Sorting Halal and non-Halal trays correctly shows respect for religious practices and keeps hawker centres orderly.
SINGAPORE: Putting things where they belong should be second nature—or should it? Most of us learn early on to sort things—square pegs into round holes and all that jazz. Yet, some seem to have missed this simple lesson.
A recent post on the Facebook group Complaint Singapore highlighted the messy situation at the tray return area of a Joo Koon hawker centre. Despite clear labels at the tray return stations, Halal and non-Halal trays were mixed up. Green Halal trays were found haphazardly left at the non-Halal tray return station, while non-Halal crockery and utensils were found on Halal trays.
Nasir Uddin, who shared the photo, expressed his disappointment: “We should return the tray accordingly and respect religious [matters].”
The issue, however, is more complex than it appears, especially when it comes to Halal food and utensils.
The Argument for Separate Tray Return Areas
For some Muslims, separating Halal and non-Halal items is a necessity. Under the Shafi’i school of thought in Islam, which most Muslims in Singapore follow, utensils used for non-Halal food, especially pork, must undergo a ritual cleaning process known as sertu—washing the utensils with water mixed with soil and then with water six times. This is done to ensure they are clean and suitable for use with Halal food.
Given the limited resources in hawker centres, it’s easier to simply separate the utensils to avoid cross-contamination rather than risk improper cleaning.
The Argument for Unified Tray Return Areas
On the other hand, some Muslims, particularly those following the Hanbali school of thought, argue that while ritual cleansing is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Absolute purity is impossible to achieve, and placing Halal trays next to non-Halal trays may not cause contamination.
There are also questions about whether the trays themselves become impure from non-Halal food. If contamination is inevitable, some wonder whether separating tray return areas is simply a symbolic gesture rather than a practical solution. According to Muslim.sg, food contaminated unintentionally in trace amounts is still permissible in Islam.
They’re All Washed Together Anyway, Right?
Some commenters pointed out that Halal and non-Halal crockery are often washed together, questioning whether separate tray return stations serve any real purpose. However, MUIS regulations state that Halal crockery should be washed separately. In food courts with only a few Halal vendors, it’s common for Muslim vendors to handle their own crockery washing, according to netizens.
Everything In Its Right Place
This isn’t a black-and-white issue, and while we can debate the practicality of separating utensils, one thing is clear: putting things where they belong is basic etiquette. When it comes to respecting religious practices, it’s a matter of showing respect, not just following rules.
Leaving your tray in the wrong place doesn’t accomplish anything except inconvenience the cleaning staff and the Muslims who use the establishment. Just because there’s no room on the non-Halal rack doesn’t make it okay to leave it there. So, if you’re throwing your tray anywhere without thinking, perhaps it’s time for a little sorting practice—just like those baby toys. At least we’re all putting our trays back, right?
