Solution to Halal /Certificate & labels in Sri Lanka
Posted on February 28th, 2013

Shenali Waduge

The halal certificate and halal label issue on virtually all packaging of both locally consumerable and export related food items needs to conclude. Objections arose questioning why companies should advocate a new practice of certification method and labeling to suit a minority religion when such was non-existent for centuries.

Further, the only non-halal labels are those one or two companies who have yet to obtain the halal certification/label. If virtually all items on retail outlets and supermarket shelves have halal labels ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” does it not mean that none of these items are actually haram? So there is no need for halal certificate or labels unless it was intended to make a statement!

What Muslims especially the ACJU needs to understand is that there was no halal certification and no halal labels in the demand or supply of food and Muslims had no trouble in purchasing food items or eating at restaurants/hotels etc until of late. It is these same foods that are now being asked to be labeled and certified. Export-Import of food happened without halal certificates or halal labels too. 91% of the people cannot understand why the same food the Muslims purchased should now need to have a halal label purchased by all.

Leaving aside the fact that there is the legality of offering certificates by a non-profit organization, the intellectual property rights of companies who have to disclose their ingredients to a private company, the hidden cost upon the consumer however little plus various other factors have resulted in the present controversy based on the principle that while halal/haram existed halal certificates and halal labels are only a new religious entity being promoted at the commercial level and politically mooted in view of political systems reliant on minority votes.

There are suggestions now to have the Government of Sri Lanka issue the halal certificate. It is morally wrong for the Sri Lankan Government to champion a minority religion and issue certificates/labels through the State based on a relatively new religious practice of that minority religion which is less than 2million of a 20million population. Otherwise by virtue of Article 9 of the Constitution, the Buddhists can demand a proclamation against animal sacrifice as Buddha wanted both man and animal to be treated humanely. Thus the sensitivities of the Buddhists will always emerge.

Halal is a requirement related to the religious beliefs of only the Muslim populace that number 9% in Sri Lanka. Its holy books have given a list of foods that are halal (permitted) and those that are haram (prohibited) as well as provision for haram items to be taken upon emergency even food and blood (however the people who follow the Pentecost faith will not take anything forbidden even in an emergency ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” ex: medicine).

There was an interesting article by a Mr. Deen who gave instances of how halal practices can become haram and this certainly raises the practicality, credibility and actual value of simply purchasing a food item with a halal label.

Nevertheless, given the importance that segments are emphasizing on halal labels it is best that we follow an alternate to labeling all food with halal labels. The same formula can apply to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and all future Muslim demands as well:

  • The ACJU or any other body representing the Muslims of Sri Lanka can privately test all food items and separately conduct tests to see whether their contents include haram items which are forbidden for Muslim consumption. If there are no haram items there is no requirement to separately label them halal.
  • No company should be obliged to follow compliance based on a religious requirement by a non-profit private company and disclose intellectual property rights in terms of ingredients etc to be investigated/scrutinized investigated by them. Leading to generating religious-based employment which conflicts with peaceful co-existence.
  • The obvious haram items are known to all Muslims (ex: Port, bacon, fish without scales) But other haram items can be made into a list to be distributed to all Muslims ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” so they will know not to purchase a particular product under a particular brand name
  • Instead of the present practice of labeling all items as halal through a certification method applicable to both Muslim and Non-Muslims, the Muslim organization having privately concluded the tests on food products can inform the Muslim people through all media networks and Friday prayers the food items that are haram in print or otherwise. (the haram list will certainly be shorter than the halal list) ACJU will have to bear costs of lab tests and staff because it is relevant only to Islamic dietary requirement.
  • If supermarkets agree haram lists can even be made available and the Muslim populace can have the democratic choice if they wish to purchase the haram items or not (there are many Muslims who consume alcohol and cigarettes though these do not have halal or haram labels. According to Mr. Deen it is haram to not pay oneƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s credit card bill at the end of the month!)

This solves the labeling of all food packaging with halal labels and offers a good option that would satisfy all without controversy.

It has been conveniently forgotten that Sri Lanka was a nation that had zero animal sacrifice until the arrival of the Portuguese and thereafter it was the British that legalized cattle slaughter ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” and the number of non-meat eating Buddhists, inclusive of Hindus, Christians and even Muslims ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ still outnumbers those that consume meat ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” their sensitivities must also be considered.

 

All beings -human or beastƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬‚
Love life and hate to die.
They fear most the butcherƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s knife
Which slices and chops them piece-by-piece.
Instead of being cruel and mean,
Why not stop killing and cherish life?

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 

For declaring these wise words in modern context Buddha too will be declared a rabble rouser and extremist!

 

 

29 Responses to “Solution to Halal /Certificate & labels in Sri Lanka”

  1. Ancient Sinhalaya Says:

    There is a very simple solution to this problem. Ask these people how they managed to live in Sri Lanka for all these years without the halal certification. When 2% they all ate what we ate. No muslim died as a result. Now multiplied enough, they want halal food, mosque in every street corner, shariya, burka, etc. etc. This is where they took old Afganisthan, Pakisthan, Maldives, Iran, Egypt, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia. They want islamisation of Sri Lanka. So they are introducing these madnesses one by one. You should give up the idea of islmisation of Sri Lanka. We will not allow that to happen. Ever! Plain and simple. If you don’t like Sri Lanka, the uninvited guests can leave any time! Nobody will miss you. Nobody will shed a tear. Doors open. All the time!

  2. Lorenzo Says:

    Simple solution – NO HALAL!

    “All beings -human or beast—
    Love life and hate to die.
    They fear most the butcher’s knife
    Which slices and chops them piece-by-piece.
    Instead of being cruel and mean,
    Why not stop killing and cherish life?

    For declaring these wise words in modern context Buddha too will be declared a rabble rouser and extremist!”

    Very well said. Let them say anything. SL must do the right thing. NO HALAL. NO HARAM.

  3. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    allah hulallah mahallah halaallah – puwak badillaa. well so long we have these two parties who cherish and yearn for the ‘vote’ instead of principals and common sense, heladeepa will suffer and buddhism and sinhala will suffer. we need to first eliminate wahaabis as we did with tigers. then bring in legislation in parliament to nullify the halal certificate. then bring in legislation to ban the ‘gonibilla’ dress in public (let them wear them in a country of their choice) then bring in legislation to ban construction of new mosques in heladeepa.
    so long we have politicians like sb dissanayake, who should be expelled from sri lanka, so long our politicians dance to the music of muslims we will face a grave situation in this country – what is happening in heladeepa is an international conspiracy, its not confined within the country. i dreaded the americans for insulting and hurting muslims, now i understand too well why they did it and are doing it. they too are under threat. in fact the whole world is under threat of these wahaabis who should be eliminated from every country and let the sensible muslims live among the rest of the worlds’s people, practicing their religion as they have done for centuries. it is time all sinhala buddhists rise up and confront this demon.

  4. Vijendra Says:

    We live in the 21st century and food is labelled to indicate what it contains. As such, food should only be labelled as to what ingredients it contains and not based on religious beliefs of its preparation. Majority of Sri Lankans need to know only this information and they should not be burdened with religious fantasies of the extremist religious fanatics.

  5. Ratanapala Says:

    Sri Lanka is bound by its constitution as follows:

    Chapter II, Article 9: The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(1)(e).

    However Sri Lanka has no provisions in her constitution to do the same for other religions, who are well funded and well heeled. By undertaking to build mosques and issue Halal certificates, Sri Lankan government is neither protecting or fostering the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka.

    If the Muslims are so pious, then they should themselves undertake to see what they eat, drink or breathe is Halal or not. It is not the duty of an external agency to do so. The argument taken to the extreme there is no way that Muslims will be able to eat, drink or breathe halal as it is not possible to prevent 100% contamination less items for them to consume. This is hypocrisy at the highest. The hidden agenda is to say – WE ARE HERE. YOU TAKE NOTICE.

    When Col Gaddaffi came to attend the Non Aligned Conference held in Sri Lanka in 1976, he gave a Radio Interview, on which called upon the Muslims of Sri Lanka to

    a) Increase their population ratio in Sri Lanka
    b) to buy land and business premises along side major roads and
    c) I forget – perhaps somebody who remembers can fill in for me.

    It is easy to see what has happened with respect to the Muslim presence since then. Now it is not only land along side major road they even occupy entire residential areas bought with money they earn by being the middle man in retailing our own produce. Entire areas in Kalutara and now bought over and in some areas what is left is only an old temple which too will eventually end in their hands. This is one area I know, but others who are in the know can vouch for this truth. This is their agenda and as per the previous comments that their attempt is to create a Muslim state in Sri Lanka is entirely true. They are already encroaching on our land, businesses and our ability to exist as a peaceful nation. A recent case is their acquiring of Kuragala Caves. Our archaeological sites are under attack under made up histories. All what we see is how they attack us on the sly and when there is a knee jerk reaction from a not so well organised Buddhist group – how they cry foul and tell the whole world that the Sinhala Buddhists are bigots, extremists and racists.

    In the absence of State sponsored protection for the Buddha Sasana – the future of the Buddhist establishment is doomed for we have neither rich in terms of resources, nor friends due to sleeping Buddhist hierarchy, nor anywhere to go except walk to the Indian Ocean like lemmings! In this connection Ben Silva is right. Buddhists in Sri Lanka needs to be assertive to get their rights – not by knee jerk reactions, but by being more organised and proactive, now much more than they have been throughout history.

  6. Voice123 Says:

    Lorenzo, Shenali, animal lovers, patriots etc
    We must be careful not to lump ALL Muslims in the same category. Some are quietly opposing the fascistic expressions associated with their religion. Remember, some of these fascistic expressions (eg Wahabism) were encouraged by the British colonialists as a means of destabilising and controlling Muslim countries. The West still encourages Wahabism indirectly through their support of the oil regimes in the Middle East and if they see fit, the LTTE diaspora and their Western support group will encourage Wahabism in Sri Lanka for their own destabilisation and propoganda purposes. We have few “friends” in this regard. From what I gathered groups like Ahmadis and Sufis are trying to reform/reclaim Islam from within. This should be encouraged. Let us be a good example of Sri Lankan tolerance and not behave like some of those trashy individuals in the West that use religious and cultural difference as an excuse to racially harass others. By all means, let us put an end to animal cruelty and hidden agendas of Islamicists but let us fearlessly engage in respectful discussion without resorting to panic mongering or insults.

  7. Voice123 Says:

    Lorenzo et al, let us take some time out, meditate and without putting unnecessary labels on people and groups etc, mindfully analyse the situation and take firm action against cruelties in a wholesome and compassionate way to all the beings involved.

  8. Senevirath Says:

    PAANATHIPAATHA VERAMANI— NO SLAUGHTER– MAGHATHA ROYAL DECREE— ALL THESE ARE SINHALA BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES

    HALAL OR NOT FLESH IS FLESH. MOST OF US ARE SINNERS AND CRUEL PEOPLE . OTHERWISE WE WANT EAT OTHERS FLESH.
    THERE ARE CHRISTIANS HINDUS AND BUDDHISTS WHO ARE VEGITARIANS . ARE THERE MUSLIM VEGITARIANS?
    GREEDY PEOPLE CANNOT BE VEGITARIANS

    IS BUDDHA AN EXREAMIST WHO PRECHED NO SLAUGHTER

  9. Lorenzo Says:

    Voice,

    There are good Sinhalese.
    Thare are good Tamils.
    There are good Muslims.
    There are good Jews.
    There are bad Sinhalese.
    Thare are bad Tamils.
    There are bad Muslims.
    There are bad Jews.

    Our OPPOSITION to EVERY DAMN THING going halal DOES NOT affect good Muslims. It ONLY affects bad ones who want to IMPOSE their Arabic nonsese on us.

    So, don’t you worry about REALLY good ones. They are always with us. They understand SL IS A BUDDHIST country as much as they understand Saudi is a Muslim country. For 2,000 years they never imposed halal or haram on us. The bad ones will find SOME excuse to disagree.

    We should support Ahmadis and Sufis NOT to convert us or PEACEFULLY push their teachings but to reform their faith from within. UNFORTUNATELY they are fighting a losing battle against billions of dollars from Saudi. We have halted the spread of Shia faith by sanctioning Iran.

  10. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    to all muslims – if you want sharia law pl go to a country where there is sharia law – do not impose that on us – heladeepa is a buddhist sinhala country, period!!!!!
    if you want to wear the ‘gonibilla’ dress go to a country wear that’s accepted – leave heladeepa.
    if you want halaal go to a country which has that in place do not impose that on us as that is irrelevant.
    what is good for saudis no one contradicts and attempt to impose their culture on saudis – we respect their culture.
    so respect our culture – you may be born in heladeepa but this the only country we sinha+hela people have and we are protectors of orthodox buddhism, just like islam is protected in muslim countries – if you don’t like please leave – there will be many muslim countries who will accept you. it is better to take action now otherwise there will be a blood bath, especially in colombo if you go on antagonising the sinhala buddhists.
    of course the colombon pundits would gauge this as racism or religious extremism, well they are ‘conditioned’ by the catholic/christian westerners and through english education.
    if you too do not like heladeepa, which is going to be a true heladeepa in the coming years, please leave and live in usa or britain or any country which will accept you.

  11. Lorenzo Says:

    Unless these minority demands stop there will be MULTIPLE bloodbaths.

    1. World wide there is a Christian-Islam war. WHEN (not if) that comes to SL it will be chaos.
    2. World wide there is a Jewish-Islam war. WHEN (not if) that comes to SL it will be chaos.
    3. In the region there is a Hindu-Islam extremist war. WHEN (not if) that comes to SL it will be chaos.
    4. In the region there is a Christian-Hindu clashes. WHEN (not if) that comes to SL it will be chaos.

    Christians and Hindus are silent about the halal thing BECAUSE they think and pray the Bodu Bala Sena good work will succeed! Otherwise they will oppose the halal thing publicly.

    So it is actually NOT about Buddhism.

    In a way MANAGING these conflicts is the way forward as unfortunately they CANNOT be stopped. The end justifies the means!

    Sha Jehan and Islamics, Hindus, Sikhs were killing each other in the region. Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and Islamics were killing each other. British and Hindus were killing each other. Amidst these HUGE WARS, Buddhism survived. If they had NOT killed each other, they would have targeted Buddhists.

    Keep them engaged with each other!

    Israel survives because Shia and Sunni (and Kurdish) losers kill each other. The day they stop and think, it will be VERY dangerous for Israel. G~d willing that day should NEVER come.

  12. Bisthan Batcha Says:

    It is encouraging to note that Ms Waduge is making a sincere effort to offer a practical solution to the ‘Halaal Problem’. Here’s hoping that there will be a speedy conclusion to this issue with the emergence of a durable solution that will be acceptable to Buddhists and Muslims. To move this discussion forward, the outline of a more simple and straight-forward solution is given below.

    Firstly, the ACJU must be made to understand that they should stop the issuing of Halaal Certificates with immediate effect and not wait for the Government to take-over this System.

    Secondly, If the ACJU is sincerely concerned about making available Halaal Foods to the Muslims, they should then explore the possibility of introducing a process by which Muslim-owned Businesses will be admitted to a Register of Halaal-Compliant Companies maintained by the ACJU after monitoring and verification. There is no necessity to issue any halaal certificates or have halaal logos on packs.

    Thirdly, the ACJU should take the necessary steps to publicize the Members listed in the Register through all Mosques and other Muslim Civil Organizations (eg YMMA’s) on the first of every month. This will enable Muslims in any part of the Island to verify whether a specific brand is halaal or not.

    The ACJU should not concern itself with the need for Halaal Certification by Food Product Exporters to Muslim Markets overseas. Let the Government resolve that issue if it wishes to do so. Nor should the possibility that such Exporters will suffer a significant drop in their regular earnings and may have to lay-off staff be of any concern to the ACJU – even if any such Exporter is a Muslim-owned Business.

    The only question that should concern the ACJU is whether their continuing Certification System will lead to the death of innocent Muslims. It is already reported in various blogs that stones have been thrown at Mosques in Galle and Kegalle and a recent blog reports that 3 girls in Hijab in Matara were accosted by Sinhalese boys who demanded that they remove such head coverings.

    Meanwhile, the honorable members of the ACJU are meeting with various senior members of the Maha Sangha. What is the purpose of such meetings ? Do they really think that these Senior Buddhist Clergy will order the BBS and the JHU to halt all their anti-Muslim antics after their meeting with the ACJU ?

    Has it not sunk into the minds of the ACJU Theologians that that the primary cause of the anti-Muslim stance of the BBS and JHU is not the Halaal System per se, but the perceived belief that the Food Consumption Habits of over 90% of the Population are being determined by the Religious Leaders of a Minority Group ? This is very similar to the situation where Pork was banned in the Parliament Canteen to suit the demands of the Muslim Parliamentarians.

  13. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    to stop this halaal menace – all sri lankans who love sri lanka should boycott all products which have halaal certification. that will be death blow. one of my friends in brisbane stopped buying dilmah tea as it had this halaal crap on label.
    we all expats and locals must boycott all packages which has this halaal crap. well expect more you wahaabis! we will see to that you and your women comply with our sri lankan buddhist culture, just as we comply with saudi culture when we go there. there will be more and more attacks ending with a blood bath. these bastards are becoming too smart – we should not allow this, if the government doesn’;t do the people will do. we can extend this and boycott all muslim businesses until they come down on their knees! sensible muslims too will be targeted unfortunately.

  14. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    to all muslim women – cover your hair – you don’t need to cover face and dress in the ‘gonibilla’ dress – do you hope to cover your face up until 80 years! this is all bs. saw some gonibillas at mount beach having a sea bath in gonibilla dress!!!!

  15. Senevirath Says:

    WHAT ARE THESE GONIBILLAS ARE TRYING TO COVER UP FROM NON MUSLIMS. BUT WE KNOW THAT THEY ALWAYS GET BEATEN UP BY MEN AND THEY HAVE PLENTY OF SCARS TO HIDE. MUSLIM WOMEN ARE THE MOST UNFORTUNATE SLAVE WOMEN IN THE WORLD. THEY DONT EVEN OWN THEIR PRIVATE PARTS.

    WHY HINDUS AND CHRISTIANS AVOID THIS DISCUSSION.

    HABAN KUKULO BALAGENA INNAVADA UURO KEKUNA THALANAKAN?

  16. sawmeer Says:

    Stop The Hate Campaign Against Muslims

    By Harim Peiris –

    The above was the anguished and rather alarming cry that emanated a few weeks ago from Cabinet Minister and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem.

    That a minister, of justice at that and the leader of the preeminent Muslim political party had to make a plea for an end to ethno religious hate mongering in Sri Lanka was sobering enough.

    Coming as it does on the heels of a sustained and systematic low intensity civil assault on the Muslim community, that has included attacks on mosques and Muslim owned businesses is alarming.

    Sri Lanka is just emerging from nearly three decades of an ethnic based civil war and the signs are ominous that we seemed to have learned nothing from our past and are hell bent on starting a new conflict, this one an ethno religious conflict, with religion thrown into the toxic mix.

    1. The hate campaign

    The new campaign is spearheaded not overtly by political parties, but organizations led by religious leaders who seem to draw inspiration from the ruling alliance and seemingly have the complete backing on the ground of our politicized police force.

    It is led by an organization that certainly faces no opposition from the State, which subsequent to a high profile meeting with the nation’s head of state successfully pulled off a show of force in Maharagama, a week ago.

    Going according to reports, their meeting most closely resembled in rhetoric, atmosphere and attitude, the fascist rallies that swept parts of Europe before the start of the second world war, complete with attacks on ethno religious minorities for economic oppression of the majority, attacks on their family size (as if this is not a free choice available to all), their mode of dress and other social practices.

    Strangely reminiscent of exactly what the Nazi’s said of the Jews in the early part of the last century.

    Today, it falls on the Muslims, the other descendants of Abraham, to face similar accusations in Sri Lanka.

    2. The Hallal certification

    The ostensible irritant is presented as the Hallal certification that informs Muslim community consumers that products are compliant with their dietary laws.

    In much the same way as a Rabbi in Colombo actually issues Kosher certificates for products that are exported to Israel and before we explode with anger, let us remember that Israeli (read Jewish) Kafir jet squadron contributed significantly to our war victory.

    What is wrong with Hallal certification or informing a certain community that products are compliant with their dietary requirement?

    Such a basic and inoffensive facility, on commercial terms should be available in any civilized society, especially one like ours which values its antiquity and a proud historical record of tolerance and plurality.

    Hallal certification should be nothing more than stating that a product is fat free or lactose free for consumers who are calorie conscious or allergic to lactose.

    If there is a fair trade issue, that matter should firstly be reported to the Consumer Affairs Authority or the Fair Trading Commission and in the event of unsatisfactory redress referred for judicial adjudication.

    It is certainly not an issue for mob violence and street (in) justice.

    3. The Sri Lankan Muslims

    The Sri Lankan Muslim Community, a religious and linguistic minority has been an ancient community in Sri Lanka, now predominating in the Eastern Province and also scattered throughout the country.

    An integral part of Sri Lanka’s cultural mosaic, they have contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s national life.

    Led politically by secular and moderate leaders, during the ethnic war, they were hounded and brutalized by the Eelam Tigers, ethnically cleansed them from the North and murdered by the LTTE while at prayer in their mosques.

    Muslims have been an integral part of Sri Lanka’s war on terror against the LTTE, playing an active part in military intelligence and the long range reconnaissance patrols (LLRP)’s that operated deep behind LTTE lines, their native Tamil language capability an essential requirement for Sri Lanka’s counter intelligence and covert operations.

    More strategically though, Muslim nationalism, if one may call it that, has since the rise of Tamil militancy, generally sided with the Sri Lankan State and historically seen Tamil nationalism as a greater threat to its own rights and freedom, than Sinhala nationalism.

    It was a political judgment vindicated by the LTTE’s atrocities against the Muslim people.

    It is not in the interest of Sri Lanka’s that another minority, the Muslim community also become as alienated from the Sri Lankan State as the Tamil community has become.

    Prior to the recent spate of attacks on Muslim mosques and businesses in Sinhala areas, it was the LTTE in pursuit of an ethnically pure Tamil Eelam that persecuted and harassed the Muslim community in the North and East and indeed the Sinhalese in the South.

    It would now be a great pity if the current crop of Sinhala ethno religious goon squads, in their pursuit of a ethnically pure Sinhala Eelam in the South (as opposed to a multi ethnic, multi religious pluralistic Sri Lanka) was to destroy the peace and create the tragedy of a new ethno religious conflict, to replace the ethnic based civil war we ended three years ago.

  17. sawmeer Says:

    Halal Certification

    Halal is not only concern on meat foods, it emphasise that Muslims must ensure that all foods, particularly processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and non-food items like cosmetics, are also halal. Frequently, these products contain animal by-products or other ingredients that are not permissible for Muslims to eat or use on their bodies.

    Halal certification tells Muslims that their ingredients and production methods have been tested and declared permissible by a certification body (i.e., internationally or locally recognised halal certification bodies certifies the product as halal, preferably with a trademarked and unique symbol). It also allows companies to export products to most Middle Eastern countries and South East Asian Countries.

    Since the introduction of halal certification, many mainstream manufacturers, especially pharmaceuticals, prepared foods, and other products, as well as hotels, restaurants, airlines, hospitals, and other service providers have pursued the halal market. These companies purchase halal-certified products.

    International Perspective

    Halal Food Authority (HFA) is one of the UK’s largest regulators of halal foods. HFA is well established, both within the halal slaughter and wider food industry. Today, from Kelloggs cereals to KFC; from ASDA to British Airways, the HFA logo can be found on food products declaring them to be approved as halal.

    The oldest and most well-known halal certifier in the United States is called the ‘Islamic Services of America’. In 2011, ‘Halal Products Certification Institute’ was established in California and became the first worldwide corporation that certified halal consumer products such as cosmetics, personal care products and perfumes & fragrances. The institute was established by Islamic intellectual scholars and Muslim scientists to assure the dissemination of halal consumer products.

    Also in Europe, several organizations have been created over the past 20 years in order to certify halal products. A survey recently published by a French association of Muslim Consumers (ASIDCOM) shows that the market of halal products has been developed in a rapid way.

    In South Africa, most chicken products have a halal stamp. The South African National Halal Authority (SANHA) issues certificates and products bearing this logo range from water, snacks, and even meat-free products (which may contain non-halal ingredients). The South African National Halal Authority also licenses the usage of the Halal logo in restaurants where the food is halal in addition to no alcohol or pork products being served.

    McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) have been declared to be halal in most of the countries. In the United Kingdom, China, Malaysia or Singapore, halal fried chicken restaurants having thousands of outlets serve halal foods, such as the ChicKing Fried Chicken, Brown’s Chicken, and Crown Fried Chicken companies.

    Also, in New York City there are numerous halal food carts in business which serve gyros, chicken platters, and other halal fast foods, whereas in Europe, there are many of halal certified Doner kebab shops. Very recently, twelve stores in the Mary Brown’s chain in Ontario and Alberta became 100% halal.

    Thailand and Philippines also has a noticeable population of Muslims and halal meat shops country wide. Within the People’s Republic of China, which has a sizable Muslim minority population, halal food is known as ‘Qingzhen’ means ‘pure truth.’

    Charges justifiable?

    Almost all the halal certifying institutions around the world incorporated as non-profit organisations and they are categorised under service sector. Besides, Halal certification is a long and meticulous process that requires investment in expertise, equipment and manpower. Therefore, organizations certify halal products are compelled to charge a fee to meet their expenses. Like any other certification process, halal certification also has a management cost involved. For example, when a company obtains the quality standard, the system standard or the risk management standard certification, it is charged for various costs with regard to logistics, communication, human resources, professional services and consultation fees. In addition to that, halal certifying institutions has to bear the costs in relation to technological testing and research, human resource costs as they are obliged to maintain a dedicated team of food scientists, administrators, Halal auditors and a large team of supervisors based at certified plants.

    Conclusion

    From the above, it appears that the concept of halal has a global recognition and is wider in its scope. Specifically as far as Muslims are concern, the concept of halal is embedded with their day to day life and is considered as one of the significant aspects of practicing there religion.

    As Buddhists, we must know how to regard other religions and their practices as we belong to the religious group that accepts and appreciates the reasonable teachings of every religion. Buddhists can also tolerate the practices of other religious, cultural traditions and customs, although they may not necessarily wish to emulate them.

    In other words, Buddhists respect the other man’s views and appreciate other practices without harbouring any religious prejudices. If there are certain Buddhists who feel they are unable to appreciate the ways of other religious practices, then the least they could do is to maintain their silence and refrain from any undue criticism: this attitude is very important for peaceful co-existence. If we study the teachings of Buddhism, then we can understand the basis of our religion and our attitude towards the other religions. To practise a religion we must be honest, sincere, truthful and kind to others: we must avoid deceit and cruelty: and in our relation with others we must be broad-minded.

    According to the Buddha, if we adopt aggressive and violent methods to solve our problems, we cannot find the real solution to overcome them. No doubt, we can suppress some troubles and temporarily win the battle as long as our opponents remain weak. But when our opponents get the chance, they will not keep quiet and will not forgive us. Therefore, if we act with violence, we can never find lasting peace. This is why the Buddha once said: “Hatred is never ended by hatred, but only by loving-kindness.” Buddha also said: “It is not that I quarrel with the world but the world quarrels with me. A teacher of truth never quarrels with others.

    Accordingly, non-violence is at the heart of Buddhist thinking and behaviour. Nothing in Buddhist scripture gives any support to the use of violence as a way to resolve conflict. One of Buddha’s sermons puts this very clearly with a powerful example that stresses the need to love your opponent no matter how cruelly he treats you:

    “Even if thieves carve you limb from limb with a double-handed saw, if you make your mind hostile you are not following my teaching.”- Kamcupamasutta, Majjhima-Nikkaya I – 28-29

  18. Lorenzo Says:

    We all know who this Haram Peiris is!!

    Killing animals is AGAINST non-violence!! FIRST stop killing animals, then talk about halal.

    Halal is haram.

  19. Vijendra Says:

    Sawmeer, first of all hatred on muslims is caused by your community’s own demand to control the labeling of food and other stuff the majority Sri Lankans consume in the country!

    Second, please do not try to teach Buddhism to Buddhists as we all know the teachings by your Mohammed to kill anyone who is an infidel.

    Third, food needs to be labeled to indicate what ingredients it contains so that they could choose food for balancing the nutritional requirements, and not to indicate that such and such food is recommended by islam or any other religion to be consumed by a certain portion of the society. That leads to an inadvetant division of our Sri Lankan society, and should not be allowed.

    Sri Lanka belongs to all Sri Lankans, and fortunately, it is not a muslim country yet, though it is true the rapid rate of breeding like rabbits by the muslim community, because they have been allowed to have so many wives legally ( a big mistake of the past) would one day lead the country that way. This incidentally appears to be the supreme desire of the fanatic muslims in our community.

  20. Sunil Vijayapala Says:

    sawmeer you may be a wahaabi – please let us know how your mohammed advised your muslim brethren to kill infidels, did he instructed them to use the halaal method or some other method?

    just don’t be a hypocrite man!!!!! halaal is good for you muslim hypocrites and not for any other. we are here not to bring about a division of buddhists and sinhalese but to stop your aggression and multiplication so that we sinhalese won’t be washed down to the southern sea – that’s all. imagine attempting some buddhists values in saudi, will they tolerate it or downright kill it?
    say the first precept of buddhism – refrain from taking life (whether you kill with mercy or not, ultimately the animal will suffer – do you think that the animal when killed humanely it will not suffer the pain when a knife goes through it’s neck. take your bull shit halal somewhere else and don’t impose that in heladeepa – if you go too far you will end up as the tamil tiger terrorists sakks we buddhist tolerate up to a certain point but not to the extent of absurdity.
    request you gonibilla dressed women to cover their hair and that’s what is needed and your muslim hypocritical religion demand. while you muslims rape our women sent to serve as servants in saudi (the man in the house and the son having the extra wheel to practice sex) you talk of being religious and pious – what bull shit is that?

  21. Nanda Says:

    Well said Sunil.
    imagine attempting some buddhists values in saudi, will they tolerate kill all those people trying it using MomaMUd’s halaal method.
    Yonibilla MUST be banned Sunil. Bodu Bala Sena should given full support to advancement of Muslim rats above thier 1960 status. Nothing more nothing less.

  22. sawmeer Says:

    Dear Buddhist friends.

    So it mean do you like to eat food item which is contain pork, Alcohol and animal flesh. We Muslim don’t have any problem. Its your choice, You don’t need do this much hard work against Halal, This BALA SENAWA took Halal as a weapon to attack Muslim in Sri Lanka even they know Halal is not a problem but they need some issue get famous in the public. Just tell your all Buddhist business people to cancel their certificate its very easy way. Why you simple create hats and racism hang on Halal. Majority of the Buddhist business people want Halal certificate they already request Bazil Rajapaksha to not to cancel Halal certificate process because it will effect their business in local and international market. before two days Vendol Lanka chairman told to media without Halal certificate he lost one and half kore, even he reply to the Bodu bala sena lies regarding the Halal certificate charges.

  23. Ancient Sinhalaya Says:

    It is unbelievable these ‘isla meeyons’ hypocracy. They still have the nerve to say how good they have been and why all this fuss about. Exemplary? ha. When you are following a religion like yours, it is no surprise to us at all. All this time this menace ate what we ate. No complaints. No muslim died as a result. While Sinhalese sacrificing their lives to safeguard the terrritorial integrity of the land from the terrorists, meeyo quadrupled. Now with the increased numbers they got into the Government, have secured various ministerial, deputy ministerial etc. etc. and feel they live in Saudi Arabia. They breed like rabbits, put up eyesore mosques in every street corner to drive out Sinhalese/Tamils from the areas so that they can expand. The poor country has to give them free education, free medicine to these multiples. When they grow up they become Sinhalese haters and want the country for themselves. They have taken over every town of the country and buying up land everywhere to make sure Sinhalese will have no place to live in a few hundred years. It is unbelievable then some of them have the nerve to say how good they are, how respected they are world over. The reality is very very different. From the South Pole to the North Pole they are hated by people from all other faiths. Don’t take my word. Norwegian mass kille killed all those people because of the hatred he had for these ‘saints’. The Dutch are even contemplating not letting any of the ‘saints’ coming to the country anymore. Spain, France, Germany, UK, US, Australia, New Zeland, etc. etc. list is very very long. They all had had enough. But Sri Lanka, being a very very tolerant country they take advantage. While those goni billas’ countries won’t let a Buddha statue into the country, in Sri Lanka they wan’t halal, burka, shariya, Bank Holidays, etc. etc. because they prop up the Government. Where is the UnP (UnPatriotic Party we all wonder while these ‘saints’ ruining everything for the Sinhalese)? And then we have these ‘very credible’ senior minister, great statesman fowzie, very honourable hakeeem etc etc. to put pressure on the Government. We had had enough too. If you don’t like what you get here, don’t complain. Don’t try to impose your will on the rest of the people. Go to a country like formerly-Buddhist Pakisthan, Afganisthan, etc where there is 100% halal, 100% shariya, 100% goni billa etc. etc. Doors open all the time. Uninvited guests can leave any time. If you want to stay don’t multiply! Don’t put up eyesore mosques! Or practise a true, real religion like Buddhism. That maybe the future for the uninvited guests to live in this land. You are going further further away from the heaven, if there is one, by killing animals, preaching to kill fellow humans etc by sticking with this evil doctrine. They have done so much damage to race relations in the country. Ashroffs, bada uddeens, hakeems, fowzies, ulamas etc etc. meeyons have done irrepairable damage to the country, they have made the lives hell for all the people in the country.

  24. Marco Says:

    Buddhism will survive in the form that it was meant to be.

  25. Senevirath Says:

    U KILL INFIDELS AND SAY MERCY UPON…….. SH…..AME UPON…….. WE EAT ANIMAL FLESH BECAUSE WE ARE GREEDY . THERE IS NO WAY TO MAKE FLESH HOLY . IT IS “DIRT” THER ARE BILLIANS OF PURE VEGITARIANS IN THE WORLD- SOME ARE VEGANS—– THEY RESPECT ALL LIVING BEINGS.
    SAWMEER,
    U PRETEND TO BE A BUDDHIST WHO KNOWS “””SUTHRA.”BUT U TALK ABOUT KILLING.muslims are “thoppiya herena athata kathkarana “”honda suththara karayo”” OTHERWISE HOW CAN U KILL INFIDELS AND TALK ABOUT CLEAN GOOD HALAL MEAT
    DO U KNOW THAT THE WHOLE INTELIGENT WORLD LAUGH AT U. SOME OF YOU REMOVE WOMEN”S CLITOREIS . IS THERE A HALAL WAY TO DO THAT.
    THAT IS THE NASTIEST BARBERIC AND THE CRUELEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD . DONT SAY THAT U DONT DO THAT IN SRI LANKA .ONE UNIVERSITY MUSLIM GIRL STUDENT HAS TOLD ONE OF MY FREIND ABOUT REMOVING HER CLITORIES BY HER GRAND MOTHER. PEACE BE UPON BLOODY SHIT……

    THS IS WHY THE WHOLE WORLD HATE U ALL.

    LADIES DO U WANT THIS HAPPEN TO U. DO U LIKE TO SHARE ONE MAN. DO U LIKE TO BE A SLAVE TO A MAN. DO U LIKE TO COVER UP YOUR WHOLE BODY AND BE A gonibilla OR A “yoni billa”..

    DO U KNOW HOW BUDDHIST WOMEN ENJOY THE FREEDOM WHILE MUSLIM WOMEN ARE HARRASED BY MEN

    MUSLIMS ARE CREATED EDUCATED ,AND ADVISED BY( god made)BY ALLAH TO KILL AND DESTROY.

    THANKS SINIL U HAVE GIVEN THEM TOUGH

  26. Senevirath Says:

    U KILL INFIDELS AND SAY MERCY UPON…….. SH…..AME UPON…….. WE EAT ANIMAL FLESH BECAUSE WE ARE GREEDY . THERE IS NO WAY TO MAKE FLESH HOLY . IT IS “DIRT” THER ARE BILLIANS OF PURE VEGITARIANS IN THE WORLD- SOME ARE VEGANS—– THEY RESPECT ALL LIVING BEINGS.
    SAWMEER,
    U PRETEND TO BE A BUDDHIST WHO KNOWS “””SUTHRA.”BUT U TALK ABOUT KILLING.muslims are “thoppiya herena athata kathkarana “”honda suththara karayo”” OTHERWISE HOW CAN U KILL INFIDELS AND TALK ABOUT CLEAN GOOD HALAL MEAT
    DO U KNOW THAT THE WHOLE INTELIGENT WORLD LAUGH AT U. SOME OF YOU REMOVE WOMEN”S CLITOREIS . IS THERE A HALAL WAY TO DO THAT.
    THAT IS THE NASTIEST BARBERIC AND THE CRUELEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD . DONT SAY THAT U DONT DO THAT IN SRI LANKA .ONE UNIVERSITY MUSLIM GIRL STUDENT HAS TOLD ONE OF MY FREIND ABOUT REMOVING HER CLITORIES BY HER GRAND MOTHER. PEACE BE UPON BLOODY SHIT……

    THS IS WHY THE WHOLE WORLD HATE U ALL.

    LADIES DO U WANT THIS HAPPEN TO U. DO U LIKE TO SHARE ONE MAN. DO U LIKE TO BE A SLAVE TO A MAN. DO U LIKE TO COVER UP YOUR WHOLE BODY AND BE A gonibilla OR A “yoni billa”..

    DO U KNOW HOW BUDDHIST WOMEN ENJOY THE FREEDOM WHILE MUSLIM WOMEN ARE HARRASED BY MEN

    MUSLIMS ARE CREATED EDUCATED ,AND ADVISED BY( god made)BY ALLAH TO KILL AND DESTROY.

    THANKS SUNIL U HAVE GIVEN THEM TOUGH

  27. Lorenzo Says:

    Sewermeer,

    If ONLY exporters use halal certificate, no problem.

    NO halal for SL people. Can’t you respect our choice? If you don’t, we don’t respect your choice.

    Our choice is NOT to label food we have been eating all this time halal. Respect that and keep peace or follow VP.

  28. Lorenzo Says:

    “Mohammed is God’s apostle. Those who follow him are harsh to the unbelievers but merciful to one another”
    – Quran 48:29

    This is NOT the approach to peace. If those who follow him are harsh to the unbelievers, the unbelievers WILL BE harsh to them!!!

    This is the ROOT CAUSE of ALL riots and problems concerning Muslims around the world.

  29. Senevirath Says:

    SAWMEER ANSWER LORENZO ABOUT 48: 29 IF HE IS WRONG

    READ THIS AND TELL US WHAT U THINK
    FROM –THE PERFUMED GARDEN BY SHAYKH NEFZAVI…( sixteenth century)
    “””” do you knowthat women”s religion is in their vaginas? they are insatible as far as their valvas are concerned, and so long as their lust is satisfied they do not care whether it be a baffoon, a negro a valet or even a despised man. . it is satan who makes the juices flow form their vaginas.
    ——- ———–
    do u all like this satan made juice. is that the reason u marry so many women. ‘ u enjoy but u illtreat them ..
    shame

    do u think this way about your mothers ?

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