Question:
It has come to my attention that I consumed something not halal verified. Initially, before consuming this item, I had some doubts. However at the time of consuming, I believe my doubts were mostly cleared. A few days after that I was informed that it, in fact, was not certified halal, may contain haram ingredients and contamination could have occurred. Since then, I have made Istighfar and sincerely asked allah to forgive my shortcomings as I’m filled with a lot of regret and worry.
However, I’m concerned about the acceptance of my duaas and ibaadat since then as I’ve heard if one consumes haram, his a’maal of 40 days won’t be accepted. What is the state of my ibaadat?
Answer:
Your conscientiousness with regard to the consumption of Halaal food is truly commendable.
A food item not being certified by a Halaal certifying body does not automatically imply that the item is Haraam. It is always pertinent to discern for oneself whether the ingredients are suitable for consumption, regardless of whether the item has been certified or not. Should you have any doubt, it would be best to refrain.
The words of Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam are general, so if the item was actually Haraam, it will include your situation especially since you were hesitant but still went ahead. However, the other side of the coin is that we don’t know what the actual fact is according to Allah Ta’ala; so our duty is to have hope that Allah Ta’ala will not let the effect take place, if it was in actual fact Haraam. He is the Creator who has created that effect after all. So, you should continue making du’a and continue with your ‘ibaadah, especially since you have taken the necessary steps (Taubah, Istighfaar) to make amends for any possible shortcomings.
The objective of the Hadith is to show the ill effects of eating Haraam which will not change. However, there are many deeds that a person does which gives the effect of Du’a being accepted; so, the scales are by Allah Ta’ala and He knows best where every person stands. The ill effect of eating Haraam may be outweighed by some good deeds that cause Du’as to be readily accepted. So, take lesson from the Hadith and stay away from Haraam.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
عن أبي محمد الحسن بن علي بن أبي طالب، رضي الله عنهما ، قال : حفظت من رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم : “دع ما يريبك إلى ما لا يريبك؛ فإن الصدق طمأنينة، والكذب ريبةٌ” )رواه الترمذي)
وَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ فِيمَا أَخْطَأْتُمْ بِهِ وَلَٰكِنْ مَا تَعَمَّدَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا
5:Al-Ahzab
عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، قَالَ: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَضَعَ عَنْ أُمَّتِي الْخَطَأَ، وَالنِّسْيَانَ، وَمَا اسْتُكْرِهُوا عَلَيْهِ» (سنن ابن ماجه)