In Dhaka, Bangladesh, an organisation named Muslim Consumer Rights Council held a rally in Bangshal area seeking a boycott of restaurants that do not serve beef. The protestors said that beef dishes should be mandatory in the menu of all restaurants and the restaurants that fail to comply should be shut down.
They indicated that the restaurants that do not serve beef are against Islamic ideologies.
Dhaka Tribune quoted Muhammad Arif Al Khabir, the convener of the council, saying that beef is a symbol of Islamic identity and Western nations that do not have halal food in their restaurants are displaying a double standard.
Dhaka Tribune reported that the protestors had gathered in front of Hotel Al Razzaque in Old Dhaka’s Bangshal area, chanting slogans such as, “No-beef restaurants are agents of India and Hindutva. Boycott such establishments” and “Cow dung or beef? Beef! Beef!”
Muhammad Arif Al Khabir argued that eating camel meat is not obligatory, but it became a duty for Muslims to eat camel because they had to establish their allegiance to Islam over Jewish dietary rules. In a similar way, eating beef is not mandatory but it is necessary for Muslims to show their allegiance to Islam over Hindu beliefs.
He quoted verse 208 from Surah Al-Baqarah of the Quran, explaining, “Although eating camel meat is not obligatory, it became essential for a Muslim due to its connection to Jewish dietary laws. Similarly, in the context of Hindu beliefs, consuming beef becomes a declaration of faith for Muslims.”
Arif Al Khabir also stated that Western nations should also include Halal foods in their restaurants because they want to alienate Muslims. Jews and Christians in Western nations do not have Halal food in their restaurants, because they do not want to accomodate Muslims. Muslims have no other options but to open their separate Halal eateries.
Arif Al Khabir added that all restaurants should declare their support for Muslims by adding at least one beef dish in their menu. If they are not doing so, they must be agents of India and Hindutva. They should face a nationwide boycott, he added.
(OPIndia.com)
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