Enquiring regarding halaal food when traveling

Question

My son will be traveling to Georgetown, Cape Town, and Johannesburg from 19th June to 1st July 2025, إن شاء الله. I would be grateful if you could kindly advise on how he can ensure the consumption of halaal food during his stay.

Specifically, is it sufficient to rely on the word of a Muslim in those cities (such as a waiter or staff member at a restaurant or hotel or any Muslim) who claims that the food is halaal? Or should he look for formal halaal certification or other signs of reliability?

Alternatively, should he just restrict himself to eating fish, eggs, vegetables, and lentils in case there is no guarantee in those cities?

Mufti Zakaria Makada · Accepted Answer

If he knows someone pious and reliable in the town, then he should enquire from him regarding halaal food outlets. If he cannot find anyone to ask, then he should exercise caution and eat non-meat foods for the time he remains there as a musaafir.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

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