I am a practicing muslim, but my family are (somewhat) Christians. Can you help?

Question

My Aunt has invited me to dinner. The main course is red beans and rice( which I love!) but the problem is that she cooks pork sausage in the beans. How can I get through the dinner without hurting her feelings. (Canceling is not an option)

Answer 1

can you ask her to put some of the beans aside, before she adds the pork? if not, take a salad or a small dish with you, that you can eat,,,,,, if she knows your diet restrictions, as a polite hostess she should accomodate it, and have something you can eat, no matter how she personally feels about your choices,,,,,, so if she knows and doest have a dish for you, its not rude to take your own,,,,, if she doesnt know it was your obligation to let her know when you accepted the invitation,,, and now if its too late to do that, its ok to take your own dish,,,, family should follow the same rules of manners that anyone does,,,

Answer 2

Maybe it will help explaining to her that you are not allowed to eat pork. Ask her to cook a portion of the beans without the pork for you. remember to tell her that you love her cooking. Aunts love to fuss over their nephews (unless ur harry potter) so she may be happy to oblige. Nowadays most people understand the concept of catering for different types of people since diversity and interaction have become part of living together peacefully. Every one is more vocal about their need and there are always vegeterians or muslims or jews who have to be catered for at dinner parties ect.

Answer 3

I've had to deal with various dilemmas like this, because I'm a vegetarian. What I have done is just eat the food that is vegetarian there, and simply not eat the other stuff. No one really makes a big deal out of it. They understand that it's my choice to be vegetarian, and they know why I chose to eat the select foods I did, and they know not to be offended.
So make sure that she knows you really love her cooking, but that due to your faith, that is why you do not eat the beans and rice. And be sure to not be condescending. This is very important. You don't want to come across as "holier than thou." Don't look down on them for choosing to eat it. Just say that for you, as a Muslim, you can't eat it.

Compliment the other food that you can eat. And try to not make too big a deal out of it. Maybe they won't even notice.

Answer 4

Ok i understand your situation. You have to inform everybody around you that you are a Muslim. Basic rule of being a muslim is not eating pork and you stand firm . There are no other choise either you don't eat it or they cook something else. If they were to be angry (which i'm sure they won't) then apologise in the most polite way and explain to them why. I'm sure they'll understand. Do not argue but explain gently yet standing firm.

It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people.

The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.”

[Al-Qur’an 16:125]

Remember you are not suppose to eat pork whatever reason.

Answer 5

i just want to make it clear that lieying in Islam is a great sin, so if you want to do any of these following, then you have to do it for real, such as be a real vageterian, or get an adviced from a real doctor..etc

- tell her i am trying to be a vageterian. ok forget this one.
- throw a dead fly in your plat, and pretend like you can't eat that. ok forget this one too
- call her on the phone and tell her to make a different food, because your doctor told you to not eat any pork for few days.
- after when everyone take all the beans (everyone got his amount of beens, and nothing remain from the beans) drop the juice or water on your food, and pretend like the food is no good anymore to eat.
- want more ideas?

Answer 6

In Islam if there is something on the table you dont like or cannot have dont have it. Yes its true you cant hurt your anties feeling so try to eat anything that is Halal.

Whats better is actually talking to your aunty about Islam and that certain food is prohibited i hope she understands. Take this as a test from Allah, life is a test and Allah will test us through out our lives and He will keep testing us BUT he wont give us a test we cannot pass.

Inshallah try speaking to your aunty if not (tell her a day before)
eat what ever is halal

Maybe what if you get halal meat?

Answer 7

You said you are a practicing Muslim; so your dear Auntie shall appreciate if you touch that food only which religiously halal. Remain courtious and respectful to your Aunt, except bargaining your practicing Muslim deeds.

Answer 8

oh my brother I'm sure that she loves and respect you more than the pork sausage ;p
she know that you're Muslim and she'll appreciate that , you are like her son and no problem to explain that to her .
tell her before coming that you like her food soooo much but you afraid if something couldn't let you enjoy it !

good luck in'sh'allah and have a nice dinner ^_^

Answer 9

Just ask if something else can be prepared for you or if you can bring something else. This thanksgiving my family was in town and well my 16 year old niece, decided she was going to be a vegetarian, had been one for about a month at the time.

Answer 10

Light, you're an idiot........ unfortunately, you're an idiot who is good at sounding intelligent. If you read the REST of the Bible, it tells of the Lord telling Paul that pork is fine to eat now because Christ is the NEW covenant.... that's the same reason we Christians don't have to sacrifice a burnt offering anymore. (BTW, we also needn't go confess our sins to any priest.... different story)

Del, You're absolutely right.