KUALA LUMPUR: Buying and eating food sold by Muslim traders who do not cover their aurat is allowed according to Islamic law.
Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri said this was so long as the food was halal and thayyib according to Islam’s terms of preparation, cleanliness and sales.
He said the issue often arose, especially during Ramadan, much to the annoyance of Muslims.
He said there was no detailed evidence in the Quran and sunnah on the prohibition of buying and eating food from such traders, as opposed to the obligation of Muslims to eat good food throughout their life on Earth.
“Many Quranic verses and sunnah tell Muslims to eat halal and good food. However, if they choose not to buy food from such traders, it is allowed, so long as they do not prevent others from doing so.
“This is to prevent misunderstanding among people.”
He said this view was based on the history of Sheikh ‘Ali al-Qari Rahimahullah in Mirqaat al-Mafatih, that the food of the righteous was essentially halal and would give effect to worship.
“It is based on the interpretation of Imam Qatadah Rahimahullah narrated by Abd al-Razzaq in Musannaf.”