Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
21 October 2024 | 22:09 SAST
2-minute read

Image: FairPlay

The ongoing debate around the halaal status of meats in the kingdom has garnered more attention recently, particularly concerning a procedure known as the vertical cut.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Mufti Abdullah Nana, co-founder of the Food Standards Alliance of America and a graduate of South Africa’s Alimiyah course, explains the issue in detail.

He outlines the long-standing challenges posed by Saudi Arabia’s reliance on imported meats from numerous countries and highlights the complexities of ensuring halaal compliance in such a scenario.

Mufti Nana advocates for more rigorous auditing and verification processes and suggests practical steps for pilgrims navigating the uncertainty around halaal meat in Saudi Arabia.

Main concerns surrounding meat available in Saudi Arabia

The key issue is that Saudi Arabia, like many Middle Eastern countries, imports most of its meat from various countries. This makes verifying the halaal status complicated because each country has different slaughtering practices. Imported meat is often cheaper, but it may not always meet halaal standards.

Common belief that meat in Saudi should automatically be halaal because it is a Muslim country

Mufti Nana emphasises the importance of differentiating emotional arguments from factual ones. Reports have shown that haram meat is entering Saudi Arabia, and unfortunately, the complacency around halaal certification in the region is concerning. The halaal certification processes in Saudi Arabia are often not as strict as in other countries.

Display of certificates in restaurants and hotels indicating country of origin

While this may help consumers to make better choices and is a step in the right direction, Mufti Nana explains that it is not a complete solution. These certificates often only mention the country of origin and do not provide information about the slaughter method or who certified the meat as halaal. It is therefore not always enough to assure consumers that the meat is truly halaal.

Recent reports that meat slaughtered using the ‘vertical cut’ method is being labelled as halaal

The vertical cut method involves cutting the cow’s chest vertically, which misses the trachea and oesophagus, two critical vessels that need to be cut according to Islamic slaughtering standards. This method is mostly used in the US, but it’s concerning that meat slaughtered this way is being sold in Saudi Arabia labelled as halaal. Mufti Nana’s research paper confirms that the method is not compliant with halaal standards.

Halaal certification on meat that has been slaughtered using vertical cut method in Saudi

Unfortunately, even halaal certificates can be unreliable, as there’s not enough auditing or verification. The best advice for now is to either eat vegetarian or seafood while in Saudi Arabia or be extremely cautious when buying meat. As things stand, consumers need to prioritise their religious obligations over convenience.

Possible solutions

More rigorous auditing and cooperation between Saudi authorities and local scholars in the countries from which meat is imported are crucial. Encouragingly, Saudi Arabia will soon be importing halaal meat from South Africa, which could bring more reliable options for consumers. In addition, the kingdom is taking steps to becoming totally reliant on local slaughterhouses for meat.However, there is still a long way to go in fixing these issues.

Possible solutions for people travelling to Saudi Arabia

For now, the safest approach is to either go vegetarian or eat seafood during one’s stay, Mufti Nana says. Alternatively, try to select places that offer local meat options.

Listen to the full interview on Under the Radar with Moulana Ebrahim Moosa.