The debate surrounding Halal food has been a longstanding issue in Bharat. A widely circulated quote by Sir Muhammad Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan, has ignited discussions about the impact of Halal food practices on the nation’s history. Iqbal’s statement, made during an address to the Indian Muslim League, reads: “There are no social barriers between Muslims and the ‘people of the Book’. A Jew or a Christian or a Zoroastrian does not pollute the food of a Muslim by touching it.” However, many fail to grasp the deeper implications of this quote in relation to the Halal food controversy.
The Ongoing Dispute
In recent days, tensions have escalated over Vadilal’s Halal Fiasco. A notable incident involving the manufacturer using Halal tag to woo it’s Muslim Consumer Base and the certification was provided by HIPL themselves. What is more interesting is that some Islamic websites list Vadilal as Sharia Compliant!
The Root of Apprehension
At the core of this issue lies a deep-seated fear among many Indians regarding Muslim fruit and vegetable vendors. Circulating videos on social media have fueled concerns about deliberate contamination of produce by these vendors. Intelligence sources suggest that certain groups are instigating Muslims to spread the coronavirus pandemic as widely as possible. Consequently, many Indians express reluctance to accept food from Muslim delivery personnel, uncertain of their origins and activities prior to delivery.
Iqbal’s Interpretation of Halal Food
Sir Muhammad Iqbal’s full quote sheds light on his perspective on Halal food and its implications. He stated that in Islamic countries outside India, where Muslims are the majority, the minorities belong to the “people of the Book” (Jews and Christians). As per the Quran, there are no social barriers between Muslims and the “people of the Book,” and their food is permissible for Muslims. However, in India, both Muslims and the “people of the Book” are minorities, posing a challenge for Muslims adhering to Halal dietary restrictions in a society where the majority’s food is considered “Haram” (forbidden).
The Moral Hierarchy Debate
Iqbal’s reasoning for the permissibility of food from the “people of the Book” stems from the belief that they possess moral ideals similar to Muslims. This stance implies a perceived moral hierarchy, with Muslims at the top, followed by the “people of the Book,” and Dharmics (Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, etc.) at the bottom. This perspective raises questions about the moral superiority of historical figures like Ali Musliyar, responsible for the Moplah massacre, over luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi.
The Partition Connection
According to Iqbal, the issue of Halal food contributed to the partition of the nation. He argued that Muslims could not live in a country where the majority’s food was considered “Haram” to them. This ideological conflict, rooted in Halal food practices, played a role in the eventual division of the subcontinent.
The Halal food controversy in Bharat is deeply intertwined with historical and ideological underpinnings. Sir Muhammad Iqbal’s quote and the teachings of the Quran offer insights into the complex interplay between religious beliefs, dietary practices, and the perceived moral hierarchy that influenced the partition of the nation. As Bharat grapples with this sensitive topic, fostering open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect among all communities remains crucial.