According to Islam, it is forbidden for Muslims to eat pork. That is why the Malays are always careful with their food so as to avoid pork or any item associated with it, such as bacon or lard. Many people won’t take any food if they know that it has been cooked in the same pan or pot which has been previously used to cook pork. For this reason, it is a very important consideration for non-Muslims who intend to invite their Malay friends for meals at a restaurant or at their homes. Pigs are regarded as unclean in Islam. Even coming into physical contact with those animals is bad, and that person has to cleanse himself in the proper way before he can pray. This is the reason why Malays avoid pigs. Shopkeepers who happen to sell pork should take note of this if they want to respect and maintain their Muslim customers.
Another animal regarded dirty by the Muslim is the dog. Should a Muslim be licked by a dog, he must cleanse himself in the proper way before he can say his prayers again. This is the reason why Malays are not particularly fond of dogs. Therefore, for a non-Muslim who receives a Malay visitor, it is best if he makes sure his dog is securely tied or kept away from his guest. Islam also forbids its followers from taking strong drinks such as alcohol. This is why Malays do not serve strong drinks to visitors.
Discussion:
- What kinds of restaurants can Muslims be invited to? (Volunteer to discuss with students concept of halal and pork-free. Also the purchase of halal products if they want to cook for their Muslim friends. Introduce the halal logo)
- Are there any food restrictions related to the students’ culture/ race/religion? Discuss. If student has no restrictions, they can discuss of any unusual or unique foods found in their country/ city.
- Volunteers can also inform students that there are also Buddhists and Hindus who do not take pork.
- Volunteers can also add in the Christian practice of saying grace for food and why grace is said.