Assalamu alaikum,

We have had some new changes at the Halal Consumer magazine, and I am pleased to introduce myself as the new editor! I am so excited to be on board and will continue to bring you the latest trends and developments in the ever-changing halal landscape!

In this issue, we will take inspiration from Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and learn how his balanced diet and spiritual etiquette offer practical wisdom that contrasts with today’s popular diets. Our recipes also reflect a balanced diet, from salmon kebabs to a hearty soup. In addition, we have a wonderful treat for you, where you can try your hands at recreating the viral Dubai Chocolate Knafeh bar.

IFANCA has been working hard to address issues of food security which are crippling many across the country. In our Feature article, we present various projects that we have initiated that go beyond halal certification. In order to promote health equity issues, we have created partnerships to eradicate polio.

Our Spotlight feature highlights the extraordinary work done by the Abrahamic Center for Cultural Education (ACCE), as they seek to build bridges with the wider community in Chicago, Illinois. The center is a great resource for academic institutions as they provide information about Islam and Muslims through innovative means including an art gallery, creative events, and educational presentations, in addition to interfaith activities.

The food industry can be full of surprises and you may not always be getting what you paid for. Our article on “Food Fraud” looks into ways consumers can avoid falling into fraudulent traps. We also include an article on “Decoding Ambiguous Ingredients,” which aims to provide clarity on ingredients that are perceived to be haram.

We may not always have time or energy to go to the gym and partake in rigorous workouts. In the article, “A NEAT way to stay fit,” our personal trainer offers neat ways on how your simple daily actions can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, on days when you cannot do regular exercises. We also have “A Special Focus on Men’s Health,” which brings attention to common health issues such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and what preventative measures you can take to improve your health.

Be sure to follow us on all our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Youtube, and LinkedIn, for all the latest news about Halal Consumer Magazine and IFANCA. You can also email us at halalconsumer@ifanca.org with any questions or feedback. We love hearing from our readers!

Sincerely,

Zehra Jafri

Editor