In recent developments in Moscow, delivery couriers have started refusing to deliver food items that are considered “haram,” or forbidden, in Islam.

The move has sparked discussions about religious practices and how they intersect with the growing food delivery industry.

What Is ‘Haram’ and Why It Matters

The term “haram” refers to anything prohibited in Islam, and for Muslims, it includes food items like pork, alcohol, and other substances that violate Islamic law.

For example, pork is strictly forbidden in Islam, and Muslims are not allowed to consume, handle, or even deliver pork-based dishes.

Delivery couriers in Moscow are now taking a stand, refusing to deliver these types of foods, especially those containing pork.

A Case of Refusal: Pulled Pork Order

One particular case involved a customer who ordered pulled pork with lobio (a Georgian bean dish) and French fries.

The courier responded with a message explaining that they could not deliver the dish because it was haram.

The customer was informed that a replacement courier would be sent instead.

This situation reflects a growing trend of delivery workers in Moscow sticking to their religious convictions by refusing to deliver food that contradicts their beliefs.

Support from Religious Leaders

Denis Hazrat Mukhutdinov, the Mufti of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM) in the Moscow Region, has expressed his support for the couriers’ actions.

According to Mukhutdinov, even handling food that is forbidden under Islamic law is considered sinful for a Muslim.

He emphasized that the same rules that apply to the consumption of alcohol also extend to food, meaning Muslims cannot be involved in its distribution, sale, or delivery.

“Muslims cannot deliver, hand over, or buy haram food for someone else,” Mukhutdinov explained.

This ruling aligns with the teachings of Islam, which clearly prohibit the consumption of certain foods and drinks.

The Foods Considered Haram in Islam

For context, Islam forbids the consumption of:

Pork and its byproducts
Meat from animals that died naturally or were slaughtered without invoking Allah’s name
Meat from sacrificial animals
Meat from birds of prey or predators
Meat from dogs, cats, reptiles, and any food or drink containing alcohol

These prohibitions extend to all aspects of daily life, including food delivery services.

Broader Context: Muslim Rights and Religious Freedom

This controversy over haram food deliveries comes on the heels of a separate incident in Russia’s Stavropol Territory, where authorities banned public Islamic prayers, or namaz, citing them as unauthorized mass gatherings.

This move faced strong opposition, particularly from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who criticized the ban as discriminatory.

He reminded the Russian government that Muslims are an integral part of Russia’s cultural and religious fabric, with millions of followers contributing to the nation’s diversity.

Islam’s Role in Russian Society

Islam is a significant religious minority in Russia, home to Europe’s largest Muslim population.

Estimates suggest that around 10-20% of Russia’s population is Muslim, and Islam has long been a part of the country’s cultural history.

The Russian government recognizes Islam as one of the traditional religions of the nation, and it has historically supported the religion, dating back to the reign of Catherine the Great.

In this context, the actions of the couriers and the broader conversation about religious rights reflect the ongoing discussion about the role of Islam in modern Russian society.

While some argue for religious freedoms, others are concerned about how these beliefs intersect with modern commercial and social practices.

This situation in Moscow not only sheds light on the personal beliefs of couriers but also raises questions about how religious convictions are navigated in public spaces and the modern economy.

The debate about haram deliveries is just one example of how Russia’s Muslim community continues to shape the country’s cultural landscape.