A simple guide to choosing mooncakes with confidence this Mid-Autumn Festival.
Nurul Assyakirin graduated from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) with a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Jurisprudence, majoring in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh. She currently serves in the Halal Certification Department at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), supporting Singapore’s halal certification and promoting greater public understanding of halal-related matters through educational outreach.
In brief:
Whether a mooncake is halal depends on its ingredients and how it is prepared.
✓ Look for recognised halal certification
✓ Check for lard and other animal-derived ingredients
✓ Look out for flavourings or ingredients with unclear sources
✓ If you are unsure: Check, Ask and Decide.
This article has been vetted by an ARS-recognised asatizah.
A pastry that symbolises togetherness
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, colourful mooncakes can be found across Singapore, marking the arrival of one of the season’s most cherished traditions.
More than just a festive delicacy, mooncakes hold deep cultural significance in Chinese tradition. Their round shape is associated with the full moon and represents reunion, harmony and family togetherness. They are often enjoyed with loved ones or exchanged as gifts to express gratitude, appreciation and well wishes.
For Muslims, receiving mooncakes from friends, neighbours or colleagues during the festive season may be a familiar experience. Understanding the significance behind mooncakes can help us appreciate the traditions of those around us, while making informed choices about what we consume.
Halal mooncakes: What determines their status?
Like other food products, the halal status of mooncakes depends on the ingredients and how they are prepared. Two main parts are worth looking at: the pastry skin and the filling.
a.The pastry skin
Traditional baked mooncakes are commonly made from flour, golden syrup, alkaline water and vegetable oil.
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