Dedza chief suspends pork in market, bows to Malawi Muslim demands: Sells only halal meat

A traditional leader in Malawi’s central district of Dedza, Sultan Tambala has ordered traders who sell pork at main market there, to stop selling pork until he look into the complaints by Muslims that those who are selling meat from pigs are violating the rights of Muslims.

A local radio said Muslims in the area complained to the chief that selling pork at the market is an insult to their religion.

However, chairperson for the market wondered why the Muslims raised the issue this time around “since pork sellers have long been operating outside the main market without problems.”

Months ago Muslims in Malawi’s northern district of Mzimba threatened to use force should the M’mbelwa District Council authorities fail to meet their demand to establish separate selling points for pork from other meat in the district’s markets.

Last year Village Headman Busiri of Traditional Authority Chowe in Malawi’s southern district of Mangochi issued a seven-day ultimatum to pig farmers to leave his area.

In Arabic the word halal means ‘permitted’ or ‘lawful’ and defines anything that is allowed or lawful according to the Qur’an.

It is often used to indicate food – particularly meat – has been prepared in accordance with Muslim principles and techniques.

Muslims are forbidden from eating any non-halal food and meat from pig .