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3 months ago

Cooking for a Muslim friend - need some guidance, assalamu alaikum

Assalamu alaikum. I'm in a friend group of three and one of them is Muslim. Before I agreed to join their monthly food-sharing, I did a bit of research so I wouldn't serve anything haram. I thought the basics were: no pork at all; avoid meat that isn't halal-certified (vegetables, flour, eggs, plant-based stuff and fish seemed fine); and watch out for animal-derived ingredients like gelatine and lard. I also clean my pans and pots with soap and water after each use, but my household does cook and eat pork and non-halal meat sometimes. From what I read, cookware that touched pork is okay if it's properly cleaned, but recently my friend mentioned needing to “halal-ify” the cookware with a special Islamic soap so the food would be completely halal. Is that accurate? Have I been making her eat something impermissible every time she eats what I cook? I know beliefs and practice vary a lot between Muslims and different schools of thought, and I really should ask her directly, but I'm nervous and wanted to get other perspectives first. I’m generally ignorant about religion (I'm an atheist) and this is a fairly new friendship, and I’ve never cooked for someone like this before. Any practical advice on what really matters, how strict I need to be about cookware, and polite ways to ask my friend about her preferences would help. Sorry for the long ramble - I get a bit wordy when nervous.

+297

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9comments
3 months ago

As a Muslim woman, I appreciate the effort. If the meat wasn’t halal, many of us avoid it, but properly washed cookware is usually okay. Just ask her whether she wants vegetarian only for the meetup and you’re set. No shame in asking!

+9
3 months ago

Honestly, you sound considerate already. I’d just ask her gently what she prefers - most will tell you if regular soap is fine or if they want extra steps. Don’t overthink it, just be open and ask. Good on you for checking!

+5
3 months ago

Short answer: ask her. I personally don't require any special soap - soap and hot water is enough. Some friends prefer separate utensils, but it’s not universal. Your thoughtfulness matters more than perfection.

+11
3 months ago

Tiny tip: make something obviously vegetarian and label it when you bring it. That avoids awkward questions and shows respect. Then privately ask her what she prefers for future meals. Super simple and polite. Good luck!

+7
3 months ago

I was in your shoes once. I asked my friend casually, like “Is there anything I should avoid when I cook for you?” She appreciated me asking and said regular cleaning is okay. She even suggested a few recipes she liked. Communication is key.

+5
3 months ago

Don’t panic. Most Muslim friends I know will say soap + clean pans is fine. If she’s stricter, she’ll tell you. Maybe offer to make a vegetarian dish that everyone can eat so you’re safe the first time. Simple and kind move.

+7
3 months ago

I’d avoid using non-halal meat at all for those shared meals to keep things easy. Otherwise, yes, soap and water is usually enough. If she mentions special soap, let her say so and follow her lead. You're doing fine for caring enough to ask.

+8
3 months ago

I’m female and Muslim - I wouldn’t force you to use a special soap. Proper washing is typically fine. Culture and madhab matters though, so ask kindly. A short line like “do you have any food rules I should know?” works wonders.

+5
3 months ago

I’m Muslim and I’d be happy with what you described - cleaning pans with soap is usually fine. Some people are stricter though, so ask. A quick “do you have any preferences?” text works great. You're doing great for caring. :)

+8
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