السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Wednesday 2nd February / 2 Rajab 1443H.
Let’s talk about ‘Eating Out’ today.
Without a shadow of doubt, one of the most common outings these days is ‘eating out’. Day by day, the number of food outlets is increasing. Not sure how true it is, but our beautiful town Blackburn was listed as the ‘Takeaway capital of the UK’.
Whilst there is no harm in going out to eat, it is very important that we adhere to the following 6 rules when eating out:
1- Ensure that the takeaway or restaurant is HMC certified. It is absolutely essential that the food we consume is genuinely Ḥalāl. HMC certification gives us a peace of mind that the full process has been overseen by a very reputable independent organisation.
2- If you are going to eat out as a family, request a private booth so that there is no intermingling. Even if you are going out as friends, request segregation. A lot of restaurants now offer this facility.
3 – If there is music being played, request the owner to either put Nasheeds on (without music) or turn the music off. Remember, you have gone out to eat, to enjoy the occasion with your family or friends; not to commit sins. Nearly every time I have made such a request, they have obliged. You are paying for your food, so you can request your wish.
4 – Eating out does not mean you can waste as much food as you like. Order only as necessary, and re-order if needs be. Restaurants will pack up leftovers to take home, so no excuse to leave any food behind, to be thrown away. This wastage will have to be accounted for in the Hereafter.
5 – Remember to dress modestly. Apologies, but sisters more than brothers. There is no need at all to parade yourself to each and every one in the restaurant. If after spending so much money on food, you return with a bill full of sins, what have you achieved? Probably better to have eaten at home?
6 – Please make sure you check the ingredients on the desserts. HMC certification does not include this check. All desserts must be suitable for vegetarians, and free from alcohol. This needs very special attention.
Finally, if you are a takeaway/restaurant owner, please take account of the points that apply to you and put them into practice. No point earning a lot of money and also earning the sins of so many people listening to music, feeding doubtful food, etc.
May The Almighty give us all the correct understanding and keep us away from sins, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala