Let us leave a legacy

(Note: This is a repost)

Other than the basic needs food, clothing and shelter for human existence the identity is a vital need for human existence in the sociological perspective. From all over the world we hear a lot about conflicting issues related to ethnic differences which is a form of identity. It has never left any race or religion without harming. The differences can arise internally or externally.

Our forefathers left us many things to prosper and preserve our cultural and religious identity. For example Islamic marriage law, separate schools for Muslims and freedom to practice the religion and rituals. They did what they can during their time from which we are benefiting immensely. This is the era of information and communication technology. Creation of reliable information sources has become a challenge to the Sri Lankan Muslims. In the media and mass communication arena there are few palpable efforts which have already started shining in the gloomy skies. But it shouldn't make us complacent to limit our growth. We need more and more web based reliable sources of information. Which is very useful in raising the awareness among us. The world is racing to shrink the time and if we fail to adapt the permissible right methods to compete we will loose compatibility. That means we will destroy our own identity due to our sluggish approach.

I intend to say the speed of dissemination of the correct news to the correct people at the correct time. My concern is our young generation which is very fast and has no time to halt and think. Reticent attitude guised as piety among the learned people including the scholars, intellectuals and professionals is taking the community towards the brim of halal. Everyone is a stakeholder in the community and responsibilities should not entangle only the aforesaid three learned groups. Some of us already have fallen inside haram unknowingly. I do not attempt to find fault but shall not we start it today.

Technology is there, quite a number of skilled force is there.  Funding could be and can not be a barrier (many of the web based services are comparively affordable).

Why not we leave a legacy to our successors.

Timely article by All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

This article appeared in Lankadeepa Sinhala daily on 19.12.2012.

Very timely and appropriate contribution by the ACJU.

Please download the pic and read.

Heading reads as ''Permissible halal and prohibited haram''.

A HIDDEN TRAP - Credit Card Reward Points

The Muslims under unavoidable circumstances have to deal with the banks which are having Riba (interest) factor in their commercial dealings. In certain situations of the modern day transactions and for business purposes we are compelled to use the credit cards. When using credit cards certainly we have to be concerned not to default in paying back the credit amount.  

The point under the above heading is not the interest but the reward points which the credit card companies or the banks pay to the credit card users. Normally the commercial banks reward their clients when the clients do a purchase using that particular banks' credit cards. For instance in Sri Lanka 'one' reward point is earned for each purchase equal to LKR 100. Three reward points are equal to LKR 1. If someone earns 1500 points then he earns the amount of LKR 500 from the bank accounted to his credit card. The important thing to note is to keep an eye on the reward points.

In certain banks the customer has the control on his earned reward points. That is he can spend the reward points whenever he wishes. But in certain banks the reward points get redeemed automatically. This means riba gets mixed in your monetary dealings. Therefore it is necessary to keep an eye on your credit card statements to track your reward points which is a clear Reba factor in Riba involved banks.

Get the advice from the Islamic scholars on what to do with the interest money. Keep in mind that, credit cards increase your purchasing power. With credit cards you spend before you earn.

Take care and please watch your reward points when you use your credit cards.

Halal certifying institutions around the world

Thanks to Mr. Riyazi Farook.

Some of the institutions

1)      The World Halal Council (WHC)

2)      Halal Products Research Institute - Malaysia

3)      International Institute for Halal Research and Training - Malaysia

4)      Islamic Food Research Center Asia (IFRC Asia)

5)      Halal Industry Development Corporation

6)      American Zabiha Authority

7)      Federation of Musli Association in Brazil

8)      GIMDES Turkey-Halal Product Research Institute

9)      Halal Agency Serbia

10)   Halal Authority Kyrgyzstan

11)   Halal Certification Authority Australia (HCAA)

12)   Halal Control e.K

13)   Halal Food Council SEA( HFC SEA)

14)   High Council Of Islamic Economic In Europe, Brussiel (MAB Group)

15)   Islamic Center Aachen

16)   Islamic Council Of South Africa

17)   Islamic Da’wah Council of The Philippines (IDCP)

18)   Islamic Food Research Center Asia (IFRC Asia)

19)   Islamic Services of America

20)   Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA)

21)   Korean Muslim Association

22)   Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM)

23)   National Independent Halal Trust (NIHT)

24)   New Zealand Islamic Meat Management (NZIMM) / New Zealand Islamic Processed Foods Management (NZIPF)

25)   Perth Mosque/Halal Meat Board of W.A.

26)   Shangdong Islamic Association (SIA)

27)   South Africa National Halaal Authority (SANHA)

28)   Taipei Grand Mosque (TGM)

29)   The Centrel Islamic Committee of Thailand (CICOT)

30)   All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama - Halaal Division (ACJU)

Edibles in Saudi markets - how halal are they!

Recently my neighbour who's employed in Saudi Arabia visited me. Something in the sweet bag which he brought attracted my attention. I deliberately searched for the ingredients and the manufacturer. Not to my surprise there was a Chinese marshmallow pack with beef gelatin mentioned on it as I expected. The pack had everything in English and it was not certified as halal anywhere. Without verifying how can you trust the products from China where they eat almost everything except the humans.

This is only an instance. We have the habit of eating anything from KSA with our eyes closed thinking it's halal. Another common product consumed in Saudi is the chicken. Many of the American multi national fast food outlets in KSA serve chicken. To my knowledge chicken is imported into Saudi from Brazil as well. We are told the below answers when inquired in some food outlets:

• Certifying halal is the work of the government and why should we bother.
• This company is opened with the partnership of such and such princes.
• A person is sent to monitor the slaughtering process of the countries from which Saudi imports.

Has anybody verified this with any of the Saudi authorities. Saudi super markets and shops are flooded with thousands of sweets and edibles imported from other countries. Have you ever thought of the ingredients in them. I don't know about other middle east countries and it would be advisable to take care there as well.

Next time please think before you eat.

It's X-mas time

Rich Cake for X-mas

Brothers & sisters who are working or living in a multi cultured environment get the chance of tasting this nice aromatic cake. Do you know that, it contains alcohol.

This cake is served during the festive seasons and celebrations. Those who are working or living in a culturally mixed environment very often have the chance of eating this cake due to unawareness. Mostly brandy or sherry is added while preparing this cake. Sometimes you get the Rich cake served in some non Muslim weddings finely wrapped.

Some of us even prepare it at home without adding any alcohol. But unknowingly we allow the dates to ferment for 2 or 3 days. During date fermentation alcohol is produced. So, limit the time of soaking the dates in different substances to avoid the alcohol being produced.

Some may argue that during the baking process the alcohol gets evaporated. Remember to make the Rich cake a considerable amount of alcohol is added and nobody assures that the cake contains 0% alcohol. Take the time to explain to your colleagues or neighbours who serve the Rich cake to you. Be gentle in your gesture when you refuse the Rich cake. Also don't confuse it with the date cake.

So, take care next time when you are served with Rich cake. 

Food Safety Commission

For those who are from Colombo has the chance to take care of their food. This commission monitors only within the Colombo Municipality limits. If you observe any hygine problems or quality issues related to food items in any of the eating houses, restaurants, food outlets, supermarkets or in any shops you can complain to the below.

Chief Food Inspector                        
Food Safety Commision

Colombo Municipal Council

Colombo.

Tel: 011 2676161

The complaints with witness or proof will be considered to take legal action.