E-Bulletin
South African National Halaal Authority
e-Bulletin
Rajab 1428 :: August 2007 No. 14 Visit Our Website | Contact Us
Editorial: The Sunday Times Food Show - Losing the Plot

No believer, even one with the weakest of Imaan, will standby idly and accept the denigration of the religious values that we cherish. And what can be any higher than respect, veneration and obedience to Almighty Allah Subhaana Wa Ta'ala and the most blessed of His creation, our Nabee Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).

The consumption of Halaal as made clear in the Noble Qu'raan is for all mankind. In its mission of certifying, monitoring and promoting Halaal products in accordance with the dictates of the Shar'iah, SANHA utilizes many diverse platforms and opportunities. These range from Masaajid/madrasah programmes, school fund raisers and community fairs to major trade expos and international exhibitions, each with its own visitor profile not necessarily confined to the Muslim community alone.

SANHA considered the Sunday Times Food Show as an important and convenient platform to reach out to the broader consumer community on the question of Halaal which you will agree has been the subject of many misconceptions and misunderstandings over the years. You may recall occasions when furores ensued with calls for the removal of goods from the market as it carried a Halaal symbol which was perceived to be anti-Christ. In some instances some people believed that a Halaal mark was confirmation of the completion of some kind of a mysterious ritual. SANHA has pursued this type of misinformation through various platforms and have achieved a fair amount of success, Alhamdulillah!

Over twelve thousand visitors including many Muslims saw us disseminating information on Halaal and Islam. Our Muslim cottage industry entrepreneurs for whom we arranged participation at no cost to promote their services, projected a positive Islamic image and received many enquires on the provision of Halaal food for Muslim staff at non-Muslim companies. A da'wah booklet that we distributed entitled "Islam and Muslims" published by the Jamiatul Ulama proved immensely popular. (Copies of this are available at our offices).

Our participation was with this trained focus and objective and has to be seen in this context. We state categorically and give you our assurances, that our endeavor was not an endorsement of the organiser's publication nor its views.

We, therefore, reject outright the crude and clumsy attempt by some immature bodies to heap accusations against SANHA through our exhibit of "Halaal and Islam" at the show.

SANHA as an Ulama-driven organization obtains direction in these matters from its Theological Committee of Ulama which is represented by the Jamiatul Ulama, Jamiat KZN, Jamiat W.Cape, Central Islamic Trust, Eastern Cape Ulama Council, Darul Waqaf & Northern Cape Halaal Board. The said matter was also tabled on the 23rd / 24th June 2007 to the broader SANHA Executive Board which also includes non-Ulama members from AMAL, Minara Chamber, DMTA etc. No objections were noted from any quarter. Two days later, one member raised their objection based on their call for boycott of the Sunday Times. Most of the Ulama gave the go-ahead based on a Shura decision and the fact that a commitment was already given.

Details of the objection lodged and responses thereto are available upon request.

We echo the sentiments of our 'Ulama that alienating ourselves is detrimental to the cause of Islam and the Muslims. By engagement with wisdom and good conduct, we shall open the doors of Islam and eradicate prevalent misconceptions about our Deen and practices.

May Allah guide us all and may He grant us the ability to respect the view of others and may He protect us from deviation and causing division among the Ummah.

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ORGANISATION PROFILE

Crescent of Hope (CoH)

Background

CoH was founded in October 1992 during the period of the Somali refugee crisis in Kenya. Food was supplied and assistance was rendered in the building of huts for the refugees. After the experience gained in Kenya CoH members decided to concentrate their efforts locally. Our main objectives:

  • To provide ISLAMIC EDUCATION to reverts.
  • To provide RELIEF wherever and whenever it is needed.
  • To provide WATER in areas and communities that do not have access to water.
  • To provide SKILLS DEVELOPMENT opportunities for the poor thereby making them self - sufficient.
  • To FEED the destitute and deprived.
  • To be of SERVICE to the community.
  • To promote the WELLBEING of all people.

Projects & Activities

  1. Bosnian Orphans - CoH have been involved with Bosnia since 1994 when clothes and other necessities were provided to the Bosnians. The orphan care programme that started immediately after the war is successfully continuing to-date.
  2. Cultural Centres - These are educational centres that have the following functions:
    • To impart knowledge - be it secular or religious.
    • To initiate skills training for the pupils and community.
    • To feed the children and students.
    • To introduce classes for adult learners.
    • To provide clothing and food for the less fortunate.
    • 17 centres have been established to-date.
  3. Disaster Relief - provided to areas affected locally (Cape Town, Estcourt, Ladysmith, Pietermaritzburg) and abroad (Afghanistan, Africa, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Chechnya, India, Indonesia, Kashmir, Kosova, Mozambique, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia and Turkey).
  4. Magaliesburg Rehab Centre - a project of CoH where substance abuse rehabilitation is conducted in conjunction with spiritual upliftment.
  5. Skills Training Centres - Currently, Centres are operational in Durban, Polokwane and Daxina. Support is also provided to a Skills Training Centre in Cape Town. The following skills are currently taught: Sewing, Knitting and Crocheting. The following is hoped to be provided in the future: Cooking, Baking, Plumbing, Electrical Wiring, Welding, Carpentry, Brick Laying & Motor Mechanics.
  6. Udh-hiyah/Qurbaani - Qurbaani is done locally and in Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Malawi, Kenya. Qurbaani projects are personally supervised by CoH members.
  7. Ramadaan - Thousands of iftar hampers are distributed to the poor and destitute during the blessed month.
  8. Soup Kitchens - Bread and food is distributed among the poor and needy in Zakariyya Park and Polokwane areas.
  9. Water - Wells, boreholes, hand pumps, drilling is provided to supply this essential resource.
  10. Food Hampers - Monthly distribution is done among the poor.
  11. Operation Winter Warm - Initiated in 2001 with the distribution of 2530 blankets. Alhamdulillah, 8787 were distributed in 2006.
  12. Future Projects - Delft Islamic Centre, Ladysmith Islamic Centre, Modjadji Masjid, Potchefstroom Skills Centre, Somali Madrasah and Johannesburg Water Project
  13. Halaal - CoH is a proudly associated member of the South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA) and supports its activities.
Contact Details:

137 Rose Avenue,
Extension 2, Lenasia
PO Box 1635, Lenasia 1820

Tel: +27 (0)11 854 1809
Fax: +27 [0]11 852 1509

e-mail: coh@mweb.co.za
Website: www.crescentofhope.com
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HADITH
(Sayings and Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him)

Aishah radiyallaahu anhaa narrated that Rasuulullaah sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said:

"What excellent curry vinegar is!"

Commentary

Mawlaanaa Zakariiyaa Kandalwii comments:

There is no preparation needed for vinegar. One can easily eat bread with it. It is easily available. It also keeps away formalities which is important since one lives in this world for but a while.

Vinegar has many benefits. It is an antidote for poison. It reduces phlegm and bile. It helps digest food, kills worms in the stomach and creates a good appetite. Due to its cold effect it might not be good for certain people. Nevertheless, it surely is a good curry which is easily obtainable. In whatever way it is praised, its full benefits cannot be over emphasised.

It is stated in a Hadiith that Rasuulullaah sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ate it and said, "What an excellent curry it is!"

In another Hadiith Rasuulullaah sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam offered duaa for barakah in it and said, "It was the curry of the previous Ambiyaa also."

Another Hadiith states, "The house that has vinegar will not be in need. i.e. it will not be in need of curry". These narrations have been mentioned in the Jamul Wasaail of Ibn Maajah.

Reference

Ash-Shamaail lit-Tirmizii, Chapter on the curry of Rasuulullaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

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WINNING RECIPES

Tried and tested recipes from chefs, gourmet connoisseurs, contributors and also from kitchens of our certified plants for your culinary pleasure.

Save the information and make up your own collection of winning recipes.

Our Guest Chef is Noor Ebrahim Khan, who has given us this delicious recipe to tantalize the palate!

SOUR CREAM CUTLETS

  • 1 kg chicken fillet - cubed fine
  • 2 tablespoons maizena
  • 1 cup (250ml) sour cream
  • 1 tsp dhanna - jeero
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper
  • 1 tsp chicken spice
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
  • 1 tablespoon green chillies
  • chopped green dhannia
Method:
  • Mix everything together
  • Roll into cutlet form
  • Roll in breadcrumbs
  • Freeze
  • Dip in egg and fry in medium oil until done

Do you have a recipe to share with the readers?

Send in your favourite recipe to pro-kzn@sanha.org.za and who knows, you could be our "guest chef" for a future edition of the Halaal e-Bulletin.

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KNOW ISLAM SERIES

One out of every five persons on this planet is a Muslim.  He is your neighbour, customer, supplier, employee, boss or friend.

One out of every five persons on this planet is a Muslim.  He is your neighbour, customer, supplier, employee, boss or friend.

What do Muslims think of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him)?

We Muslims think highly of Jesus (PBUH) and his worthy mother, Mary. The Quraan tells us that Jesus was born of a miraculous birth without a father and he was given many miracles as a prophet. These include speaking as an infant in defense of his mother regarding her piety. God's gifts to him included healing the blind and sick and reviving the dead. These were some of the many signs which were given to him to establish him a prophet. We also believe that he did not die but was raised into Heaven and he will come back again to this world.

The Holy Quraan mentions Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) twenty five times and has an entire chapter named after his mother, Maryam (Mary).

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MYSTERIOUS SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE

I am an item for whom men have gone to the ends of the earth, fought wars and I have become indispensable to the food industry. You will find me in your home. Do you know me?

  • I originate mostly from Mediterranean regions, in fact I am very popular in Southern Italy. I am a dried herb that is more flavourful than the fresh.

    I am mostly used in Italian cuisine, where I am used for tomoto sauces, fried vegetables and grilled meat.

    The most common thing I am associated with is pizza. Some people use different names for me like "wild marjoram".

What am I?

I am Origano "origanum vulgare".

  • I originated from Egypt and Asia

    I am known as the "noblest onion". I belong to the same family as onions, chives, leeks and scallions.

    I am used in every type of food. I can be used as a medicine too. I have been used since ancient times for cures. I am considered to be nature's own antibiotic.

    What am I?

I am Garlic "Allium sativum"
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CONTENTS

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you please tell me if Pregvit MR tablets are Halaal?

A: Pregvit MR Tablets manufactured by Georen Pharmaceuticals are certified by SANHA.


Q: Is Strepsils Halaal?

A: Strepsils is Halaal suitable.


Q: There is a new diabetic tablet on the market called Diabion. Is it Halaal?

A: Diabion contains pork gelatine and is therefore not Halaal.


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SMILE AWHILE

In a serious world of Halaal we take this moment to bring you a smile, a chuckle or even a hearty laugh. It's therapeutic, so pass it on:

One day the Khwajah's wife, in order to plague the Khwajah, boiled some broth exceedingly hot, brought it into the room and placed it on the table. The wife then, forgetting that it was hot, took a spoon and put some into her mouth, and, scalding herself, began to shed tears.

'O wife,' said the Khwajah, 'What is the matter with you; is the broth hot?'

'Dear Efendi,' said the wife, 'My mother, who is now dead, loved broth very much; I thought of that, and wept on her account.'

The Khwajah thinking that what she said was true, took a spoonful of the broth, and burning his mouth began to cry and bellow.

'What is the matter with you?' said his wife; 'why do you cry?'

Said the Khwajah, 'You cry because your mother is gone, but I cry because her daughter is here.'
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Recently Certified List

SANHA certifies over 700 establishments ranging from large multi - nationals to many proudly South African enterprises including cottage industries.

We congratulate the following for being awarded the coveted SANHA Halaal Mark of Assurance:

  • Delhi Delicious - Bakery - Witbank, Mpumalanga
  • Bismillah Restaurant - Restaurant - Laudium, Tshwane
  • Chico's - Restaurant - Laudium, Tshwane
  • Waseem's Halaal Cheese Spread - Dairy - Lenasia, Gauteng
  • The Nut Lady - Snacks - Illovo, Gauteng
  • Mochachos - Restaurant - Victory Park, Gauteng

For a detailed list of SANHA certified establishments and other queries, please email helpline@sanha.org.za

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Competition
Previous Competition / Giveaway - e-Bulletin 13
  • Giveaway: Software Package for Digital Noticeboard
  • Question: Software Package offered to all Masaajid on request

Bulletin 14 Competition

10 Lucky readers win vouchers to eat at Debonairs Sandton City.

Answer the following question: Is it permisible to consume Red wine vinegar / Balsamic vinegar ?

Closing date: Friday, 10th August 2007

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READERS WRITE

Assalam Alykoum

You have a wonderfull bulletin. Good on you, regards.

Nasser

Jazakumullah Khairan for your kind words.

Kindly forward email addresses of friends and family for free subscription to the Halaal Bulletin to helpline@sanha.org.za

Editor


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Forthcoming Events

16 - 19 August 2007
IHPE 2007, Brunei International Halal Product Seminar 2007
Brunei

22 - 25th August 2007
FHM2007, Malaysia's Official Food & Hotel Show Incorporating Halaal Food Asia 2007, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

5 - 7th September 2007
All Fresh 2007, Exhibition & Conference for Suppliers and Producers Of Fresh Produce,CTIC
Cape Town

18 - 21st October 2007
Discover Islam Exhibition at the CTIC
Cape Town

9-11th December 2007
Global Halal & Islamic Business Forum, Abu Dhabi Convention Centre
Abu Dhabi, UAE

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Recent Announcements
Recent Announcements !!

WARNING!!!

BREAD AHEAD
Durban North & Pietermaritzburg stores are NOT HALAAL

Bacon and Haraam meat products are used in these facilities

PLEASE ABSTAIN!



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Halaal Helpline 0860 786 111


KWAZULU NATAL
Tel: (+27 31) 207 5768
Fax: (+27 31) 207 5793
sanha-kzn@sanha.org.za

GAUTENG
Tel: (+27 11) 870 8000
Fax: (+27 11) 870 8020
sanha-gp@sanha.org.za

CAPE
Tel: (+27 21) 633 4145/6
Fax: (+27 21) 633 4148
sanha-cpt@sanha.org.za
DISCLAIMER
Views and opinions reflected in the newsletter are not necessarily those of SANHA and its management.

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