As many know, Muslims and Jews have requirements when it comes to their diet.
Both groups cannot eat anything from swine, and our animals must be slaughtered in a certain way.
Allah tells Muslims in the Qur'an, "He has forbidden you only the Maytatah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols, etc., on which Allah's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
Both religions consider pork specifically to be impure. But both Muslims and Jews follow these specifications simply because God told us to do so. It was revealed both in the Torah and the Qur'an.
Another common ground that Muslims and Jews share is that both their religions require the blood be drained out of the meat before eating it. We also cannot eat animals that died before being slaughtered.
The method of slaughter is pretty much the same as it requires a quick, deep stroke across the throat with a perfectly sharp blade with no nicks or unevenness.
This method is painless, causes unconsciousness within a few seconds, and many consider it to be the most humane method of slaughter possible. Many other slaughtering methods these days - such causing animals to die of electric shock - have proven to be torturous to the animals.
Skittles, Starbursts and marshmallows are among the many foods I had previously enjoyed eating before I found out they contain gelatin, which comes from pigs and other animals most of the time.
We also have to often request that the workers who make and serve food at restaurants not use the same utensils or cook in the same oil or pan that had previously been occupied with sausage, bacon or any other pig-related food.
Having a kosher or halal option in the food court would demonstrate a great deal of respect and acceptance of this University towards diverse religions on this campus.
There are many Muslims and Jews at the University, and the facility would surely be used to its greatest potential. There aren't many options in the city - or the state for that matter - to have a kosher menu option.
This would perhaps entail a separate area to cook meats that were slaughtered according to Shariah and Jewish laws.
The Muslim Students Association and Hillel will soon work together to request this option in the Student Union. Haitham Sohl, MSA president, also indicated that they will be working to get a vegetarian option as well.
Our University should set standards for others. We have many nationalities and religions on this campus, which make it imperative that we seek to accommodate them to the best of our ability.
By adding a plan like this to our campus, it would make the University very appealing to those on the college search and show a desire for acceptance and diversity.
----- Contact Shirien Elmasraya at selmasraya@lsureveille.com
Be the first to comment on this article!