Hundreds of Muslims in Southall gathered in Abubakr mosque on Saturday evening to learn about the best way to verify if what they are eating is halal, discuss the benefits of eating halal and the dangers of eating haram intentionally or accidently.

The ground floor of the Abubakr mosque was completely full. The event took place between the Maghrib (6.15 pm) and Isha prayers (8.30 pm). Food was served on the first floor after the Isha prayers.

It was emphasised that the correct Islamic method of slaughtering an animal is via manual slaughter by a Muslim and the verbal recitation of the tasmiya ("Bismillahi Allahu Akbar") on each animal by a Muslim.

"You are what you eat" was strongly emphasised.

If the food is haram or the drink is haram (i.e. alcohol) or the clothing is haram (i.e. not bought with honestly earned money) then your prayers are not accepted at all.

A halal sticker on the packaging or a halal sign in the shop window is not proof enough as the national media has exposed that many products labeled as halal contain pork products.

HMC (Halal Monitoring Committee) was formed to ensure that the nourishment of Muslims was according to Islamic law and expose the malpractices of the halal industry.

Halal is something which is considered permissible or lawful in Islam.
Haram is something which is considered impermissible or unlawful in Islam.

HMC Certified butchers in West London are:

• Hanif Halal Meat, 181 The Broadway, Southall, UB1 1LX
• New Umama Halal Butcher, 23 King Street, Southall, UB2 4DG
• Al-Ansar, 15 Regina Road, Southall, UB2 5PL
• Bismillah Halal Market, 40 Cold Harbour Lane, Hayes, UB3 3EP
• Shaheen Halal Meat, 1322 Greenford Road, Greenford, UB6 0HL
• Nayyar Halal Meat, 73 Oldfields Circus, Northolt, UB5 4RU

HMC Certified restaurants and takeaways in West London are:

• Pepe's Piri Piri, 168 The Broadway, Southall, UB1 1NN
• Griller (12), 96 The Green, Southall, UB2 4BG
• Lahori Bites, 1340 Greenford Road, Greenford, UB6 0HL
• Shaik's Restaurant, 47-49 Spring Grove Road, Hounslow, TW3 4BD
• Marhaba Chicken & Pizza, 232 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, W12 7JD