Today's Question: Halal
As reported recently by Mlive, the federal government is now required to help food pantries supply specialty foods to the less fortunate and homeless. Of special note was the requirement for food pantries and shelters to provide meals to Muslims prepared according to Halal standards.
According to Wikipedia, Halal foods are foods that Muslims are allowed to eat or drink under Islamic Shariʻah. The criteria specifies both what foods are allowed, and how the food must be prepared. The foods addressed are mostly types of meat and animal tissue.
According to the Complete Standards of Halal Advocates of America, essential standards are set for the slaughter of the animals. The slaughterer should verbally utter the Arabic benediction of “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar,” or minimally “Bismillah,” if necessary while performing the cut on each animal slaughtered.
Today many restaurants specialize in serving meals prepared according to Halal standards, while others give options. Some, such as McDonalds, have quit offering the option. A beginning list of Halal restaurants found in Michigan can be found online.
The question is twofold; do you think should our government be involved in providing specialty foods base on religion? Secondly, should Christians eat food prepared according to Halal standards?
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