Do Your Best and Allah Will Take Care of the Rest: Muslim Turks Negotiate Halal in Strasbourg

Abstract

As the market for Islamically permissible (halal) products expands, so do critical discourses on the production and consumption of halal in Europe. In France, one of Europe’s largest and fast growing halal markets, while some fear a halal takeover of the French foodscape, others question the authenticity of the products stamped with halal signs. This paper writes against both discourses by exploring the meaning halal takes beyond the sign. It examines how halal attains its meaning as a product of a complex relationship of trust. In describing this relationship, it draws on accounts provided by members of the Turkish community in Strasbourg, France and examines the decision-making process through which Muslim Turks navigate the European foodscape and access halal products. Rather than being driven by alarmist calls, the paper urges to revisit and learn from the ways Muslims negotiate halal in a field long shaped by uncertainty and doubt.

Comparison and Challenges in the Implementation of Halal Food Laws in Malaysia, the Netherlands and United States of America

“…Although their action goes directly against the Sharia law, they still display their (non) Halal certification due to marketing reasons. 33 From this example, we can confirm that some certifiers may adopt fast or cheap Halal certification to address the growing Muslims demand regardless of whether they adhere truthfully to Halal/Haram concept or not. In doing so, some opportunist Muslim groups may have operated Halal certifying business to fill in the "gap.…”