Am a new convert trying to understand something???

Question

I recently converted on December 31,2007 so things are new to me.

I heard someone say that a Muslim could not eat anything that has Mono Diglycerides in it that it was haram.

I don't even know what Mono Diglycerides are.

I did however start reading some labels and have found it is in so many things. Basic things like some breads.

Can someone please explain why they said it is haram.

Does it have anything to do with pork?

Should I start reading all the labels now?

Should I not be eating anything with this in it?

I Am confused???

Answer 1

Assalamu Alaikum,

congratulations sister,

well the Mono-Diglycerides fat content shouldn't contain pig/pork by product fat or oil, this is the only shortcoming otherwise it is permissible to be consumed.

as for pork, it is not Halal and Islamically prohibited because Allah (swt) knows that it is detrimental to health, and this is proved scientifically, and yes we should read all the labels so we avoid eating something Haram, it is that simple, check out the labels and note that:

All foods are considered halal except the following, which are haram:

    * Swine/pork and its by-products

    * Animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering

    * Animals killed in the name of anyone other than ALLAH (God)

    * Alcohol and intoxicants

    * Carnivorous animals, birds of prey and land animals without external ears

    * Blood and blood by-products

    * Foods contaminated with any of the above products

Foods containing ingredients such as gelatin, enzymes, emulsifiers, etc. are questionable (mashbooh) because the origin of these ingredients is not known.  

Answer 2

Some of the above answers have pretty much said it, but may I add, that hostess cakes, including twinkies, have pork gelatin in its filling; so stay away from those.

Answer 3

Asalaamu Alaikum! MashAllah

Monoglycerides may be derived from animal or soybean...they are used to combine all the ingredients together.

If you go to www.canadianhalalfoods.com, there is a section there that explains that if there is a Kosher symbol on the food item, it is an indication that it is soybean derived. I try not to buy too much outside foods and snacks anyway, to avoid having doubts about whether something is halal or not. But try your best sister, May Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala look at your intentions, and pave the path to make things easy for you InshAllah,, (Ameeen!)

yaar, I'm sorry. I was hoping my answer would satisfy your question. i won't say anything more to confuse u. but u cant take things that much to the heart that u stress over it, as it may lead u on a wrong path. I understand u want to avoid anything that is haram, but no one in this world can be perfect, you can only try your best, and as i mentioned before, Prophet muhammad, (S.A.W.) said that "Actions will be judged by intentions, and everyone will be recompensed according to what he intended" (Bukhari). Lastly, even i must admit, that site is confusing, but i meant to send u the link directed to your original question of the status on mono and diglycerides.

Answer 4

salam alayk sister.

i don't know what that thing is . i can't even pronounce it. and never heard of it. but if it's somthing to do with pork it is has to be haram. but i don't think you'll have pork in bread but it might be something that damadges the body and so maybe is haram. but don't take everything what pple here say. learn the religion from a scholer or books. may be that thing is not haram as well.  

Answer 5

I don't mean to offend anyone as I'm trying to be socially, culturally and religiously literate. BUT.

Believe in Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Believing not only means to accept Him, but to also live for Him alone; and we're guaranteed to be in Heaven with Him.

To see you questioning 'Mono Diglycerides' sounds so irrelevant because my Lord is more concerned about following His teachings and living for Him alone, than seeking if a chemical/whatever it's to get to Heaven. Rethink this.

Hello..? Your are questioning this because you ultimately fear you'll go to h**l if you intentionally ate something with 'Mono Diglycerides'.

I don't know. I live for God alone; food does not come inbetween this. God provides you with food, that is what I believe matters.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Believing in Jesus Christ means that you don't claim He is a Muslim prophet. Believing in Him means we are washed by His precious blood. Believing in Him means we are sinners, and only saved by Him.You don't live for Him.

Our interpretation  of Jesus adheres to Him coming as humble Servant and He will come back as a King. A great promise. Christianity is monotheistic. We believe in ONE God.

Does it say in the Quran 'Do not eat anything that contains Mono Diglycerides'...? What are you afraid of..!? Allah does not instruct you to do that.

Seriously. My God wants me to follow Him. It's not all about instructions. If it was all about instructions I would be a 21st Century Pharisee. It's about living for Him, He paid the ultimate sacrifice through His precious blood; He wants us to glorify Him everything we do. He wants us to love and have compassion for everyone.

My God instructs us to show and witness His great love to all mankind.

Now do you now how silly you sound worrying over 'Mono Diglycerides'...? Argh.

Yes. God is merciful. We are unworthy of Him. We are nothing, without Him. That is why He wants us to glorify Him. He has a great purpose for us all

Answer 6

I wouldn't say that Mono Diglycerides are Haram, as they seem to come form vegetable sources.  Though you do have to watch out for Gelatin which could come from "Animals in which the name of Allah has not been mentioned when slaughtered" or pork.  Allah knows best!

Answer 7

hello tygireye, i am a muslim, i am not a scholar, but i can safely say that u were misinformed, pork is haram in islam, and the meat of dead animals (sheep and cattle) that were not slaughtered in islamic (or christian or jewish ) way, alcohol is haram, apart from these things, u r free to eat almost anything, i have never heard of diglycerides of being haram

Answer 8

Asalaam Alaikum sister

I haven't been a Muslim long either but I never heard that. Don't eat pork or by-products there-of, which I know includes jello, marshmallows and things made with these and be sure to read labels to make sure pork, lard and

prior mentioned products aren't present. Oh and don't eat gummy bears and the like..

I hope this helps you and you are right to ask. Subhanallah

Answer 9

Mono Diglycerides are just a new name for Hydrogenated fats.

http://www.dldewey.com/columns/monodyf.h...

I have seen labels with it on stating its suitable for vegetarians and some say it MAY contain SLIGHT traces on vegetarian web sites of animal fats. So if the bread etc contains it and it has a suitable for vegetarian sign on it then its obviously not one of the ones derived from animal fats and is permissible. If it does not have a V sign suitable for vegetarians then obviously its not permissible.

This is the first time i have heard of it though and i have been a Muslim for 4 years my husband has been a Muslim all his life and he has never heard of it.

As a Muslim you are not required to be a scientist when looking at a loaf of bread. Yes as Muslims when shopping we have to be vigilant in what we buy I dont dispute that for a second but if it states suitable for vegetarians that is enough. Otherwise we would be analyzing ever single label and the sources of all MAY or MIGHT contain etc when if it has a V you can rest assure its permissible for you to eat.

There are things like Cochineal we have to look out for too. Example Actimal yoghurt's have some with a V and others without it that contain Cochineal (derived from insects). So you see if it has a V for Vegetarian you can pretty much relax and enjoy eating your food.

Allikum Salaam.