Food and Drink

Q: What is the rule for immersing a slaughtered chicken in hot (or boiling) water to remove its feathers? 

Q: We learnt that one should not drink water from a jug or bottle. Please advise regarding drinking from water bottles (the ones purchased from shops in 350ml / 500ml), juice bottles (children's school lunch bottles), flasks etc. that we find students are commonly using today. These come in various kinds of styles and sizes - some even going upto 1 and 2 litre bottles.

Q: What is the fatwa regarding stunned meat?

Q: What is the fatwa regarding gelatine?

Q: In one dawat, one of the ingredients was the shell of a tortoise. Is it halaal?

Q: I remember hearing in Fazaail Sadaqaat that one can eat doubtful food if ones parents give it so they don't feel bad. Can I practice on this and does not knowing if a certain non certified item's ingredients count as being doubtful?

Q: My son will be traveling to Georgetown, Cape Town, and Johannesburg from 19th June to 1st July 2025, إن شاء الله. I would be grateful if you could kindly advise on how he can ensure the consumption of halaal food during his stay.

Specifically, is it sufficient to rely on the word of a Muslim in those cities (such as a waiter or staff member at a restaurant or hotel or any Muslim) who claims that the food is halaal? Or should he look for formal halaal certification or other signs of reliability? 

Alternatively, should he just restrict himself to eating fish, eggs, vegetables, and lentils in case there is no guarantee in those cities?

Q: Is the microbial rennet used to make cheese halaal?

Q: I’d like to enquire about the permissibility of the consumption of carmine. I have tried to research this matter on the muftionline site but mainly see the answer to avoid it. I’d like clarification on it being a halaal/haraam item thus its permissibility. 

I personally don’t consume it, yet a lot of products contain carmine & sometimes those from Arab countries that bear halaal logos, not finding a direct answer about its permissibility makes it a bit more difficult to warn family members from it’s consumption.