or receiving riba (interest) is prohibited. In fact, all forms of interest are forbidden. In a hadith, narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah, he reported that “Allah’s Messenger cursed the accepter of interest and its payer, and one who records it, and the two witnesses; and he said: ‘They are all equal’.” (Muslim). Due to this, a devout Muslim may not use a conventional mortgage, which charges monthly interest when purchasing a home. Fortunately, there are halal home purchase plans and other Shariah-compliant home financing options through which Muslims can purchase a property of their own. Basically, the model is based on risk-sharing and monthly installments or rents. The customer and the provider will share all the risks of the investment using specific terms, previously agreed upon. In this post, we will be taking a look at Islamic mortgage providers and home financing options for Muslims. Interest in Islam In Islamic banking or finance, riba refers to interest charged on deposits or loans. Religious practice forbids riba, regardless of how low the interest rate is. Islam vehemently prohibits interest due to the following reasons: Riba leads to excessive leverage in business which may cause business failure. Riba often tends to exploit borrowers. This conflicts with the spirit of brotherhood in Islam. Riba-based loans exploit the poor and further increases poverty. Refinancing riba-based loans often puts the borrower through undue hardship. The Holy Qur’an says: “O you who believe, do not eat up the amounts acquired through ribā (interest), doubled and multiplied. Fear Allah, so that you may be successful.” [Al-Imran: 130] “Those who take riba (usury or interest) will not stand but as stands the one whom the demon has driven crazy by his touch. That is because they have said: ‘Sale is but like riba.’, while Allah has permitted sale, and prohibited riba.” [Al-Baqarah: 275] “Allah destroys riba and nourishes charities, and Allah does not like any sinful disbeliever.” [Al-Baqarah: 276] From the above verses from the Holy Qur’an, it can be understood that riba is a heinous sin. What is a Halal Home Purchase Plan? A halal home purchase plan is a home financing plan that’s designed to help the halal-conscious consumer purchase property without taking out a loan or paying monthly interests. What are the Benefits of Halal Home Purchase Plans? Islamic mortgages have become increasingly popular as it’s based on the Islamic principle that borrowing and lending money in exchange for interest is prohibited. Benefits of halal home financing options: Riba-Free: Halal home financing options are riba-free – consumers don’t need to pay interest on home loans. Risk Sharing: The halal home purchase plan operates on the basis of risk-sharing. In case of foreclosure or natural disaster, both the provider and the consumer will bear the risk. Personalized and More Convenience: Halal home purchase plans are tailored to the needs of Muslims. With this, Muslims can now get a foot on the home-ownership ladder. Regulated by Financial Regulatory Authorities: Islamic mortgages are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) in the US. They are also available from several providers. How Does Islamic Mortgage Work? Islamic mortgages and halal home purchase plans don’t involve any form of money borrowing or lending. In this home financing option, the bank or provider will purchase the property on the consumer’s behalf and lease it back to the consumer. A repayment plan will be set up so that you can easily pay back the total sum in installments. Even though the provider will still make their money, it will be in line with Islamic injunctions. Islamic Compliant Mortgage Companies Below are some Islamic compliant mortgage companies that offer home financing options for the halal-conscious consumer: Ijara Loans Ijara Community Development Corporation (IjaraCDC) is a Michigan Non-Profit Corporation offering Islamic home financing options to consumers. The company provides the Ijara-wa-Iqtina (lease and ownership) process, allowing the halal-conscious consumer to create a rent-to-own agreement. The company sets up a Trust which purchases the property and leases it back to the consumer. What’s more, the Trust remains the sole owner of the property and take 100% gain or loss. The consumer pays a percentage of the purchase price each month as rent until they have paid off the purchase price. As they continue making the monthly rent payment, their percentage of ownership of the home increases. Under US banking regulations, Ijara mortgages are legal and comply with the provisions of the Truth in Lending Act. UIF Corporation UIF Corporation (UIF) is an American financial service company based in Michigan. The company provides residential and commercial home financing options for devout Muslims and individuals who don’t want to pay or receive fixed interests on home loans. What’s more, UIF Corporation offers halal home financing plans to Muslims who will like to purchase a new property or refinance an existing home. The home plans are fully approved by the independent Sharia Board and adhere strictly to Islamic financing principles. The company has been voted #1 Islamic financing institution in the United States five years in a row. LARIBA LARIBA is another Islamic mortgage provider that offers riba-free Islamic Sharia-compliant mortgages and home financing options to Muslims across the United States. The company’s home financing model is based on the concept of “Declining Participation in Usufruct” (DPU). This involves purchasing the property on behalf of the consumer. The consumer then pays the property value through monthly installments to the company for over 30 years. The consumer may register the property directly in his or her name. With LARIBA, the halal-conscious consumer can plan adequately and repay their home loans over an extended period of time without worrying about the accrual of interest. Guidance Residential Guidance Residential offers a transparent, riba-free, consumer-friendly home financing option for Muslims in compliance with Islam’s strict prohibition on riba (usury). The company’s home financing model is based on the model of co-ownership. Both Guidance Residential and the consumer will own a percentage of the

Halal Investing: 8 Essential Tips for Muslims to Make Smart Financial Decisions

Blogs Halal Investing: 8 Essential Tips for Muslims to Make Smart Financial Decisions As Muslims, we strive daily to level-up our spirituality, as it is essential for our salvation in this world and the Hereafter. Concurrently, we have a need for material goods, just as much as we need the financial means to pay for them.  In fact, Islam as a religion speaks in-depth about material issues. A common prayer that Muslims make is “Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us against the doom of Fire” (2:201). (رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ). In Surah Qasas, Allah says “And do not forget your share of the world” (28:77). (وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْي) Both the supplication and the Quranic verse indicate that seeking material prosperity in this life is not sinful in and of itself. However, we must operate within the Islamic ethical and religious confines. To achieve this, every Muslim must make smart financial decisions. Furthermore, Muslims can seek wealth ethically, enjoy their wealth, and the pleasures of life, but should never let this distract them from seeking the good of the afterlife. In this post, we will be providing you with some essential tips to help Muslims make smart financial decisions. Construct a Financial Plan When it comes to financial matters, proper planning is of paramount importance. Muslims should make a personal financial plan or budget. The purpose of a financial budget is to help us determine where our money is actually going. Also, a budget will help us determine how we can settle debts and minimize unnecessary expenses. With this, we can spend our money more wisely. Avoid Buying Unnecessary Stuff Another smart financial decision we can make as a Muslim is to avoid buying things we do not need; learn to differentiate between the essentials: our wants vs. our needs. Identify those things that we can do without. It is best to cut spending on frivolities as much as possible. The moment we stop making unnecessary and ultimately unsatisfying purchases, we can expect our finances to improve. Reduce Borrowing Unless it is crucial, avoid borrowing money. Moreover, Islamic Law frowns upon loans, as many contain interest. Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated: “Allah’s Messenger cursed the accepter of interest and its payer, and one who records it, and the two witnesses; and he said: They are all equal” (Muslim). Even if some loans do not contain interest, as a rule of thumb, try not to borrow unnecessarily. By reducing our borrowing, we will be able to shift our attention to more beneficial things, instead of worrying about paying off debts. Shop Less: Do Not Make Shopping an Activity Unfortunately, many Muslim families have turned shopping into a recreational activity, looking forward all week to visiting the mall on Saturday mornings. We can drastically save money by cutting down on the amount of time we spend in the malls.  As a smart financial decision, make it a rule not to visit the local grocer or mall unless it is out of dire need. When one does shop, always go with a list. Shopping without a list can easily us into buying what we do not need or going over our budget. With a list in hand, we can shop with more focus without getting sidetracked by marketing tactics. Instead of going to the mall to spend time with family, try out other activities such as going to a weekly halaqah at the local masjid, or picnicking at the park, playing sports, or reading together. Save a Portion of Income By saving a portion of our income, we will be able to secure a reliable financial backup. While saving has nothing to do with hoarding money, it is about spending smartly. Life is unpredictable; financial curve-balls and emergencies often occur when least expected. When this happens, savings can be a form of financial relief. We find a beautiful example in the story of Prophet Yusef, where as the financial czar of Egypt, he saved crops to prevent famine in the city during the years of drought. To prevent financial instability, save responsibly. Resist the Urge to Keep Up The accumulation of material goods is rife, even amongst Muslims. The pressure to keep up with the possession of stuff is another form of mental and modern slavery. If the pressure to keep up is too much, we need to change our social circle and adopt a new paradigm for the way we view money. Once we do this, we will not have to feel the need to update our cellphones or buy the latest car. Give Sadaqah (Charity) As Muslims, we need to give out Sadaqa to those who are less fortunate. By giving out our wealth, we do not lose anything; on the contrary, we gain. The Quran says “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And God multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And God is all-Encompassing and Knowing”(2:261). We need to ensure that we are always on the lookout for opportunities and organizations that require donations. Halal Investing in Retirement Plans and Stocks  As Muslims, we need to make sure that our investments are in accordance with Islamic principles. To remain Sharia-compliant, Muslim investors need to share that whether there is a profit or loss, it should not accrue any interest. Lets take a brief look at what is Islamically acceptable in the following investments: Stocks & CDA Stock:  For Muslims, the most current stocks are not suitable to invest in due to the presence of interest returns. While trading in the majority of common stocks is restricted, there are many other ethical stocks that are halal compliant, such as The Amana Income Fund, founded by Unified Management Corporation, Indianapolis, IN, in 1986, which are managed according to Islamic

How to Make your Keto Diet Halal-Approved

Blogs How to Make your Keto Diet Halal-Approved Keto from the Halal Perspective By now, you must have heard of the new dietary lifestyle known as “keto” or the “ketogenic” diet, or you may have unknowingly stumbled upon some keto-approved products during your grocery errands. You may also be well acquainted with the term ‘halal’ – an Arabic word used to denote that which Muslims are allowed to consume. Halal also carries the connotation of ‘healthy’, ‘balanced’, and ‘humane’.  It would be relatively easy to see why these two concepts can live harmoniously, however, halal dietary laws are governed by scripture which are timeless, while new diets and health regimes, such as keto, are subject to change. Additionally, some argue that keeping a keto diet can’t be halal, because Muslims should not restrict themselves from what is lawfully permissible. It is important to understand the arguments, and the solutions so that the bounds of halal are never breached.  So let’s delve right into the topic! What is Keto? Following a keto diet is a popular way to diet, with many fitness models and bodybuilders who swear by it religiously. So what is Keto and how does it work? Keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet where consumption of carbohydrates is significantly reduced and replaced with fats. This reduction in carbohydrates puts your body in a metabolic state known as ketosis. In other words, your body becomes incredibly efficient in burning fat and generating energy.  Over the years, the ketogenic diet has gained a significant number of supporters partly due to its many alleged health benefits; these include lower blood sugar and insulin levels, weight loss, increased metabolism, and profound neurological benefits. Note: The ketogenic diet is not suitable for everyone. Consult your doctor and seek professional guidance before you make any drastic changes to your diet. In order to commit to a ketogenic diet, there are some rules you need to abide by. On the one hand, certain foods or ingredients have to be reduced or eliminated from your diet, including: Starchy vegetables and fruits that contain high levels of sugar Grains such as cereal, crackers, rice, pasta, bread, and whole wheat pasta Low-fat products (they are highly processed) Honey, syrup, and all types of sweeteners Unhealthy fats (mayonnaise, processed vegetable oils, etc.) Beans and legumes  Baked goods On the other hand, the majority of your meals will surround different types of food that include:  Red meat Fatty fish (salmon, trout, tuna and mackerel) Eggs, butter, cream, and cheeses (unprocessed cheese, preferably)  Healthy oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil Low-carb vegetables (peppers, onions, tomatoes, etc.) Assorted nuts and seeds Avocadoes As it seems, a ketogenic diet can be overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it won’t be as tough. Now, the question is, can you do both halal and keto? The Conflict Between Keto and Halal As mentioned in the opening, some argue that maintaining a keto diet is not halal, because Muslims should not restrict themselves from what is permitted. The argument is supported by the statement in the Qur’an, where Allah SWT says: “[66:1] “…why do you prohibit [yourself from] what Allah has made lawful for you…?” It would appear from this that the two certainly cannot coincide. If we take the snippet of text in isolation, it does seem to be the case. This rationale, however, is problematic. Our deen must be taken holistically, and we must not cherry pick verses, or ignore others relevant to the topic. When approaching any legal discussion, all of the facts must be considered. When we do this, we find a much different picture being represented. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I do not eat lizard, but I do not prohibit its eating.” [Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5536] The Prophet (ﷺ) never criticized any food (he was invited to) but he used to eat if he liked the food, and leave it if he disliked it. [Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5409] From the above, we find a more complete story regarding the topic. It is permissible to have a preference for foods that one may enjoy, and to refrain from those foods which one does not like.The Prophet used to love to eat gourd, and loved vinegar as a condiment.  The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “What an excellent condiment vinegar is.” [Grade : Sahih (Darussalam) Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1839]It was narrated that Anas said: “The Prophet (ﷺ) loved (to eat) gourd.” [Grade : Sahih (Darussalam) English reference : Vol. 4, Book 29, Hadith 3302] Those who argue that Halal and keto diets cannot mix are rebutted by the example of the our prophet. It must also be noted, however, that one should not make that which Allah SWT has made halal into something haram, nor make that which He has made haram into something halal. In essence, this means that the permission relies upon the niyyah, or ‘intention’. If ones intention is to be healthy by refraining from carbohydrates, then this is also Halal. But if ones intention is to make it forbidden because they believe it is wrong for people to eat carbohydrates, then this is not halal. In essence, the argument all depends upon your perspective. How To Incorporate Keto Into A Halal Cultural Diet Load Up On ProteinsSo you’ve decided to embark upon the keto path, and need to figure out how to manage it properly in terms of your cultural diets. The easiest way to do this is to make proteins the center of your plate. Instead of pasta, incorporate more lean meat such as a grilled piece of fish or roasted chicken. For a meat-free option, bulk up on your leafy greens, such as kale, lettuce, arugula, spinach, etc., and top it off with your favorite nuts and seeds for an added crunch. Be aware of side dishesSide dishes may seem innocent and harmless, but it is often loaded with carbohydrates. Falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, bread, and fries are everyday side dish staples, but they are poor keto options. As delicious as they are, try a light tossed salad

8 Types of Products to be Cautious of Before Purchasing

Blogs 8 Types of Products to be Cautious of Before Purchasing As halal conscious consumers, it is crucial to ensure that the products we are consuming are halal. In Muslim minority countries, this process can be very challenging. Companies try their best to keep proprietary ingredients hidden, and many times mask ingredients with arbitrary, or unfamiliar names. If a product is not halal-certified, authenticating the halal status of a product can be very daunting. To help ease this burden upon you, we have compiled a list of a few popular products that you should exercise precaution with before purchasing. 1. White sugar You might find it hard to believe that not all sugars are naturally halal. White sugar goes through a filtration process in order to remove its naturally occuring color. Traditionally, the use of ‘bone char’ (or activated charcoal) has been the medium of filtration. Most companies still utilize this method, sourcing bone material from pigs, cows, and other animals.  According to Islamic rulings, bones originating from animals other than pig are not by nature najis – even if the animal is not slaughtered according to Islamic standards. If it is used, it will not taint the sugar once it has gone through the filtration process. However, if it is derived from pigs, the bone char is considered filth, thus contaminates anything that touches it, which is problematic for the halal concious consumer. Bone char can be rather hard to find, as it is not on the ingredients list. It is merely a processing aid that does not feature once the filtration process is complete. Instead of bone char, modern facilities are using activated carbon and ion-exchange resin . Both of these processing aids are used to refine and purify sugar without any animal by-products. Moreover, we’ve contacted several companies, namely,  National Sugar , Crystal Sugar , and Domino Sugar , and they have confirmed they use of either non-animal filtering aid or cattle bone char exclusively. To be on the safe side, consider shifting to unrefined, organic, and raw sugars such as Sugar in the Raw Turbinado Sugar and  Now Food’s Organic Coconut Sugar . Moreover, unrefined sweeteners such as dates , stevia , palm sugar , or maple syrup are good options. 2. Candies and confectionery products Gelatin is a common ingredient within the confectionery industry as it creates the chewy textures in gummy sweets that we’ve grown to love. We need to be wary of household brands such as Haribo , Brach’s Candy Corn , Maynard’s Wine Gums as they may contain traces of gelatin. In particular, Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish are especially controversial surrounding its disclosure of ingredients. Gelatin is not listed as an ingredient, and when we asked about their gelling agent, they disclaimed that this knowledge was ‘proprietary.’ Also, for Haribo gummy bears, the producer uses both pork and beef gelatin. However, in Turkey, some facilities use beef gelatin exclusively. In the USA, Haribo imports both pork and beef gelatin-based products. If you need to purchase from Haribo, check the back of the package for its country of origin. According to the Haribo team (via personal communication), all Haribo products imported from Turkey contain halal gelatin even though it does not carry a halal logo. If you are still in doubt, go to your local store and find imported products intended for the Turkish market with a halal logo. Alternatively, there are halal (not certified however) gummy sweets such as AirHeads  and Wonka Everlasting Gobstopper. 3. French Fries It’s easy to assume that french fries are naturally halal since they’re just potatoes fried in oil. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Traditionally, frying french fries in lard was a common practice to give it an enhanced savory flavor. With the rise of plant-based diets, many restaurants and fast-food chains have shifted to vegetable-based oils, but one should be careful to inquire to be sure. You may also check the company’s website, as restaurants may update their recipes. Some companies soak their french fries in beef or pork tallow (fat). McDonald’s is notorious for this practice, which gives their fries the iconic, “Mickey D’s” aroma. According to Thoughtco.com, McDonalds French Fries still use animal bi-products in their processing. Aside from animal by-products in frying oils, be cautious of restaurants that serve meat products, as there is always a possibility for cross-contamination. As an alternative to fats containing animal by-products, frozen french fries such as Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fries are healthier options as you can fry them in your oil of choice.  4. Chinese Foods With relatively affordable prices and a diverse range of dishes, Chinese take-out is one of America’s favorites. However,   lard, pork, and pork-based products are common ingredients in Chinese cuisines such as mostly stir-fry, deep-fry, soup, steam buns, bread, and many more. Even when you order seemingly vegetarian or seafood dishes, it is almost a guarantee that the foods have been in contact with haram ingredients through the usage of the same cooking equipment and a lack of proper cleaning procedures. Pork and other animal products are fried using the same oil, which will compromise items like vegetable eggrolls, scallops, and other deep fried products. If the craving for Chinese food emerges, look out for halal-certified Chinese restaurants in your local area or cook them at home with your favorite Asian products. 5. Tortillas Tortilla wraps (particularly flour tortillas) are traditionally made with lard to create a soft and light texture. Lard (or tallow) is a common ingredient used in restaurant tortillas and homemade recipes. There are store-bought tortillas that use alternative fats such as vegetable oil or shortening like the Canasta brand (green label). To make your own homemade tortillas, replace lard with butter, canola oil, or vegetable shortening. Moreover, brands such as Whole Foods offer vegan tortillas such as their Flour and Corn Tortillas. 6. Desserts (flambé dessert, tiramisu, and black forest)  If you’re a lover of sweet treats, keep an eye out for tiramisu, black forest, and flambé desserts. These treats typically contain alcohol derivatives such as rum or liqueur. In particular, flambé desserts – french for the word ‘flaming’ or ‘flamed’ – is topped with brandy, cognac, or rum and lit afire. Some popular flambé desserts include Banana Foster, Crêpes Suzette, Cherries Jubilee, etc.  As an alternative, try out Amira’s Pantry Classic Tiramisu (alcohol-free) or Yummly’s Black Forest Cake.

Five Prophetic Foods and Their Health Benefits

Blogs Five Prophetic Foods and Their Health Benefits Muslims derive guidance and base their life upon two sources: The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These two sources provide guidance for Muslims with regard to every aspect of daily life such as how to be morally upright, how to conduct ethical business, and even how to regulate one’s diet in order to achieve optimal health.  The Sunnah provides us with a substantial amount of information regarding the Prophet’s discourse on his preferred foods that have innumerable health benefits in the prevention and curing of certain illnesses. The following list provides five prophetic foods along with their benefits: 1. Dates: Dates are a staple food throughout the Middle East and the Islamic world (Ali et al., 2018). From the hadith sources, we know that dates were the Prophet Muhammad’s favorite fruit to eat. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said “If anyone is fasting let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water” and “He who eats seven ‘Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them” (Bukhari 5445). Moreover, dates are extremely beneficial and rich in high profile nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium, vitamin B-6, and fiber (Anwaar, 2017).  There are numerous benefits associated with eating dates, such as its anticancer properties and its ability in detoxifying the liver. Dates are a low glycemic superfood that assists in curing diabetes and helps the body build strong uterine muscles during pregnancy (Ali et al., 2018). 2. GrapesGrapes are among the favorite foods of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The phytochemicals derived from them are immensely useful in treating and curing various diseases (Ali et al., 2018). Due to the presence of polyphenol compounds, grapes can be a source of preventing cardiovascular diseases and can assist in reducing its associated risk factors.  Grapes are beneficial in treating hypertension by assisting the body in maintaining  blood pressure and regulating glucose levels. Moreover, like dates, grapes also contain anticancer properties which helps prevent skin, breast, prostate, head, neck and lung cancer (Ali et al., 2018) 3. Black seeds (kalonji) Black seeds are native to South and South-West Asia and are widely used across the world for medicinal purposes. Also known as black cumin or kalonji, black seeds are also popular in various traditions such as Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha (Ali et al., 2018). The importance of black seeds is further elucidated by one of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) where he mentions that “the black seed can heal every disease, except death.”  Black seeds are rich in healing and medicinal properties; they are beneficial in the treatment of cancer, diabetes and helps with hyperpigmentation disorders (Ali et al., 2018) 4. Olives The use of olives and olive oil is not only popular in the Islamic tradition but is also found cited in the Bible as a “natural healer”. The importance of consuming olives and olive oil is highlighted by the Prophet (PBUH) where he is narrated to have said: “Eat of its oil and use it (the olives), for indeed it is from a blessed tree” (Tirmidhi 1852) and also that “olive oil cures 70 diseases” (Ali et al., 2018). These benefits of olives and their oil are due to the presence of oleic acid that is found to be effective against certain cancerous cells.  Including olives and olive oil in one’s diet yields great benefits. Regular consumption of olives reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, improves the condition of those who suffer from autoimmune disease and maintains one’s glucose metabolism (Ali et al., 2018) 5. Barley According to the prophetic model of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), barley is a food that he consistently consumed; he added barley in his bread, porridge, and dough. According to his Hadith from Ibn-e-Maja, he did the following that elucidates the benefits of barley, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) entered upon us, and with him was ‘Ali bin Abu Talib, who had recently recovered from an illness. We had bunches of unripe dates hanging up, and the Prophet (PBUH) was eating from them. ‘Ali reached out to eat some, and the Prophet (PBUH) said to ‘Ali: ‘Stop, O ‘Ali! You have just recovered from an illness.’ I made some greens and barley for the Prophet (PBUH), and the Prophet (PBUH) said to ‘Ali: ‘O ‘Ali, eat some of this, for it is better for you’” (Ibn Majah 4:31:3442) (Anwaar 2017).  From the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we know that barley is not only high in nutritional value, but it is a healing food that prevents illness and assists in curing fevers (Anwaar, 2017). With the Quran and Sunnah, we are able to access the prophetic diet of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the associated health benefits. If we emulate him, and eat that which is halal and healthy, we will find ourselves leading a healthier and spiritually rich life. References:Ali, S. A., Parveen, N., & Ali, A. S. (2018). Links between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended foods and disease management: A review in the light of modern superfoods. International journal of health sciences, 12(2), 61–69. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5870322/  Anwaar, Amna. (2017). Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) diet. Islamic Finder. https://www.islamicfinder.org/news/prophet-muhammads-pbuh-diet/ 

USDA Certified Meat Processor Adds Halal Products

Blogs USDA Certified Meat Processor Adds Halal Products How Halal Certification Helped Nation’s Best Wholesalers, inc CLIENT SHOWCASE: NATIONS BEST We sat down with Guy Robinson, the Vice President of Nation’s Best Wholesalers inc, to find out how having some of their products halal-certified, has positively benefited their Company.   In 1913, Sandor Rosner arrived at Ellis Island. He brought anentrepreneurial spirit, along with expert knowledge in curing and smoking meats in Eastern Europe.   In 1922, with a treasure chest of traditional, kosher meat recipes that Sandor had used in the Old Country, he began manufacturing and smoking kosher deli meats.   The Authentic New York Deli was born as a result of a wave of immigration to New York during the turn of the 20th Century.   Soon after, Rosner’s Kosher Meat Products, Inc. was launched in Brooklyn. Delicatessen offerings were becoming an important thread in the fabric of New York’s culture.   The passion to create the best deli meats was passed on to Sandor’s son,Murray, who got involved in the business at an early age. He, too, apprenticed his young son, Ira, to learn everything from the “bottom” up. Flash forward to 1978, after serving in the military, Ira’s entrepreneurial vision helped him identify a market opportunity for people who loved kosher deli meat, but were not kosher.   He started Nations Best Delicatessen Meat Company on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, at 525 East 5th Street, honoring his grandfather’s legacy and continuing the family tradition.   A few years later, Nations Best was among the pioneers who moved to Hunt’s Point Meat Market, where they are still located today.   “At Nations Best, we are proud to consistently offer the best-tasting deli meats on the market. We spare nothing to make the highest quality products that capture that authentic New York deli flavor. We are committed to providing outstanding service and great value, while partnering to form successful, long term relationships with our customers and distributor’s ” Nations Best reached out to us at Halal Watch World, with a concern about the ever growing Muslim Community in their area. They are the fore runners in their field by having some of their products Halal Certified. “ We decided to certify some of our products Halal because we care about our Muslim community, we also had a few customers request for us to get a few products Halal certified.” “We have never wavered from our commitment to quality, our traditional recipes or our handmade approach, even while using the latest technology. We believe that our customers, are the cornerstone of our business. That is why we strive to go extra lengths to ensure they are completely satisfied. It is our strong belief in building long term relationships that keeps us motivated.” Getting some products Halal Certified has greatly benefited Nations Best, as it has opened doors for their Company to grow exponentially, by adding new markets for their products and dealing with their current and new distributors. Products we certify: Halal Turkey Stew Halal Turkey Burgers Halal Ground Turkey Halal Beef Stew Our team at Halal Watch World, are passionate about getting good quality Halal Certified products to the Muslims of America and across the globe. Our auditors travel extensively all across America to make sure all Halal Products we certify are regulated and of top quality. Our Vice President, Imam Mansoor Umar arrived at Nations Best and discussed the methodology and document requirements for certification purposes. He focused on all of the locations that the product touches or passes through, which also includes warehouse locations. The auditor’s concern is to make sure that the facility is conducive to producing a halal product, and maintaining its integrity. Once the walk-through was completed, he sat down in the final stages to consolidate all of the notes and information. Our audits are designed to ensure that the facility functions within the ethics of our dietary code. Once all of the documentation had been reviewed, a halal certificate was produced.  Halal Watch World continues to maintain a regular presence within the facility in order to provide confidence that the halal products are permissible to consume. A big thanks to Nations Best Wholesalers! To find out more contact them at: https://www.nationsbestdelimeats.com If you would like to know more about how halal certification can help you, reach out to us at support@halalwatchworld.org, or visit our website at www.halalwatchworld.org.

Halal Means Animal Rights

Blogs Halal Means Animal Rights The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said: “There is a meritorious reward for kindness to every living creature” -[Bukhari] Free To Post & Distribute With Attribution Only

I Am A Muslim American

Blogs 8 Products You Didn’t Know Were NOT Halal My experience Myname is Khalafalla Osman. I am a Muslim American, and I have been privilegedwith the honor to serve the Muslim Student Association (MSA) at my localuniversity as president for two terms. The purpose of MSAs around the country is to make the university a friendlier and more hospitable environment forMuslim students, especially those living on campus.   Beinga Muslim American is challenging, especially when it comes to food. Halal consciousMuslims know the struggle of trying to maintain a permissible diet. Every time we want to purchase a food item we haveno choice but to read through a long list of ingredients. We find ourselves stumblingacross half intelligible words we’ve never seen before. “Xan-than gum?” “Mal-to-dex-trin?”.Then it’s off to google to find out if it is halal to consume, only to find outthat our favorite pastry, or chewing gum has a pork derivative, or beef fat extracts.   Duringmy term, students on campus confided in me and others on the executive board abouttheir concerns regarding the extreme lack of halal food options on campus. Iwanted to change that experience, and with the guidance and grace of Allah ﷻ alhamdulillah, our administration wasable to accomplish just that.   Ourteam convened and ultimately decided to schedule a meeting with the leadershipin charge of dining services on campus. We addressed these students’ concerns,and the university responded by inviting us all to a free catered halal meat dinnerby their food providers. This was a significant milestone in our administrationshard work and effort. By the grace of Allah, we were able to give our Muslimstudent body access to food compliant with Islamic dietary standards.   Thiswas the day that opened the doors to future milestones like raising thousandsof dollars to fund huge trips to Islamic conferences in the American east coast,and getting more space for our daily prayers. I came to the realization that Ihad a voice, and a methodology that worked which could help Muslim studentsall over the country.   Thatis why I am honored to serve as one of the representatives at Halal Watch World,an organization that for nearly 30 years has been an advocate for those whoneed a voice. In reality, this is merely a continuation of the work I did at myuniversity. Halal Watch World gained its roots advocating for incarcerated Muslimpeoples, from providing Quran’s to prayer beads, to Halal Foods. Theorganization seeks to widen its branches by highlighting the troubles ourconstituents face.   Asa former MSA President, and recent college graduate, I know the hardships our highschoolers, undergrad students, and graduates face. These are trying times, and these challenges onlydeepen when we don’t have a friend in our corner. Insha’allah, we intend to bethat friend wherever you happen to be.   Ipray that I can be a strong voice for our brothers and sisters in publicinstitutions across the country. We can only be successful with the help ofAllah, and with your dua. – KO

The Spiritual & Physical Effects of Consuming Haram Foods

Blogs The Spiritual & Physical Effects of Consuming Haram Foods “O mankind! Eat of what is lawful and good on the earth and do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” – (Al-Quran 2:168)[i] All Muslims desire to attain closeness to Allah, deepen their spiritual bond and achieve complete taqwa (God-consciousness). The Muslim’s spiritual life develops under many changing dynamics, and the level of spirituality or attainment of taqwa of a Muslim depends heavily upon various lifestyle factors. One unexplored factor is how the consumption of haram foods or unbeneficial food can adversely affect our spiritual growth and progress.  What if you were told that what you consume, and how it was attained, was a direct contributor to your connection with your Creator? Not only is this true, but it is one of the most prominent ways by which one is brought near to or made to be distant from the grace and mercy of Allah.   The Prophet ﷺ mentioned the case of a man who was constantly on expeditions for the sake of Allah; he had dishevelled hair and a dusty appearance (due to performing acts of obedience such as Hajj, Umrah, seeking knowledge etc.). He raises his hands in supplication, begging from Allah, “Oh my Lord, Oh my Lord.” “But his food is Haram, his drink is Haram, his dress is Haram, and he is nourished with Haram. How then is his supplication (du’a) to be accepted?” (Muslim) How can one expect to be spiritually sound if one’s supplications go unanswered? The body, mind, and spirit are all interconnected. Anything that affects the body, in turn, affects the mind and consequently affects the spirit. Thus, whatever negatively affects the mind is prohibited in Islam. This is one of the pearls of wisdom behind the prohibition of specific foods and drinks, e.g., alcohol, drugs, blood, swine, carrion, etc.  Mindless consumption can lead to internal harm. And when one consumes haram, our connection to Allah is severed. We are no longer able to see Him for what He truly is, and our state of remembrance is hampered. Consuming haram eliminates our inhibitions and shifts our focus away from the remembrance and obedience of Allah, which is the very purpose of our existence.  Allah enlightens us further in the following verse of the Qur’an as to the dangers of consuming not just food, but also intoxicants. “The Shaytan only desires to stir up enmity and hatred between you by means of intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and the prayer. So will you be of those who abstain?” (Al-Qur’an 5:91) [ii] When we do not abstain from haram consumables, we allow ourselves to be influenced by the Shaytan which creates harm within our societies. [iii] The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said: “A person who consumes an intoxicant, their worship is not accepted for 40 days” (Jami ‘at-Tirmidhi) Here, the term ‘Acceptance’ refers to reward. Thus, the Muslim in this case has fulfilled his duty of prayer, but he is not granted any reward for it. A severe recompense indeed. Consuming haram, however, is not exclusive to eating or drinking, rather it encompasses any type of benefit that one can derive from a prohibited source. For instance, using wealth that was acquired unlawfully whether it be through stealing, force, usurious gain ( riba ), taxes on trade or the wealth of orphans are all matters that are considered as haram consumption. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Do you know who the bankrupt is?” They said: “O Messenger of Allah! The bankrupt among us is the one who has no Dirham nor property.” The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: “The bankrupt in my Ummah is the one who comes with Salat and fasting and Zakat on the Day of Judgement, but he comes having abused this one, falsely accusing that one, WRONGFULLY CONSUMING THE WEALTH of this one, spilling the blood of that one, and beating this one. So, he is seated, and this one is requited from his rewards. If his rewards are exhausted before the sins that he committed are requited, then some of their sins will be taken and cast upon him, then he will be cast into the Fire.” – (Jami ‘at-Tirmidhi) Unlawful gains are harmful both in this life and the next, as our prophet ﷺ said: “There is no flesh raised that sprouts from the unlawful except that Hellfire is more appropriate for it.” – (Jami ‘at-Tirmidhi) From a worldly perspective, the act is devoid of blessing (barakah), and from the spiritual perspective, it hinders the acceptance of other acts of worship. Throughout our lives, we encounter matters of halal and haram on almost a daily basis. When these moments arise, we should strive to partake in only that which we have certainty of its permissibility. We should leave that which we know is wrong, and that which we have doubt in, we should refrain from until such a time that we are able to ascertain its religious judgement. We ask Allah to accept and bless this small effort in benefiting the nation of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. May Allah keep us steadfast and protect us from all that is Haram, and Allah ﷻ knows best. [i] The Qur’an and the Sunnah are Arabic sources, the English reference are merely an illustration of the meaning. http://www.alim.org/library/quran/ayah/compare/2/168 [ii] The Qur’an and the Sunnah are Arabic sources, the English reference are merely an illustration of the meaning. http://www.alim.org/library/quran/ayah/compare/5/91 [iii] “O mankind! Eat of what is lawful and good on the earth and do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” – (Al-Quran 2:168)

Best Practices for a Halal Conscious Muslim Consumer in a Non-Muslim Society

Blogs Best Practices for a Halal Conscious A Halal-Conscious Muslim Guide | Halal Diet Tips During my undergraduate years, I worked across from a coffee house, and although I could have easily brought my own bagel along, I still craved one of their bagels.    The coffee house had a variety of freshly baked goods, much more than my neighborhood grocer’s selection. One day, during my lunch break, I walked to the coffee house for my regular coffee, but before I ordered, I asked the barista if he would be so kind as to change his gloves and surface paper before handling my bagel. And if it was too much effort and an inconvenience on his behalf, I told myself I would settle for a delicious smoothie.    To my surprise, he smiled and admitted that it was a request that he gets often. He proceeded to change his gloves, the paper and started to process my order.   Ever since that day, whenever he sees me, he would remember my request and start putting on a new pair of gloves. And if I went to the coffee house and he wasn’t there, I would ask whoever was there to do the same.   I’ve learned that once we (as consumers) get over the idea that making specific requests will be interpreted as ‘rude,’ we will come to realize that restaurants (whether they are Halal or not) simply aim to please and accommodate its customers (within reason) despite the inconveniences that may arise.   In a predominantly non-Muslim society, it’s imperative for Muslims to be halal conscious consumers. Imagine for a moment that you were told that some restaurants pour urine in the oil, on the griddle, and the preparation table! Undoubtedly, you would not think twice about asking the owners at your next eat-out. We would all be very careful about eating in a place that handles their foods in such a disgusting way.   Well, it turns out that the reality for Muslim consumers is not much different. When non-halal chicken is fried in the same fryer as our fish, it contaminates the fish and the oil. Non-halal meats are najis (Filth), just like urine, excrement, and vomit are. If a halal beef patty is cooked on the same griddle as a non-halal patty, it cross-contaminates your pure Halal beef. When food is prepared on the same tables as other non-halal foods are, the Halal food is spoiled, and it becomes haram to consume.   The Prophet, Peace & Blessings Be Upon Him said: “A time will come upon the people wherein a man will not bother what he intakes; whether from a halal source or haram.”  (Bukhari 2059)   Sure, it may be intimidating to ask, but hopefully, when one considers the consequences of not asking, it should become second nature in less than no time.   Below are some of the questions that you can ask to ensure that you are eating proper Halal foods:   Are you halal certified? (As opposed to just a claim that you sell halal products) Do you farm your own animals, or do you receive Halal meat from a third-party vendor? If your meat is obtained through a third-party, what methods have you taken to ensure that the meat you are selling as Halal is indeed Halal? Have you ensured that the animals are in good health at the time of slaughtering? Are the animals slaughtered according to the clear instructions of the Qur’an with complete avoidance of stunning the animal? Is the person performing the slaughtering a Muslim or from the  ahlul Kitab (people of the Book)? Is non-Halal meat also sold and prepared in the facility, and how are they kept separated in order to avoid cross-contamination? What other products are sold in the store that may contain animal by-products? Is the food prepared in the same grill or pan as non-halal meat or alcohol? (If so, can my meal be prepared in a separate cleaned pan?)   Please keep in mind that the owner of the establishment may not be able to answer the questions listed above, as they may entirely have trust in their supplier and or certifier. In this case, an adequate response would be to reach out to their specific certifier with these questions prior to the consumption of the products distributed or served at that establishment. Enjoy eating responsibly, without the need to change who you are, your values, or your beliefs. Don’t change yourself; change the system!