Can we eat food at iftars organised by masjids/organisations by applying husn al dhan or do we need to inquire about the source of the food/meat to ensure it is hand slaughtered halal.
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah
While there is nothing wrong in having iftar at a Masjid under normal circumstances, and the blessing of Ramadhan make it that much more rewarding to eat and feed fellow Muslims.
However, it is unfortunate that the general level of consideration for halal/haram and doubtful food has diminished so much that there is a general lack of husn al dhan.
There is an considerable increase in acceptability of mechanical/machine slaughtered chicken, as well as vertical cuts in beef. It is becoming continuously difficult to secure hand slaughtered genuinely halal dhabiha.
To add on to this, most masajid either secure catering from businesses wherein the doubt is further more because of the conflict of interest. No business will openly say that their food is either doubtful or unverified. Alternatively the masjid will have rosters for families to bring foods which have high chance of being prepared from the same mechanical/machine slaughtered or non reliable beef and meats in the market.
In light of these current standards, I am hard-pressed to give a general permission of “husn al dhan” in consuming foods provided in Masajid. Refrain from partaking in any preparation unless you are personally aware of its source and can verify its genuine halal suitability. Exercise utmost caution and vigilance, withholding your participation unless absolutely assured of its adherence to halal standards. I would suggest that you consume from the fruits, salads and drinks in such gathering and have your own meal prepared for yourself.
When you are invited to a personal home, then I suggest you follow the guideline of Mufti Bilal Issack Saheb. He states in his fatwa:
If a person is invited for a meal, the host is known to be an upright Muslim, who knows the Shariah laws of Halal and Haram and takes precaution in matters of Halal and Haram then one may partake of his meals. Conversely, if one has a high level of doubt and the host is known to be inconsiderate and careless in matters of Halal and Haram then one should avoid consuming the food. As the saying goes, “when in doubt…opt out”.
This was also the endorsed opinion of our respected teacher, Mufti Ebrahim Desai rahimahullah.
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi