Every good host wishes to make their house guests feel welcomed. Hosts will often plan delicious meals, prepare rooms, and do other small things to ensure a good time for their guests. Aside from daily necessities, however, hosts also need to consider other special requirements or restrictions that their guests may have, especially when it comes to their personal faiths.
Islam, for example, has strict codes on foods, prayer times, and also social etiquette. Of course, the Muslim community is not homogenous; each Muslim adheres to these rules in varying degrees. That said, it’s often best to err on the side of caution and avoid potentially uncomfortable situations for you and your guest later on. You can use apps such as Muslim Pro to know where to find halal food, but that’s just one part of the equation. For a better idea of how to make your Muslim guests feel welcomed, here are some things you need to bear in mind.
Dietary Restrictions
The do’s and don’ts on food and drinks are some of the big questions that many would-be hosts ask. There are several things to remember when it comes to dietary restrictions, but here is a quick rundown that can serve as a guide when preparing food.
Halal, Haram, and Mushbooh
The first thing you need to do is grasp the concepts of halal, haram, and mushbooh.
● Halal is an Arabic word that means lawful or permitted. It’s the general term used to label foods and goods allowed for consumption based on Islamic law, such as beef, chicken, and vegetables.
● Haram is the opposite of halal. It refers to animals, foods, and items that are considered unclean and thus, shouldn’t be consumed, such as pork or alcohol.
● Lastly, mushbooh is the undetermined category. Muslims use this term to refer to things that don’t neatly fall into the halal and haram groups. This grouping includes foods like yeast extract and shellac.
Muslims choose halal foods because these products were prepared following Islamic regulations. For example, Islam has strict guidelines when it comes to killing animals for food.
When inviting Muslim guests, make sure to source items from legitimate halal suppliers. While shopping, look for the halal insignia on products to ensure that the products don’t contain any impermissible ingredients.
Strictly No Pork Allowed
If there’s one rule most Muslims abide by, it’s the restriction on pork. However, this is not only limited to meat. It extends to gelatin and other foods where by-products of pork have been used. As such, double-check the ingredients you pick when it comes to food preparation.
Alcohol
The perception of alcohol is quite varied in the Muslim community. Some Muslims strictly adhere to not consuming alcohol or even sitting at a table where alcohol is being served. Others, however, are more open to it, and you can drink alcohol while they’re around. It’s best to inquire your guest directly about this concern, so you can act accordingly.
Prayer Times
Muslims have five designated prayer times each day. The schedule is scattered throughout the day and lasts from four to twenty minutes, depending on the time of day. You can check the Muslim Pro app for specific prayer times.
As a host, you need to consider these prayer times, especially when planning activities or scheduling get-togethers. It’s an important sign of respect for practicing Muslims, so they can properly do their prayers without discomfort.
You don’t need to prepare a separate room for prayer. Muslims only need a clean and quiet area in the house where they can pray without distraction. If your home is near a mosque, your guest may head there instead to pray.
Special Considerations
In Islam, menstruation is considered impure, so females who are on their period are excused from prayer. This is something to keep in mind in case you’re hosting a female Muslim guest.
Dogs
Dogs are very common household pets. If you have one at home, you need to inform your Muslim guest about it first. This is because in the Islam faith, dogs, particularly their saliva, are considered unclean. If you’re inviting a Muslim guest over for a short time, like dinner or game night, you can simply place the dog in the bedroom. However, if you have a dog and the guest will be staying over for a few days, reconsider your options and have an open discussion with your guest first about the topic.
Based on this list, it becomes clear that the best way to make sure your Muslim guests feel welcome is by asking them about any concerns. They would be happy to help you address any worries and speak openly about their restrictions and observances. As such, you won’t need to worry as much and still ensure that your guests have a lovely time during their stay.
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