Pick and Pay Biltong

QUESTION:

Is Pick and Pay biltong Halaal?

ANSWER:

At the outset, it should be borne in mind that as Muslims, we should be cautious in regards to what we consume as this has a direct impact on the acceptance of our actions. The Quraan Sharif states:

يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا ۖ إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ  (المؤمنون آ:51)

“O Messengers! Eat of the pure things and carry out righteous actions. Indeed, I am aware of what you do.”

Mufti Shafi Saheb Rahimahullah mentions under the Tafseer of this verse that if one eats Halaal, then he will be given the ability to do good deeds; and if he consumes Haraam or doubtful food, then the Haraam or doubtful food will lead him towards sin. The Duas of such a person are rejected. This clearly indicates towards the importance of consuming Halaal.

Consider the following Hadith in which Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam expounded on the harms of consuming Haraam:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم “إنَّ اللَّهَ طَيِّبٌ لَا يَقْبَلُ إلَّا طَيِّبًا، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ أَمَرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ بِمَا أَمَرَ بِهِ الْمُرْسَلِينَ فَقَالَ تَعَالَى: “يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنْ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا”، وَقَالَ تَعَالَى: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ” ثُمَّ ذَكَرَ الرَّجُلَ يُطِيلُ السَّفَرَ أَشْعَثَ أَغْبَرَ يَمُدُّ يَدَيْهِ إلَى السَّمَاءِ: يَا رَبِّ! يَا رَبِّ! وَمَطْعَمُهُ حَرَامٌ، وَمَشْرَبُهُ حَرَامٌ، وَمَلْبَسُهُ حَرَامٌ، وَغُذِّيَ بِالْحَرَامِ، فَأَنَّى يُسْتَجَابُ لَهُ؟)صحيح مسلم #1015)

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu that Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Almighty Allah is Pure and only accepts that which is pure. And verily Allah has commanded the believers that which He has commanded the Messengers. Allah Ta’ala states: “O Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibaat (pure and wholesome) and perform righteous deeds.” Allah Ta’ala states: “O you who believe! Eat of the pure (lawful things) that We have provided you.” Then Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam mentioned a person who undertakes a lengthy journey due to which he is disheveled and dusty.  He spreads out his hands towards the sky saying “O Rabb! O Rabb!” whereas his food is Haraam, his drink is Haraam, his clothing is Haraam, and he has been nourished with Haraam, so how will his Dua be answered?

Now, coming to your query, we strongly advise abstaining from purchasing biltong or any meat products from Pick n Pay, due to fear of contamination. Yes, if it is prepacked and certified by a reliable Halaal authority, then you may purchase it.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 29 Dhul Hijjah 1446 / 26 June 2025

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb