BARBADOS, Bridgetown -- Barbados has a growing Muslim community and the demands for halal prepared meat products will be a reality which has to be faced.
It is believed therefore that popular fast-food restaurants on the island of Barbados such as KFC, and Chefette might someday, if not as yet, cater to the needs of this section of the community.
Is it fair though for these establishments to sell halal meats without properly informing its clients, as some of these patrons might be Christians? Christians according to their God, has been forbidden from eating food offered to other gods. Christians believe Jesus is God, and Muslims don't. If common sense is to prevail it therefore means that Christians and Muslims worship a different God, because both religions can not be correct.
(Acts 21:25) As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols (other gods), and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
In the preparation of halal meats, the animal is not dead prior to slaughter, and the blood is drained which is not the bone of contention, but what is, is the recital of a verse from the Qu'ran by a Muslim called the Bismillah.
The Bismillah is an invocation used by Muslims at the beginning of an undertaking. It might be similar to the following "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful."
Thus far on the island, KFC nor Chefette, has displayed at their establishments through the displaying of the halal sign, that they might be preparing halal meats to the Christian community.
One establishment which makes it quite clear that it offers halal products is the Roti Hut in the Lantern Mall in Hastings. The halal sign is clearly shown at that establishment so Muslims who are very selective in what they eat can participate at that restaurant, but it also allows persons of different religious persuasions, and non-religious persons to decide to refuse to eat if they are also called to be selective in what they eat.
One chicken processor also clearly state that they meat is halal, but are Christians aware of this? Christians need to familiarize themselves with the halal trademark. See Amir's logo below with the halal Trademark. Fason Foods operate as Amirs Fresh Chicken, and also intends to process halal chicken burgers, chicken nuggets, chicken wieners etc.
The below comment is being displayed on the Fason Foods Facebook page about KFC Black Rock offering halal products. It was apparently made by the owner of the Facebook page on March 29.
"Please note, Fasons has supplied the full amt of halal chicken to KFC Black Rock for halal Saturday and SUnday. Unfortunately, the BHA has refused to authenticate the KFC as halal. Please note this is NOT because of our Chicken, this is on their part. Please feel free to contact US or The BHA for details".
In an updated comment, March 31, approval was apparently given. "Just got word that the BHA approved the KFC!".
Therefore as the bible says, 'Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold'.
For although these products are very tasty, I would know because I once lived in Trinidad and Tobago where rotis were one of my staples, but at the time I had no knowledge of what the halal sign meant which is also located in some food outlets there.
If this is the case an alerted Christian community should pressure government to make it law that these establishments, and meat processors, be prepared to clearly display all halal products so Christians, other religious groups, and non-religious groups beliefs and concerns may not be compromised.
In the United Kingdom for example KFC clearly displays signs to alert the public of its restaurants, which do and do not offer halal. They have also created a website with a listing.
According to the Newsday newspaper in Trinidad and Tobago, Muslims there have been given assurance that their meat products are halal prepared and the meat is imported from Virginia in the USA.