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Muslims Censure Shops for Pigskin Clothes in S. Africa
CAPE TOWN, July 29
(IslamOnline) - A leading Muslim organization in South Africa has criticized several clothing merchandise stores for failing to clearly label leather and garments made of pigskin, a South African newspaper reported Saturday.
Muslims are angry that many of these store which have a huge Muslim customer base do not label the pigskin merchandise as being such on the
outside of the product, The Independent daily newspaper said.
Pigskin garments in Edgars, Truworths, Foschini and Woolworths stores have inadequate labeling for the Muslim consumers and often the only indication
regarding the prohibited material can only be found inside the garment or on a swing ticket attached to the price tag.
In order to see these labels, one has to touch the garment. Islamic law prohibits the consumption of or wearing of any products of pig origin.
A Muslim consumer Shamiela Hassiem of Athlone bought a jacket recently from Woolworths, only to discover after taking it home that it was made out of pigskin when she checked the care instructions.
"There was absolutely no way I would wear it after I found out and I returned it. I
didn't even want to touch it," she told the Independent.
Maulana Yusuf Karaan, a senior member of Cape's Muslim Judicial Council, a halal certifying agency, urged the stores to be more sensitive to the concerns of their Muslim customers.
"It is the duty of the MJC, as the major halaal certifying body in the Cape, to contact these stores and suggest (that they) make more announcements to people regarding their goods made from pigskin, and to monitor the situation if possible," Maulana Karaan said.
Maulana also asked the Muslim customers to make their voices heard by contacting the stores regarding this issue.
"They should insist that the managers of stores place notices in bold writing and in prominent places, with the purpose of warning Muslims," he added.
South Africa's 600,000 Muslims constitute a tiny minority of 2% in a nation of 40 million and yet they form one of the most pro-active and visible communities in the world.
Several Madaris, Masajid, and Islamic organizations flourish throughout the country. A host of Islamic organizations provide Halal certification services which are utilized by food producers in marking their products.
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