Food and Drink

Q: Is it a sunnah to have salt before and after eating? And is it a sunnah to have sweet things before and after eating? If it is sunnah, what type of sunnah is it? 

Q: I would like to know the permisibility of using the electric cigarette?

Q: I'd like to know if it is permissible to eat in utensils made out of "bone china"?

Q: Please could you enlighten me regarding the ruling for the following food ingredients:

1. Shellac

2. Calf Rennet (derived from non-Halaal slaughtered calves)

Q: Are drinks which contain ethanol halaal?

Q: Is it permissible to eat in a restaurant where alcohol is served or allowed? Will the same rule apply to a supermarket or aeroplane that sells alcohol?

Q: Is there any narration preventing or warning about eating fish and milk together?

Q: Through reliable sources I have come to know that broiler chicken is a cross breed of pig and hen. There are certain similarities in both of these like their meat is soft, both have common disease like swine flu and bird flu. Please let me known according to shariah is broiler chicken halal or haram?

Q: There is a kind of cheese coming from Holland (covered with something red or orange color) containing the ingredient "carotene". Is it halal?

Q: I have purchased vanilla essence (Robertsons and Moirs). These products contain ethanol, however they are certified halaal. Please advise on whether these are suitable for consumption and if so why?