UpRoar in Muslim McDonald's Attack
McDONALD'S latest bid to attract more customers -- Muslim fast-food lovers -- has caused uproar among customers. The fast-food chain has introduced halal products at two Melbourne restaurants, significantly boosting sales. Many non-Muslim customers are furious they were not told their hamburger meat was slaughtered and blessed in accordance with Islamic rules laid down in the Koran.
The arabic word (Halal) means lawful. In the Holy Quran, Allah commands Muslims and all of mankind to eat of the Halal things. Among the many verses of the Quran that convey this message, here is an example: O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome in the earth, and follow not the footsteps of the devil.
McDonald's consulted Muslim leaders before introducing halal products at a few outlets.
Halal meat is from animals that have been killed facing Mecca and blessed using the name of Allah.
According to one store an assistant manager said the move had attracted a surge of new customers. And sales have doubled.
The store does not tell drive-through customers about the change and has only one small sign inside advertising the move.
A resident Miriam McLennan was stunned to discover the hamburger she bought from the Brunswick East store was blessed.
"Just as a Muslim would not want to eat anything that isn't halal . . . I should have my rights to eat normal, ordinary food that hasn't been blessed," she said.
A Catholic Church spokesman said non-Muslims deserved to know if the food was halal before buying. But he said there was no biblical reason for Christians to avoid halal food.
A McDonald's spokeswoman said customers who did not want halal food should buy from any of its other stores.
