DOING THINGS THE ‘HALAAL’ WAY

For many of us the word “halaal” would only refer to the specific way or method of slaughtering sacrificial animals or animals/fowls for meat that is generally followed by the Muslims. However, the actual terminology “halaal” means “allowed” and is the opposite of “haraam” or “forbidden.” Though often referred to the way of meat slaughtering (even by Muslims themselves), the concept of ‘halaal’ goes far beyond – it actually refers to a way of leading one’s life in a proper and ethical manner. Even in the Jewish culture, there is existence of a concept similar to ‘halaal’and is called ‘Kosher’.

The setting of ‘halaal’ is also very important in earning one’s livelihood; it just requires answering some simple questions to oneself - is the money earned by me today ethical? Have I duped or defrauded or hurt anyone while earning this money? Is this money earned by using measures like usury, gambling, theft or any such crimes? If one doesn’t have to lie to oneself while answering these questions and his/her inner self or conscience is not hurt in any way, then definitely the earning of the person has been done in a ‘halaal’ way. In such way of income, one doesn’t need to hide his/her means of livelihood from anyone (unless of course, if the person is a Secret Service or undercover RAW agent!). This halaal way of earning, I believe, also gives a sense of satisfaction and peace to the person – he/she is not scared of or is hiding anything. Earning and expenditure are again 2 sides of the same coin and always come hand-in-hand. If one’s earning is ‘halaal’, it is equally important that he or she spends the hard-earned money in a proper and ethical manner. Using money to gamble, bribe or to indulge in any form of corruption is against the concept of ‘halaal’ or ethics. Though consumption of alcohol and drugs has become a part of our modern lifestyle (as well as an important contributor to the current economy of India!), there is no denying to the fact that these intoxicants are not beneficial to the human health; thus, spending one’s earning on these consumptions, for relaxation or entertainment, cannot be regarded as ‘halaal’. However, enjoying oneself with games (that donot use money), food etc. doesn’t come against the concept of leading a ‘halaal’ or ‘kosher’ lifestyle; if one is earning some amount through his/her hard work, he or she has every right to enjoy the worldly benefits, after fulfilling their family’s needs, but in a ethical manner. Charity or any act of kindness, compassion or help (with one’s ethically earned money) is definitely one act that is held in high ranks of ethics – helping out those in need, in whatever possible way – be it little or much can provide immense satisfaction and soothing effect to one’s soul

In this modern world, people are losing the value of relationships, particularly in marriages. The divorce rate has gone up tremendously, along with the emergence of western concepts like extra-marital affairs, open marriages, etc. A person’s spouse is the only person with whom he or she should have physical and emotional intimacy with – indulging in any kind of intimacy with any person other than his/her spouse goes into ‘haraam’, which is far from being ‘halaal’. Though we may preach that we are ‘modern’, but the repercussions of such ‘non-halaal’ relations can be very dangerous – if one were to have a child out of wedlock who takes its responsibility and what serious and devastating impact can it have on the mental health of that child? In such cases, often it is observed that the sinless fruits of such relationships are killed and not allowed to be born!

As we prepare ourselves to emerge from this long period of lockdown, let us all vouch to adopt and lead an ethical or ‘halaal’ way of lifestyle – earn without corruption, spend without usury and love endlessly without any shame or guilt; let us become more responsible, compassionate, helpful and caring citizens of the nation, who do all things and live life in a ‘halaal’ way!!