Have you ever struggled to find halal food while traveling? Well, you are not alone!
Most Muslims who travel experience some degree of difficulty in finding halal food especially if the country they’re traveling to is a Muslim minority country. Also, not all countries are able to experience the privilege that comes with having established halal regulatory bodies. So, whether you’re struggling to eat halal in your hometown, or in another town, we have compiled a few tips that will ease your struggles and keep your worries at bay.
Ramadhaan is like an oasisin a desert. You can only move forward in this desert and you might not reachanother oasis, so naturally, you would want to take as much provision from itas possible. Now, we’ve all been in the last few days of Ramadhaan thinking ofhow much time we wasted and vowing to ourselves that next year we’d be better.The next year rolled around and the pattern repeated itself, at least for me itdid. This is where the importance is placed in preparing for Ramadhaan inRajab. If you need more convincing, look at the masaajids in the first fewnights of Ramadhaan and look again two weeks later. Like athletes training todo well, similarly, we need to train to do well (for Allah) in Ramadhaan.
Essentially, preparing forRamadhaan you have to be honest with yourself. Make a list of your goals forthe month, whether it be leaving bad habits or beginning good ones. Writing itdown makes it more serious to yourself. An important point to remember is that nothingchanges overnight, just as you cannot change yourself overnight. That being said,people who make drastic changes and begin in an overzealous way, tend to falloff the bandwagon faster than others. Don’t go too big too soon, as you mighthave put too much on your plate. In a week, or even a few days, you’ll end updoing nothing at all. The goal is to start small and grow from there. You knowyourself best. This is why a good time to start preparing is in Rajab as itgives us time to grow.
When you decide to do agood deed then give yourself a minimum every day. Perhaps you would like toread the Quran more regularly or make istighfaar daily? Tell yourself, nomatter what, you’ll read the Quran for at least 5 minutes a day or seekforgiveness 10 times a day. Set your own minimum, so that on days you feel likedoing more then you may do so. On other days, make sure you don’t go less thanthat. Always try and remember the saying of the Prophet SAWS:
“Take up gooddeeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularlyeven if they are few.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Before you embark on your journey, planning is crucial. It is important that you research whether your destination has halal food or if there’s a dominant Muslim presence with a local masjid. Based on your findings, make a list (in your phone or your notebook) of these restaurants and grocers that you can easily refer to. If you need additional help, try zabiha.com. By planning and doing research ahead of time, you will be able to focus more on enjoying your trip instead of wondering where your next halal meal is going to come from.
For next-level peace of mind, you can guarantee halal food by staying in self-catering accommodation and cooking your own food. If the place you’re traveling to has halal produce, and your itinerary allows you the time, making your own food is a safe way to ensure that the food you’re consuming is halal. Moreover, by bringing your own packed foods to your one-day trips, you double up on saving money and you reduce your carbon footprint by using less waste that would’ve come with ordering takeout.
If you’re in a tricky situation where halal options aren’t available to you, go pescatarian for the duration of your trip. In most Islamic schools of law, seafood is considered halal. If you’re intending to cook your own meals, products such as fish and tuna are readily available depending on your destination. However, if you’re eating at a restaurant, make sure that the food is not contaminated with meat products or alcohol.
If you’re a halal conscious consumer, you would easily be able to identify the halal certification stamp. Certified food products and restaurants will make the stamp explicit. However, there are many restaurants that aren’t certified but advertise halal meat. Whatever the reason, it is important that you use your discretion and back it up with your research findings.
In the Quran, Allah implores us to eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good (5:88). An easy way to eat halal is to eat whole foods from the earth. Wherever you travel, depending on the season, whole foods such as fruit and vegetables will always be in abundance and widely available to purchase. Before you travel, look up the nearest grocer and compile a list of all the goods you might need to sustain yourself throughout your trip.
As a rule of thumb, avoid processed foods to the best of your ability. Processed foods may contain ingredients that you aren’t familiar with which may cause you to doubt. As the old saying goes, when in doubt, don’t . By avoiding processed foods, and opting for that which is halal and pure, you’re guaranteed peace of mind and you’re taking care of your body. Moreover, travelling can be taxing on the body so it is important that you steer clear from processed foods and eat that which is of optimal nutrition.
If you’re on the road and you’re afraid there might not be a halal goods to purchase on the way, pack your own travel snacks. Travel snacks are essential for long journeys and are essential to keeping your hunger at bay. Ready-made snacks such as overnight oats, packaged assorted nuts, dried fruits, pre-packed sandwiches, and salads, are quick and easy foods that you can travel with. Elevate the nutritional value of your foods by topping it up with herbs and assorted seeds like chia, pumpkin, flax, hemp, and sunflower.
Islam is a religion of ease. Allah facilitates ease for the Muslim, especially the traveler. In order to make the most of your journey whilst adhering to the integrals of Islam, doing your research ahead of time is key.
Discover if your ingredients, processes, and facilities align with Islamic dietary laws.
Start your Free Halal Compliance Check now — no obligation!
We’re here to help. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email — we’re always happy to assist you.
Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday: 9 am – 12 pm
*Times are EST*
