Could halal food fight Islamophobia?

How do we reconcile the growing popularity of halal foods in North America with the increasing number of attacks on mosques and the dreadful shootings in Quebec City?

In the United States alone, more than 120 mosques have been attacked in the last two years. Regrettably, we’re seeing the same pattern in Canada.

But as the number of hate crimes directed at Muslims increases at an alarming rate, sales of food prepared in accordance with Islamic law are rising by 15 per cent a year, on average. In Canada, halal food sales now exceed $1 billion — and that will likely continue to grow rapidly.

As these two trends rise simultaneously, it’s reassuring to note the resilience in the halal food sales numbers.

This rise isn’t simply due to an increase of the Muslim population in Canada. Curious millennials are exploring food options, including halal. Gourmets and individuals with a keen interest in food have also converted to halal foods.

There are several halal cuisines. Customs vary between regions such as Pakistan, Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa, Bangladesh and India. Preparing food in accordance with Islamic law has different interpretations, making things complicated.

Traceability is also tricky. Consumers understandably seek evidence that practices are sound, from production to processing to distribution to retail. Canada adopted new labelling rules for halal products just last year. But the effectiveness of these rules is unclear.

The morality of halal foods is also contested. Islamic slaughtering practices have been condemned by several interest groups. For many, cutting and bleeding an animal to death is inhumane.

Nonetheless, the momentum behind halal food sales may offer hope. Can the increased popularity of halal foods offset the mounting cases of hatred toward Islam?

While religion and food become more decoupled in the western world, showcasing halal foods provides a window into a religion that’s often misunderstood. Food unites communities and allows for a better appreciation of cultural history. In this process, it’s almost impossible to set aside values and beliefs. Food is much more than a simple aspect for many. Food shows how pluralistic societies can serve multifaceted cultures. Food, at its core, is about sharing and connecting. It’s a powerful medium that can transcend hate, fear, love, phobia and distrust.

To be realistic, the acceptance of different cultures’ culinary traditions doesn’t necessarily lead to a more harmonious society. But it can help. Food can foster awareness and peace.

Cooking, the choice of ingredients, and how food is prepared and consumed tell us much about how people live. An association between people and food easily becomes a cultural blueprint for a society.

Failing to offer halal foods can suppress and marginalize certain values and customs. Canadian multiculturalism is about embracing diversity and that must extend to our dinner plates.

An increasing number of Canadians are embracing Islamic culinary values. Maybe more food connections will curb the chances of witnessing yet another barbaric, appalling act of violence.