Back in July 2007, a Reuters photojournalist and his colleague came under fire from a US Apache helicopter. The two were killed together with other Iraqis. In all, twelve were blown apart in a brutal use of US firepower.

When Reuters requested footage to gain insight into what really happened, it came to naught. An investigation into the incident turned out to be a mere cover up of the incident in which the crew were absolved of any excesses as they were simply firing at “armed insurgents.”

In press briefings, the Pentagon has enjoyed the use of footage to show the “precision” of laser-guided bombs and the way the US conducts her “responsible” warfare. It is done with Hollywood finesse as four-star generals show-off the “American might” from movie-set-like stages.

These briefings have so far been largely a propaganda exercise, a counterpart of embedded journalism, portraying the US in good light as the ultimate benign Big Brother.

Until last week, WikiLeaks has changed that with a release of video footage that turns the tables on the military misinformation mill.

The adage 'when in Rome do as the Romans do’ cannot supersede Islamic laws.

Islam embraces and adopts that which is good and serves the Cause whilst rejecting anything that goes against it. Travellers are vulnerable when away from their creature comforts of home. Thirsty, hungry and fatigued travelers could allow their guard to slip with small compromises.

Notions like it is “kosher” to eat food of the people of the book, a superficial assurance in a restaurant menu, accepting the word of a person serving the food because of his Muslim sounding name must be rejected. Travel certainly broadens the mind but has inherent pitfalls which must be avoided.

AT AIRPORTS
Non-Muslim owned places with Haraam food or alcohol on their menus cannot be patronized because of the high risk of contamination and Haraam ingredients that could be lurking in a host of foods such as sauces, breads, soups, etc. 

ON BOARD
Flaws in several airline catering kitchens have surfaced over the years. Many do not fully comprehend the true meaning and requirements of Halaal and rely on the concept “no wine-no pork equals Halaal.”

On short haul flights the safest is a fruit platter ordered in advance.  For long haul flights this can be supplemented with your own supply of a variety of snack type foods such as nuts, biscuits, dried fruit, confectionary etc. 

AT YOUR DESTINATION
Different standards apply in different countries. Whilst locals in some places may find it acceptable to partake of meals in restaurants that serve alcohol and some of which could even hold a Halaal certificate of some unscrupulous local body, remember that this is taboo in terms of the Shari’ah.

Outside South Africa extensive use of lard and tallow is made as a shortening agent in breads, rolls and cakes.  The fish burger that you have assumed as safe could contain Haraam animal or pig fat.

Do not abandon your usual high standards on any occasion.  Contact the SANHA helpline - 0861 786 111 to assist you in making your journey spiritually safer. Ask, ask, ask and if in doubt, leave it out. 

May Allah(SWT) make your journey a safe one, Aameen

In the mix of culture we are sometimes overtaken by events.
Muslim are now living among non-Muslim neighbours. They work with non-Muslim colleagues and socialise with non-Muslim friends. It is the reality of a multicultural society.

How far can we participate in festivities which are not Islamic?

It is commonplace to see a Muslim shop advertising an “Easter” or “Christmas” sale. “It is just a marketing strategy,” one would argue. At a social level we are also caught trying to “wish well” friends, neighbours and colleagues in their religious festivities.

What is Islamically acceptable? Do you cajole in matters of belief? Do you just “tell it like it is” that these are pagan-rooted practices?

Understanding is required in handling situations of this nature where sometimes you have to decline an invitation on belief grounds and you have to be excused for not participating in your corporate-organised “Christmas Ball” and many other situations we find ourselves in.

We are fortunate that we are living in a society which respects sensitivities of others and that our inability to take part in “faith-based” events of the nature contrary to our beliefs would largely be well understood.

Beyond excusing oneself from such events is the obligation of Dawah.
Wisdom is important in using every opportunity to highlight the origins of the many festivities which are rooted in ancient heathen practices and in the modern day, are steeped in irreligious materialism albeit with a smattering of divine worship.

It is important that we politely call to the true worship of monotheism remembering that: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Ahmad)
Our days of festivities are but the two eids. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam once saw the Ansaar celebrating a certain day. He inquired about that and was informed: “This is one of two days that we used to celebrate in Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance) and we continue to do so.” He replied: “Nay! Allaah has substituted for you two better days: the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adhhaa.” (Ahmad, an-Nasaa’i, and others)

A Muslim’s role is to invite humanity to the Straight Path. Imitating others can take us out of the fold of Islam.