Air India’s recent decision on Halal meals exclusively on pre-booking by Muslim passengers is a game-changer. This Halal meal option will only be availble on select routes. Ofcourse, a few ‘sickulars’ can choose to pre-book a MOML meal also on these flights. However, for the rest of Bharat this decision is a BIG WIN for consumer choice and religious sensitivity!
By breaking away from the default halal certification model, Air India has taken a strong stand for non-Muslim dietary freedom. These specific meals will be applicable on routes such as those to Saudi Arabia, Haj pilgrimage, and a few others. Thereby, ensuring that MOML meals are available solely to those who specifically request them. Let’s talk!
No More Forced Halal: A Win For Sanatani Sensibilities
NEWS FOR HINDUS,SIKHS@airindia shall no longer be serving halal certified meals to Hindus & Sikhs anymore.
Am truly grateful to God for this. Took me 10 years battling with halal mafia to see this day. @narendramodi ji, hotels, dhabas, restaurants, Vadilal icecream etc… pic.twitter.com/LqLWpFgw8u— Harinder S Sikka (@sikka_harinder) November 11, 2024
For years, non-Muslim passengers faced a choice-less landscape where halal-certified food was often their only option. Many felt their dietary preferences were overshadowed. The ‘sickular’ India assumed a standard that did not reflect Bharat’s Sanatani majority or its pluralistic diversity.
With their upcoming policy against Halal for all, Air India respects Sanatanis and non-Muslim sensibilities.
By making MOML meals an opt-in option for Muslim passengers on pre-ordering, the airlines are showcasing respect for all religious choices! This policy is a refreshing departure from the widespread practice where halal certification was common for everyday items. Sometimes the certification was even found on vegetarian meals, whether needed or not. Non-Muslims no longer need to consume Halal food involuntarily on Air India flights at least! Thereby, setting a powerful precedent that might inspire other sectors to respect consumer choice without compromising anyone’s religious beliefs.
Halal Overreach: From Packaged Food to Vegetarian Ice Creams
Halal is a tool that the Muslim minority is using to impose aspects of Sharia on the non-Muslim majority.
It's a key part of how Muslims create a parallel society where they live in.
In simple terms, halal is a tax levied by Muslims on nonbelievers. pic.twitter.com/BjOkbfY8dY
— Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) June 29, 2023
In India, halal certification is a form of ‘jiziya’ that extends far beyond meat. Currently, this ‘Certification Industry’ has its stamps on packaged foods, vegetarian products, and even ice creams! Therefore, Sanatani and non-Muslim consumers feel their choices are ignored in favor of a ‘few’. Many everyday items, like chocolates, chips, and soft drinks, now carry halal marks.
Consequently, non-Muslims are often forced to inadvertently consume products certified to meet Islamic standards!
Halal Certification: Shatrubodh Of Bharat’s Parallel Economy
Thereby, raising questions on why “peaceful” minority inclusivity left no choice for the majority Sanatanis.
Air India’s decision comes at a time when halal certification is a divisive issue. Thus, by allowing only pre-booked halal meals as “Muslim meals” (MOML) for Muslim passengers, Air India has given the choice back to the hands of the traveler. This policy could shift the narrative around halal certification and pave the way for similar practices in public transportation and beyond.
Air India’s “Halal” Policy: A Model for Public Services
Big Win for Hindus! #AirIndia pic.twitter.com/P4fi1g6Cex
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) November 11, 2024
This decision by Air India could have lasting effects across other sectors, from railways to retail. Many travelers have felt that halal options were imposed on them, with no alternative. By designating halal meals as an optional, pre-booked item, Air India respects the dietary preferences of all passengers. Thereby, setting a new standard for respecting religious sensitivities.
Tata’s Air India approach sends a message: diverse dietary preferences deserve equal consideration.
Railways, Food Products, Meat, Tourism, Make up Kits, Wheat Flour. …..
Ubiquitous 🧐
Check for the Companies and Halal Logos Before you buy #EconomicCrisis
Stop Halal Imposition ⚠️#Halal_Free_Ganeshotsav pic.twitter.com/ZM3Z303Hln
— Saheel Bobde (@SaheelBobde) September 17, 2023
Other public services might now feel encouraged to adopt Air India’s model, avoiding blanket certification that disregards the country’s varied religious practices. Attempts to question the reach of halal certification have faced resistance. Recently, India’s Supreme Court blocked a move by the CM Yogi’s UP government to remove halal products from retail outlets! This SC decision was a blow to those who felt the need for non-halal alternatives.
Tata’s Air India’s bold policy, however, provides a pathway for creating balanced choices without compromising religious values.
Hence, this move may be the beginning of a potential shift toward balanced consumer practices. By respecting dietary choices, they are showing religious sensitivity as well as respect for dietary standards of a pluralistic demography! This move could resonate across industries and inspire new standards. For a long time, Sanatanis and Non-Muslims were helpless in the face of Halal certification! Air India’s stand is a positive response to a long-standing concern, empowering consumers with the right to choose.
In a landscape increasingly marked by one-size-fits-all approaches, Air India’s Halal policy stands as a beacon for choice, respect, and inclusivity – This is what true secularism should look like!