As a Muslim, you aim to ensure that you only eat halal foods.
This is completely natural to you as it is how you’ve shopped for your entire life. However, your non-Muslim friends may not understand why staying halal is so important to you. They may wonder why you can’t just eat any meats, as they do.
That means you have a little bit of explaining to do. The key with all of this is that you take a calm and collected tone that’s focused on the facts of the matter. Here are the tips.
Tip #1 – Focus on The Slaughtering Method First
As sad as it is to say, the most that many non-Muslims know about halal is the slaughtering method. Worse yet, they have misconceptions about this method based on tabloid rumours and falsehoods.
There’s an idea that Halal slaughter is somehow less humane than other methods. But the fact is that the opposite is true.
Take that approach when explaining it. Talk about how Islamic law dictates that every animal that’s raised for slaughter must be treated to a certain high standard. You may even want to compare this to the battery farming methods that some meat producers use.
Talk about how the animal that’s due to be slaughtered is taken out of view of the other animals. Discuss how this lowers fear levels and keeps the animals more comfortable.
Finally, point out that slitting the throat is as quick and painless as a bolt or any other method. It’s also healthier for meat production as it ensures the carcass gets drained of all of its blood.
You may mention the prayer here, if you’re so inclined. But the key is that you counteract the idea that Halal is somehow less humane than other methods.
Tip #2 – Explain the Religious Implications for You
Once you’ve talked about the method, focus on the reasons why you don’t eat anything that’s not Halal.
Explain the concept of Haram and what it covers. Discuss why eating Halal is so important to you from a faith perspective.
The important thing here is to not push your belief onto anybody. You’re explaining why you eat Halal rather than trying to convince others to do it too.
Trying to push your viewpoint onto others could result in a backlash that makes someone less willing to listen to you. Explain your point of view while allowing the listener to reach their own conclusions.
You may also explain that Halal means to you in terms of morality. Discuss how the concept of Halal extends far beyond the food you eat and is actually a complex set of rules that tell you how to lead a good and moral life.
Again, keep the focus on you rather than trying to tell others that they should follow the same tenets.
The Final Word
It can be tough to explain why halal is so important when speaking to a non-Muslim. Just remember that they haven’t been raised in the same way as you and that differences between cultures and opinions are natural.
If you’re clear and understanding when explaining, you’ll find that your non-Muslim friends gain a newfound respect for the concept of Halal and will understand why it’s so important to you.
