Being Mindful of Halal: A Thought on Everyday Dining in a Multiracial Society
Recently, I decided to write about an everyday topic that you may or may not have encountered. I have a friend who recently converted to Islam. Living in Singapore—a multi-racial and multi-religious society—we are taught to respect and embrace people of all races and religions.
We were so used to dining with him regularly in the past that we sometimes forget his dietary requirements have changed. Now, whenever we plan a meet-up and want to have a meal together, he is always careful to check whether the food stall he wants to buy from is halal-certified.
This raised a question for me. We have other Muslim friends, whether from school or work, who seem less strict. When we go out with them, they often eat from stalls as long as the food does not contain haram ingredients—especially pork or alcohol. However, our newly converted friend avoids eating from any stall that is not halal-certified. If the stall doesn’t display the halal icon, he refrains from buying anything.
So naturally, we began to wonder: Is this the norm for Muslims, or is he being overly cautious?
What Is Halal?
Halal is an Arabic term that means "permissible" in Islam. When it comes to food, halal refers to items that are allowed for Muslims to consume, according to Islamic law (Shariah). For meat to be considered halal, it must come from an animal that has been slaughtered in a specific manner, with a prayer recited during the process. In addition to meat, other ingredients such as alcohol, gelatin from non-halal sources, or any food containing pork are considered haram (forbidden).
You may find more correct and updated information via Source: Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
In many countries like Singapore, the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) is the official body that certifies whether food establishments are halal-compliant. A halal-certified stall or restaurant will usually display a halal logo issued by MUIS.
Official Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) : Click here
Can Muslims Eat Food from Non-Halal-Certified Stalls?
I can't find any conclusive answer as of now. I guess the answer depends on the individual’s level of religious observance and personal comfort. Some Muslims are more lenient and choose to eat at stalls that are not officially halal-certified, as long as:
- The food contains no haram ingredients (e.g., pork, lard, alcohol).
- There is no cross-contamination (e.g., using shared utensils with non-halal food).
- The ingredients are sourced from permissible origins.
However, other Muslims—especially converts or those who follow stricter interpretations of Islamic dietary rules—prefer to eat only from halal-certified places. This ensures that the food meets all the required standards without any doubt.
So, in the case of our friend, i don't think he is overdoing it. He is simply trying to be as careful as possible to follow what he believes is the proper Islamic dietary guideline. While others may take a more relaxed approach, his decision reflects a more conservative or cautious practice, which is also common among Muslims.
Feel free to share your views especially if you are from our Muslim community so that we can all learn on this interesting topic. Cheers.
