Prioritise Halal Food and Avoid Doubtful Sources, Muslims Urged
Muhammad Yusry Affandy Md. Isa al-Hafiz has urged Muslims to prioritise halal food and avoid doubtful or questionable sources when choosing what to eat, stressing that halal awareness is not merely a lifestyle matter but an essential religious obligation closely tied to faith and spiritual well-being.
The senior lecturer from the Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia said some businesses today are increasingly using labels such as “Muslim friendly” to attract Muslim consumers, but such branding alone should not be the basis for determining whether food truly complies with Islamic requirements.
According to him, while Islam permits the use of good names and branding approaches, the real issue lies in whether the food preparation process, ingredients and overall handling genuinely meet halal standards prescribed by Islamic law.
He explained that official halal certification recognised by authorities serves as an important safeguard for Muslim consumers in ensuring that products and premises comply with proper halal requirements.
“Muslims must prioritise clear halal verification instead of being easily attracted to branding or slogans alone,” he said.
Muhammad Yusry noted that the concept of halal extends far beyond the outward appearance of food. It also includes the sourcing of ingredients, methods of preparation, cleanliness of equipment and the trustworthiness of those involved in handling the food.
He emphasised that what enters a person’s body influences both spiritual and physical development, which is why Islam places great importance on consuming food that is halal and wholesome.
“It is not enough to simply see Muslim workers or Muslim owners and immediately assume the food is halal and free from doubtful elements. The completeness of halal integrity also depends on those preparing and managing the food,” he explained.
He warned that Muslims should not adopt a careless attitude by relying solely on external appearances without examining other important aspects related to halal compliance.
According to him, if food handlers are dishonest or negligent regarding prohibited ingredients, consumers who ignore the issue risk consuming food that may be haram or at least fall into the category of syubhah, or doubtful matters discouraged in Islam.
Muhammad Yusry added that confusion regarding the religious identity of food handlers is not limited to foreign countries or multicultural societies, but can also occur in certain premises within Malaysia itself.
He said some business operators prioritise hiring large numbers of low-cost workers rather than ensuring strict compliance with halal guidelines and ethical food management practices.
At the same time, he stressed that government monitoring remains crucial in addressing halal-related controversies and preventing irresponsible parties from exploiting consumer trust for commercial gain.
He observed that many people today focus more on dining convenience and popular food trends rather than investigating the actual halal status behind the food being sold.
However, he said halal and haram matters are extremely significant in a Muslim’s life because they affect not only health, but also worship, spiritual blessings and the acceptance of prayers.
In today’s context, he strongly encouraged Muslims to choose products and food premises that carry official halal certification issued by Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
According to him, seeking halal certification is an effort that aligns with the Islamic principle of taqwa while also protecting consumer interests and confidence.
“Consumers who are knowledgeable will naturally feel more confident about products and premises that possess official halal certification. Today, many food products already carry halal status, therefore prioritising halal should never be compromised,” he said.
He also cited Islamic teachings and prophetic traditions that clearly emphasise the importance of consuming halal and wholesome food while avoiding doubtful matters that may jeopardise one’s faith and integrity.
Muhammad Yusry concluded by reminding Muslims to remain cautious and responsible in their food choices, as taking halal matters lightly can negatively affect spiritual life, morality and overall blessings in daily living.
-wilayah.com.my
