To serve Muslim guests on a Halal salami pizza?

[DrSeuss]

Salaam Alaikum to our Muslim sisters. Not looking to debate the pros and cons of Islam so please no hijacks. Straight question-vegetarian pizza dough with mozzarella and Halal salami, cooked in a tray that has been used for all sorts in a non-Muslim household. acceptable to Muslim guests or not? A champagne toast for the birthday girl where you are given sparkling apple juice and invited to join in- OK or would you prefer to sit in the living room while we do that in the dining room? The lady in question is a very dear friend and it is very important to me tat she be made welcome and feel comfortable. I have no wish to debate whether that's the "right" thing, I only want to know the best way to do this. Thanks. Shukran. Shukryah.

To feed Muslim guests, even.

bump for you

Is there a reason you don't feel comfortable checking with your dear friend about whether either option is ok?

why not cook fish

I agree with mrsmuddy puddles - ask your friend or buy a cheapy baking tray and a veggie pizza. I think you are maybe over thinking this.

She will do whatever I want to do and sit there feeling uncomfortable because she's a really sweet person. She will not take pizza from the buffet if she thinks it's iffy, say nothing and go hungry, making up an excuse about having eaten earlier. She will never give anyone trouble so I tend to do the trouble part myself and present her with something that's my best effort.

It would BU to eat your guests on pizza.

If it was me I would probably not bother with the salami. My muslim ex-BIL used to always go for a veggie or fish option. I would think she would be happy to join in a champagne toast.

I am confused by the concept of halal salami. I would avoid this and I am not strict. Agree re veggie pizza. I would be surprised if she asked you about the baking tray. If she was that worried I suspect she will decline to come or decline to eat.

Whether she would wish to join in with a champagne toast is highly individual, but you are offering a soft drink alternative, so it is inoffensive.

Depends just how observing your friend is, would she eat in a restaurant that serves Halal but happily sells alcohol? If yes then I'd say there's no problem with toasting together with alcohol /sparkling juice. As for the food, can you ask her what she is comfortable with? Maybe buy a new tray to cook the pizza or lay down lots of tinfoil on the tray. She may still not want to eat the pizza if it is being cooked in an oven that has had pork cooked in it. Best to check with her as then you wont be offended if all your hard work goes to waste and it will stop any awkwardness on the day. Hope that helps.

I thought of the salami because it is so easy to get such things where we live. No harder than getting the usual stuff so I might as well.

I think the salami is Halal chicken and it will be easily bought in a Muslim run shop. As I said, Halal food is sold alongside the other stuff where we live.

Thanks, Stethoscope.

Steth, even. Autocorrect!

What will you be serving everyone else?

Pizza, homemade.

Ha ha Stethoscope!

I would just make a nice veggie pizza. Grilled courgettes, peppers, onions and sweetcorn? They don't take much time to prepare.

Or ask her!

But isn't salami made of pork? Confused....

Yes, it is normally pork but this is chicken or beef.

Why don't you just make a veggie one? And buy a new cheapo baking tray?

When I do celebrations involving Muslim friends (OH is Muslim but not very Halal about it) I tend to do one things that is suitable for all.

You could do BBQ chicken pizza and Halal Salami? (OH didn't realise that all salami wasn't halal until I told him)

I just always have non alcoholic options available and offer both to everyone. So non Muslims are offered the sparkling grape and champagne as are Muslims.

I would either do something veggie or make a special point of telling your friend that the salami is halal. She might worry otherwise and refuse it unnecessarily out of politeness and not wanting to make a fuss by asking.

if its halal chicken salami then its fine. as mentioned above do tell her its halal otherwise she may not know and just avoid it.
i would eat halal chicken salami, as for the baking tray put foil on it, should be fine?
the alcohol really depends on the person, if she was extremely strict she wont come at all with alcohol present at the party.. would be suprised if she wants to join the toast with the apple juice as that may be a bit "much" but then at the same time putting her in another room is a bit much the other way - i would just give the juice but dont make her join the actual toast?

im sure if she knows how much effort u put and that u do really care whether she is comfy and happy with everything, then it all will be absolutely fine as you do sound like u are trying ur best to make her welcome and happy, so im sure she will appreciate that

Thanks, Firawla, I do try.

Mrs Micawber, isn't there a Jewish festival where you drink till you can drink no more? Which one is it, sounds fun!