As the saying goes, “Strike the iron while it is hot.” Similarly, when it comes to teaching a child, it is better to start cultivating good values at an early and impressionable age. This is applicable on many aspect of learning issues to a child, particularly when one wishes to inculcate a culture of preferring the consumption of Halaal-related substances.

Realising the importance of imparting Halaal education at tender age, the Halaal Department in-conjunction with Al-Mahmood Darul-Uloom administration under the leadership of Moulana Arif Ahmed Issa organised a talk on Halaal to students in Lilongwe under the theme ‘Halaal Discovery for Youth’ which was aimed at providing Halaal awareness to students. This was exemplary for Al-Mahmood management and it was recommended for other Islamic institutions to emulate such a gesture for children to acquire Halaal knowledge at their childhood age. Many parents would only just advise their children to consume what is Halaal without delving in details to them say on the process of how something is considered Halaal because the Halaal concept requires to be understood in its wider context. In considering today’s world, children spend more time away from their parents, whether at school or in a tuition classes, which compels them to undertake smart decisions when ordering their own food. Family or collectivist culture plays a vital role in educating family members on the importance of Halaal food.

However, parents need immerse knowledge, tools and incentives to provide right food options in helping guide their children with wider choices. Studies have revealed that subjective norms are significant where families, friends and colleagues play an important role for Muslims especially when it comes to choosing Halaal options.

In addition, many factors may influence children’s consumption behavior regarding Halaal options. The young consumers’ purchasing behavior are mostly influenced by friends when they live away from their families. In this case, children are supposed to be taught by their parents as they are young themselves to develop and educate such attitudes for themselves, especially adolescent youths. The education should start from the early stages at which parents might influence the children by becoming a positive role model.

Children should understand the essence of eating only what is Halaal and healthy, but it is also important that they understand why they need to do so. If the right knowledge on Halaal matters has been embedded in them in their early years, it will continue to benefit them up until adulthood.