Fatwaa ID: 929

Question:
Assalamu alaikum,

When eating iftar at the masjid, do we need to verify where the food came from to make sure it’s hand slaughtered?

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

In principle, eating haraam or doubtful food is a severe offense, even more so in Ramadhaan. Eating haraam prevents the acceptance of one’s du’aas and ‘ibaadaat. It is not worth jeopardizing these for a few morsels of haraam or questionable food.

It is a fact that most Muslims, including those who are regarded as practicing or religious, are either ignorant in regards to the reality of the halaal market or they are careless of what they eat. There are many who ignorantly believe mechanically slaughtered meat to be halaal. In reality, it is haraam. There are others who simply eat and feed others anything besides pork and alcohol. Bearing in mind the above, it is extremely difficult or even impossible to trust most Muslims nowadays in such regards and assume that they eat halaal. Even if they are religious and perhaps trustworthy, their sources are probably not. Hence, it is necessary to verify and see the source.

In regards to iftaar in the masjids, it is these same people who are providing them and hence unverified. If the masjid is providing it, then it is these same unqualified and unfit individuals who are on the board. Accordingly, it is necessary to verify where the iftaars in the masjids are coming from. One should not simply assume that since it is from the masjid it is halaal. Likewise, just because the imaam is reputable or reliable, do not assume the food of the masjids are halaal. The imaams generally do not have a say in this.

We have meticulously observed various masjids and have seen the constant negligence and carelessness. Do not jeopardize your hard efforts and du’aas in this blessed month. If you are unable to verify, eat at home or elsewhere. You are better off eating something simple at home than eating elaborate meals that are haraam or doubtful.

The above is applicable to iftaar dawats/invitations as well. Excuse yourself. It is not worth pleasing others while displeasing Allaah Ta’aala.

Encourage and educate your masjids, families and friends about the importance of eating halaal. Encourage them to eat and get food from places certified by reliable certification boards such as HFSAA and HMS. Encourage your local restaurants and stores to get certified.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

09/02/1444 AH – 03/24/2023 CE | AML1-7426

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

https://www.hmsusa.org/know-your-halal.html

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