A flyer linking halal food with terrorism has been circulating Brisbane’s southern suburbs, with concerned residents worried it could drive a wedge through the community.
The flyer, found at Yeronga, lists companies that certify their products as halal, claiming the certification is an “extortion racket” that “funds terrorism”.
But southside halal butchers rejected the claims, and said the community was supportive.
Daud Guushaa, owner of Yes Halal at Moorooka, said the flyer was disappointing, but said he had not experienced discrimination.
“We hate terrorism, we do not support those people ... halal has nothing to do with terrorism,” he said.
“I want the community to know there is no difference between halal meat and non-halal meat. It’s the same lamb and beef, except for praying while the animal is killed.”
Restore Australia chief executive Mike Holt said his group printed the flyers and had them distributed via letter boxes.
“We send out hundreds to people all over Australia,” Mr Holt said. “The halal fee is a scam ... it’s Islam enforcing unwanted religious fees on food.”
Restore Australia claims on its website that “extensive research” has proved “a portion of the money collected (by halal certification) goes to Muslim organisations that are ... terrorist groups waging war (jihad) against us”.
A University of Queensland academic says the flyer’s claims Islam is a “united and powerful force hostile to Australian interests” are incorrect.
“The claim that halal food funds terrorism is nonsensical,” UQ culture studies senior lecturer Dr Fiona Nicoll said. “There is no evidence provided to support the claim that halal certification is ‘similar to the Mafia protection racket’ or that businesses are threatened by such certification.
“Inciting others to spread this message seems motivated by hostility against Muslim residents.”
Kristen Lyons, from the Yeerongpilly Greens, said most residents had probably binned the flyers.
It also refers to Islam as an “evil ideology” and insists it is “not a religion”.
Facts
- Halal means “permitted” and is often used in reference to food and drinks
- The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils defines halal meat as from animals prepared according to Islamic law
- Before slaughter, a Muslim says, “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” or “In the name of God”