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M uharram is one of the four sacred months
in Islām, which embodies various historical,
religious, spiritual, social, cultural, political,
and economic significances. Each year it
heralds the start of the Islāmic New Year,
according to the Lunar Calendar. During this
auspicious period of Muharram, we are
reminded rightfully about our religious
obligations, spiritual enrichments, and socio-
economic responsibilities. We must equally
capitalize on the opportunity, reflect deeply,
and take stock carefully of ourselves.
Muharram 1442 is unique to previous
Muharram contemplations because we are
afforded golden opportune times for in-
depth reflective stocktaking of our positions,
work, challenges, and the situation in life,
especially pre-and-post Covid-19. In
contemporary times, this way of having an
evaluative combination of our spiritual
connectivity with Almighty Allāh and our
worldly affairs yields a constructive Way
Forward and fruitful opportunities for us.
I have selected the following Qurānic verses
as Guidelines for our In-Depth Reflective
Stocktaking. May Almighty Allāh guide our
hearts and minds to accept, so that we
implement them ardently.
“Whatever you are given (on earth), is only (a
passing) comfort, enjoyment and provision of
this worldly life.”
“And that which is with Allāh (i.e. Paradise) is
better and more lasting for those who believe
and put their trust in their Lord.”
“And those who avoid and shun the greater
sins and indecencies, and whenever they are
angry, even then they forgive.”
“And those who (i) respond to their Lord [in
obedience to Him], and (ii) establish regular
prayer, and who (iii) conduct their affairs by
mutual consultation among themselves, and
(iv) who spend (in the Path of Allāh) out of
what We have bestowed (i.e. the rizq) upon
them. And those who, when great wrong
and oppression afflict them, help and defend
themselves.” (Ash-Shura: Q42: 36-39)
Shaykh Achmat Sedick
Director, MJC Halaal Trust
Since the news broke of a deadly virus that
originated in Wuhan, China in December
2019 and rapidly spread across the globe,
raging havoc and forcing entire nations to
change their social relations, reduce
global trade, suspend travel and
resultantly devastating economies, the
most vulnerable members of our
communities have fallen victim to this
deadly virus.
Amid the panic and fear of contracting
the virus, a paradigm shift towards
strengthening our immune system and
building a healthy body by consuming
healthy and pure food that contains the
least amount of pathogens (virus,
bacteria) has increased in popularity.
This raised consciousness for healthy
lifestyle has increased the demand for the
purest, cleanest, and healthiest foods – the
halāl certified foods. Halāl slaughter
regulations has strict requirements that
ensures that the meat is bled of impurities
herefore making it the purest and cleanest
meat.
Accordingly, an article in the Jakarta Post,
[May 11, 2020], reported that “Halāl food
rising in popularity amid COVID-19
pandemic as people’s awareness of
eating clean and hygienic food has been
heightened’’. The conditions at the wet
market in Wuhan was unhygienic in
comparison to standards and regulations
required for halāl food.
For Muslims and anyone who wishes to
consume halāl food, the general rule
would be that food should be certified
halāl and in addition to this that is must be
tayyib (pure and good).
The choice therefore would be to first
ensure that food is halāl and secondly to
ensure that the healthiest, natural option
of food with the preservatives, enzymes,
hormones, flavour enhancers, MSG’s are
selected. For example, some junk food
would qualify as halāl, but we must
consider whether it is tayyib (pure and
good)?
Does it nourish us, maintain good health
and wellness, and keep us fit and alert so
that we can have a good quality of life -
Of course not.
In contrast, the emphasis on organic and
natural foods is a step in the right direction
and one that is in line with Islamic
recommendations of consuming that
which is clean, good, and natural. With
fewer or no antibiotics, hormones,
preservatives, and other chemicals,
organic foods offer us a way to consume
our food in line with principles of halāl and
tayyib.
Therefore, let’s take the good out of our
current COVID-19 situation by make a
lifelong choice of consuming halāl
(permissible) and tayyib (pure and good)
food.
Let’s make this Muharram 1442, a time of
change towards that which is best,
towards obeying the guidance which
Allah has given us and by following the
sunnah of our Beloved Prophet
Muhammad, Peace and Blessings Be
Upon Him, who said: “No human ever filled
a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient
for any son of Adam are some morsels to
keep the back straight. But it must be, one
third for food, one third for his drink, and
one third for his breath.” (Ahmad, At-
Tirmidhi An-Nasaai Ibn Maiah).
Health Benefits of Halāl Lifestyle during Covid-19
In The Name of Allāh, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
Muslim Judicial Council
Halaal Trust “Your Halāl Symbol of Trust and Integrity”
Newsletter Muh arram 1442 / September 2020
D i r e c t o r ’s M e s s a g e
Newsletter Muharram 1442 / September 2020
D i r e c t o r ’s M e s s a g e
Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust (MJCHT)
20 Cashel Avenue, Athlone, 7764, Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 684 4600 Email: info@mjchalaaltrust.co.za Url: www.mjchalaaltrust.co.za Twitter: @HalalMjc
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