I have a muslim family coming for dinner?

Question

This is the first time I will have them at home Alhamdullilah and Inshallah There will be many more, but I want to make them feel welcome and be a great hostes

Answer 1

If you have trouble finding halal meat, a simpler option would just be to serve seafood. Fish is good, and safe. =) Or veg. pasta.

Other helpful tips:

- If you have a dog, perhaps for the night you should place it in a separate place or room. Most Muslims are uncomfortable around dogs because of religious reasons.

- If the women guests only smile, but do not make a move to offer their hands to shake, consider skipping the handshaking. Some Muslims are more conservative than others, while some are more modern. Whatever happens, just continue to be gracious and let them feel welcomed.

- Politics should never be discussed at the dinner table. Unless you are very close friends with this family, I suggest you refrain from bringing up controversial topics (i.e. Iraq, President Bush, etc.) less you unintentionally offend them.

As a Muslim, it's the thought that counts. They will appreciate the lengths you went in order to respect their culture and background. Don't stress too much about it. =)

Answer 2

I hope your dinner will be a huge success!
The only things I can tell you about inviting muslim families to dinner is they do not eat pork. That means also no cooking in lard. Gelatin also is made of lard, so be careful of that. Some international or arabic stores sell gelatin made from beef or look for "hallal" gelatin. And, we dont comsume alcohol, even cooking wine or whatever. Depending on the muslim some are very strict,some are not, some people eat only "hallal" meat. Very similar to Jews who are very strict with eating kosher and some are not. Hallal means that the meat first isnt pork, and that the meat was killed in the name of god. Very similar to kosher. So to save yourself a headache later you might ask them if they only eat hallal meat or not. If they say they only eat Hallal meat then you will have to ask around or google where you can find hallal meatin your area. If they say we just dont eat pork, then go to you local grocer and pick up whatever you want, except a pork meat. By the way if they say they only eat hallal meat, seafood is considered hallal. You can pick that up at your local grocer. Just remember no pork and no alcohol. I hope your dinner is a huge success!

Answer 3

Serve a halal meal. In non-Arabic-speaking countries, the term "halal" is most commonly used in the context of Muslim dietary laws, especially where meat and poultry are concerned. This dichotomy of usage is similar to the Hebrew term "kosher".

The obvious list of things forbidden is pork and alcohol. However, it is more complicated than that. It is all based on the Koran.

Answer 4

It's your home :) I don't know the temperament of the family (or the dogs) so I don't know what to say about the dogs but some people just generally don't like dogs. If they (the family) want to play with them (the dogs) then let them. But no, just having a dog shouldn't bother them and if it does then well, that's their problem. I know you just want to be a good host but there's just no pleasing some people. And about blessings, say your blessing. They will probably just say 'Bismillah' (In the name of God I begin) because that's how Muslims begin their food (and most other tasks). My family usually say a blessing (they are Xtian) and they pray in the name of Jesus, but it doesn't annoy me because my intention isn't there to pray to Jesus.

Answer 5

Don't serve pork or alcohol! Other than that, I'm sure that the things you normally do to make your guests feel welcome will make them feel at home, too. If you want to go all out, you could buy Halal meats. Enjoy your evening.

Answer 6

In addition to the already listed comments regarding diet, you may want to refrain from shaking hands with a female guest, if you are male.

Answer 7

Aside form the obvious, no pork or alcohol, you should prepare dinner as you would for any other guests you would have for dinner. Relax, have fun and just be yourself.

Answer 8

Then don't try anything new. Call them and ask if there is anything that they can't or won't eat, go from there. Provide a healthy and fun meal, relax and be a good hostess.

Answer 9

What are you worried about? Just treat them as you would treat any other first-time guests coming over to your place. Be yourself, talk, be friendly, make sure they feel comfortable (be careful about food and drinks), all that kinda stuff.

Answer 10

Take the bacon off your door and don't serve pork.