Cool article on a Muslim's view on halal/haram food.

ShivaChrist · November 7th, 2005, 12:58 AM

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/127/story_12783_1.html

Twinkie Trouble

For Muslims, a little four-letter word on treats' ingredient lists can make or break snack time.
I am truly blessed to be an American Muslim. I can confidently say that nowhere else in the world can Muslims practice their faith in relative freedom and safety. But being a Muslim in America has its challenges. I'm not talking about being harassed or profiled because of my faith, or seeing my faith be viciously maligned in the press, or having to undergo more intense scrutiny solely because of my faith. No, I am talking about the challenge of making sure I do not eat pork.

The Qur'an prohibits Muslims from eating pork, which includes lard and other pork-derived products. This posed a major challenge for me when I was growing up. Many of the most appealing childhood snacks contained lard: McDonald's cookies, Hostess apple pies, McDonald's hamburger buns, Oreo cookies, and--most devastatingly--Twinkies. Definitely a bummer. I can't remember a time when I didn't pick up a snack package and scour the ingredient list for lard. Whenever I saw that dreaded four-letter word, my heart sank in despair.

Sometimes, I would get away with eating tasty snacks that had this on their ingredient list: "...and/or lard." That little phrase, "and/or," was my saving grace. In Islam, the presence of pork in a food item must be confirmed for it to be prohibited. "And/or" introduced enough uncertainty to allow me to eat said snack. True, I was harassed by family members who asked, "If you had a food item that had 'and/or poison,' would you eat it?" Well, no, but that didn't matter to me.

Thanks be to God Almighty, more and more manufacturers dropped lard from their ingredient stocks. I was thrilled. I could eat Oreos, McDonald's cookies, McDonald's hamburgers, and Hostess apple pies. In fact, Hostess replaced the lard in their Twinkies with...beef fat! Life was good again.

The challenges, however, didn't end there. I participated in quite a few extracurricular activities in high school, and many times we would have pizza parties. Frequently, my colleagues would order only pepperoni or sausage pizza, assuming that everyone likes (and can eat) those toppings. Alas, I could not partake. Sometimes, we'd have pizzas that looked like they were vegetarian or cheese. But after one bite, I would be surprised (to say the least) to find out that it was a pepperoni pizza in disguise. Many times I clandestinely spat out pieces of pizza that turned out to be "wolves in sheep's clothing."

During medical school, there would be evening meetings where pizza would be served for dinner, and thus I would starve myself all day in order to enjoy the pizza. In fact, all I could think about on those days was pizza, as I listened to lectures about biochemistry. Disastrously, however, meeting organizers would order only one vegetable pizza, one cheese pizza, and many pepperoni, sausage, and other pork pizzas. Being health conscious, most people would eat slices of the vegetable pizza, leaving me pathetic scraps. And peeling the pepperoni off the pizza does not count: the grease remains.

I am not as strict about eating meat as some of my Muslim brothers or sisters. There are a good number of Muslims who will not eat any beef or chicken if it is not "halal"--slaughtered in the Islamic manner. I do, however, ascribe to the opinion allowing Muslims to eat meat slaughtered by Jews or Christians. This opinion is based upon this verse in the Qur'an: "This day (all) things good and pure are made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them..." (5:5). This can be a very contentious issue among Muslims, but I prefer the "easy" way out and I eat chicken or beef slaughtered here in the United States without any qualms. In addition, I do not look down upon any Muslim who chooses to eat only halal meat. To each his own.

It's not easy being a non-pork eater in a pork-eating world, but it could be a lot worse. So what if I have to pause and ask the waiter if a certain entree at a restaurant has pork in it; so what if I have to take a few extra minutes and read the ingredient list on a package of marshmallows? If I am ever in a restaurant where there is only pork, I can always eat the vegetarian or the Kosher plate. And there's always seafood, which is completely permitted by Islamic law. Unfortunately, I hate seafood.

In the end, it's part and parcel of the submission that Islam calls for. And to me, that's worth a whole lot of missed Twinkies.

**ORaNGe dAsY** · November 7th, 2005, 01:04 AM

Well, there's also gelatin we have to look for and heck, I still can't believe that some Muslims will still eat meat or chicken from restaurants or fast food places, if they're gonna look for lard or gelatin, might as well not eat outside meat while they're at it

But I do concur that it was hard growing up, everyyyything had lard or gelatin or animal fat (derno which animal it's from, can't eat it).....it's toned down somewhat now, but still can't really trust em. Argh, someone give me a halal skittle or something

ShivaChrist · November 7th, 2005, 01:54 AM

mmm... I'm not Muslim but I'll fight ya for that Skittle damn it :P

Rcade · November 7th, 2005, 02:05 AM

i think it is in the quran that muslims can eat the meat prepared by the people of the book (christians, jews) if they are in a foreign land (or non-muslim land) ....things to abstain from would be pork and alcohol...

Enammmmm · November 7th, 2005, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rcade

i think it is in the quran that muslims can eat the meat prepared by the people of the book (christians, jews) if they are in a foreign land (or non-muslim land) ....things to abstain from would be pork and alcohol...

bullshit.

and to Shiva... another unnecessary story from a retard who calls himself muslim yet who is enjoying not following Islam and its Laws.

KingOfHeartzNY · November 7th, 2005, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rcade

i think it is in the quran that muslims can eat the meat prepared by the people of the book (christians, jews) if they are in a foreign land (or non-muslim land) ....things to abstain from would be pork and alcohol...

yeh thats only when u have no other choice

haqiqi · November 7th, 2005, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ORaNGe dAsY

Well, there's also gelatin we have to look for and heck, I still can't believe that some Muslims will still eat meat or chicken from restaurants or fast food places, if they're gonna look for lard or gelatin, might as well not eat outside meat while they're at it

But I do concur that it was hard growing up, everyyyything had lard or gelatin or animal fat (derno which animal it's from, can't eat it).....it's toned down somewhat now, but still can't really trust em. Argh, someone give me a halal skittle or something

hey thats not true

gelatin is in gummy bears to

i eat candies. this is the first time im hearing about this "lard" thing

damn i never knew this.

but yea i heat mcdonalds n stuff but i dont eat pork

actually its more like i dont like pork so i willingly dont eat it

and yea i mean pork is the only meat not allowed there are so much other thingz to choose from. i never had problem of any kind with pork.

if someone would order peperoni pizza all u do is take a little bit of cheese layering off the pizza after u take out the peperoni

the only thing i ever had problem with is mcdonalds breakfast menu which is like 90 percent pork but i am not a breakfast person so i dont even wake up for breakfast

ShivaChrist · November 7th, 2005, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enammmmm

bullshit.

and to Shiva... another unnecessary story from a retard who calls himself muslim yet who is enjoying not following Islam and its Laws.

And this is why there are so many problems with Islam, today. This guy who wrote the article I have no problem with, and he sounds like a nice guy and a Muslim. And you label him a retard because he tries hard to follow the halal/haram rules but cant' help liking some things he's not supposed to have?

**HeRsHeE317** · November 7th, 2005, 02:15 AM

i cant eat starbursts

**HeRsHeE317** · November 7th, 2005, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enammmmm

bullshit.

actually hes right

haqiqi · November 7th, 2005, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeRsHeE317

i cant eat starbursts

starbucks??

why

fer real this is the first time im hearing this stuff

i thought u only have to be watchfull when eating meat whether its halal or haraam

and i didnt know they used pork in stuff liek candy or starbucks or watever, thats soo wierd

and by the way 7 eleven hot dogs are all beef cuz some people have the misconception that there is pork in it.

my friend worked at 7 eleven and he told me its all beef

**The Anti Desi** · November 7th, 2005, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeRsHeE317

actually hes right

Wait....whats he arguin about????

**HeRsHeE317** · November 7th, 2005, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haqiqi

starbucks??

why

fer real this is the first time im hearing this stuff

i thought u only have to be watchfull when eating meat whether its halal or haraam

and i didnt know they used pork in stuff liek candy or starbucks or watever, thats soo wierd

and by the way 7 eleven hot dogs are all beef cuz some people have the misconception that there is pork in it.

my friend worked at 7 eleven and he told me its all beef

STARBURSTS...the candy

**HeRsHeE317** · November 7th, 2005, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Anti Desi

Wait....whats he arguin about????

if hes in a non muslim country and halal meat isnt available u can eat non halal meat as long as it dosent contain pork/alcohol

**The Anti Desi** · November 7th, 2005, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeRsHeE317

if hes in a non muslim country and halal meat isnt available u can eat non halal meat as long as it dosent contain pork/alcohol

Right. Whats Enammm complainin about???

Rcade · November 7th, 2005, 02:21 AM

it's a difference of interpretation....many scholars share the view about it being permissable to eat meat(except pork)

haqiqi · November 7th, 2005, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeRsHeE317

STARBURSTS...the candy

o cool i dont like that candy anywayz

i eat gummy bears, twix, kit kat, all chocolates, i hope im safe

**HeRsHeE317** · November 7th, 2005, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Anti Desi

Right. Whats Enammm complainin about???

i have no fukkin clue!!!!

ShivaChrist · November 7th, 2005, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Anti Desi

Right. Whats Enammm complainin about???

That the guy in the article is a retard Muslim because he's not really practicing Islam like he should be.

**HeRsHeE317** · November 7th, 2005, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haqiqi

o cool i dont like that candy anywayz

i eat gummy bears, twix, kit kat, all chocolates, i hope im safe

most gummy bears got gelatin...better make sure

**HeRsHeE317** · November 7th, 2005, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShivaChrist

That the guy in the article is a retard Muslim because he's not really practicing Islam like he should be.

no not that, the part where he said BS to the other guy

ShivaChrist · November 7th, 2005, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeRsHeE317

most gummy bears got gelatin...better make sure

I love gummy bears... mmm I especially love gummy worms, I can eat a lot of those :P

**The Anti Desi** · November 7th, 2005, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShivaChrist

That the guy in the article is a retard Muslim because he's not really practicing Islam like he should be.

Enammm complains the guy is not followin Islam???? For a guy who talks about searchin for porn on the internet, I would really like to know what Islamic values he believes in.

Rcade · November 7th, 2005, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShivaChrist

That the guy in the article is a retard Muslim because he's not really practicing Islam like he should be.

enammm is a narrow minded person, who thinks he knows how muslims should be practicing, and anyone different is not a real muslim.....

**HeRsHeE317** · November 7th, 2005, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rcade

enammm is a narrow minded person, who thinks he knows how muslims should be practicing, and anyone different is not a real muslim.....

hey enam did u read that?

November 7th, 2005, 12:58 AM	#1
ShivaChrist Should I Consider Retiring??? Join Date: Mar 17 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 10,236 Reputation: 195982 --> Rep Power: 19660 Casino cash: $1241	Cool article on a Muslim's view on halal/haram food. http://www.beliefnet.com/story/127/story_12783_1.html Twinkie Trouble For Muslims, a little four-letter word on treats' ingredient lists can make or break snack time. I am truly blessed to be an American Muslim. I can confidently say that nowhere else in the world can Muslims practice their faith in relative freedom and safety. But being a Muslim in America has its challenges. I'm not talking about being harassed or profiled because of my faith, or seeing my faith be viciously maligned in the press, or having to undergo more intense scrutiny solely because of my faith. No, I am talking about the challenge of making sure I do not eat pork. The Qur'an prohibits Muslims from eating pork, which includes lard and other pork-derived products. This posed a major challenge for me when I was growing up. Many of the most appealing childhood snacks contained lard: McDonald's cookies, Hostess apple pies, McDonald's hamburger buns, Oreo cookies, and--most devastatingly--Twinkies. Definitely a bummer. I can't remember a time when I didn't pick up a snack package and scour the ingredient list for lard. Whenever I saw that dreaded four-letter word, my heart sank in despair. Sometimes, I would get away with eating tasty snacks that had this on their ingredient list: "...and/or lard." That little phrase, "and/or," was my saving grace. In Islam, the presence of pork in a food item must be confirmed for it to be prohibited. "And/or" introduced enough uncertainty to allow me to eat said snack. True, I was harassed by family members who asked, "If you had a food item that had 'and/or poison,' would you eat it?" Well, no, but that didn't matter to me. Thanks be to God Almighty, more and more manufacturers dropped lard from their ingredient stocks. I was thrilled. I could eat Oreos, McDonald's cookies, McDonald's hamburgers, and Hostess apple pies. In fact, Hostess replaced the lard in their Twinkies with...beef fat! Life was good again. The challenges, however, didn't end there. I participated in quite a few extracurricular activities in high school, and many times we would have pizza parties. Frequently, my colleagues would order only pepperoni or sausage pizza, assuming that everyone likes (and can eat) those toppings. Alas, I could not partake. Sometimes, we'd have pizzas that looked like they were vegetarian or cheese. But after one bite, I would be surprised (to say the least) to find out that it was a pepperoni pizza in disguise. Many times I clandestinely spat out pieces of pizza that turned out to be "wolves in sheep's clothing." During medical school, there would be evening meetings where pizza would be served for dinner, and thus I would starve myself all day in order to enjoy the pizza. In fact, all I could think about on those days was pizza, as I listened to lectures about biochemistry. Disastrously, however, meeting organizers would order only one vegetable pizza, one cheese pizza, and many pepperoni, sausage, and other pork pizzas. Being health conscious, most people would eat slices of the vegetable pizza, leaving me pathetic scraps. And peeling the pepperoni off the pizza does not count: the grease remains. I am not as strict about eating meat as some of my Muslim brothers or sisters. There are a good number of Muslims who will not eat any beef or chicken if it is not "halal"--slaughtered in the Islamic manner. I do, however, ascribe to the opinion allowing Muslims to eat meat slaughtered by Jews or Christians. This opinion is based upon this verse in the Qur'an: "This day (all) things good and pure are made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them..." (5:5). This can be a very contentious issue among Muslims, but I prefer the "easy" way out and I eat chicken or beef slaughtered here in the United States without any qualms. In addition, I do not look down upon any Muslim who chooses to eat only halal meat. To each his own. It's not easy being a non-pork eater in a pork-eating world, but it could be a lot worse. So what if I have to pause and ask the waiter if a certain entree at a restaurant has pork in it; so what if I have to take a few extra minutes and read the ingredient list on a package of marshmallows? If I am ever in a restaurant where there is only pork, I can always eat the vegetarian or the Kosher plate. And there's always seafood, which is completely permitted by Islamic law. Unfortunately, I hate seafood. In the end, it's part and parcel of the submission that Islam calls for. And to me, that's worth a whole lot of missed Twinkies.

November 7th, 2005, 01:04 AM	#2
ORaNGe dAsY couch waali Join Date: Dec 13 2004 Location: Shacawgoh Posts: 24,905 Reputation: 110370698 --> Rep Power: 11037187 Casino cash: $31643	Well, there's also gelatin we have to look for and heck, I still can't believe that some Muslims will still eat meat or chicken from restaurants or fast food places, if they're gonna look for lard or gelatin, might as well not eat outside meat while they're at it But I do concur that it was hard growing up, everyyyything had lard or gelatin or animal fat (derno which animal it's from, can't eat it).....it's toned down somewhat now, but still can't really trust em. Argh, someone give me a halal skittle or something __________________ Fantabulous.

November 7th, 2005, 02:15 AM	#9
HeRsHeE317 VIP Member Join Date: Mar 17 2004 Posts: 30,522 Reputation: 80585741 --> Rep Power: 0 Casino cash: $11652	i cant eat starbursts __________________

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November 7th, 2005, 01:54 AM	#3
ShivaChrist Should I Consider Retiring??? Join Date: Mar 17 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 10,236 Reputation: 195982 --> Rep Power: 19660 Casino cash: $1241	mmm... I'm not Muslim but I'll fight ya for that Skittle damn it :P

November 7th, 2005, 02:05 AM	#4
Rcade Should I Consider Retiring??? Tournaments Won: 4 Join Date: Oct 31 2005 Posts: 11,931 Reputation: 462234685 --> Rep Power: 46223531 Casino cash: $35012	i think it is in the quran that muslims can eat the meat prepared by the people of the book (christians, jews) if they are in a foreign land (or non-muslim land) ....things to abstain from would be pork and alcohol...

November 7th, 2005, 02:21 AM	#16
Rcade Should I Consider Retiring??? Tournaments Won: 4 Join Date: Oct 31 2005 Posts: 11,931 Reputation: 462234685 --> Rep Power: 46223531 Casino cash: $35012	it's a difference of interpretation....many scholars share the view about it being permissable to eat meat(except pork)

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