• Fostok Halab in Acton has drawn attention for selling shawarmas for £3. The owner emphasises ethical pricing in a world where inflated prices & dishonesty are the norm.
• This article examines Islamic business ethics, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). Muslims ought to be leading the way but many are sadly falling.
Let’s get this out of the way: this isn’t an article that transpires to be a sneaky advert for my cousin’s new shawarma place. There’s no discount code at the end, affiliated links, or influencers “stumbling across a hidden gem” in London.
This is about something far more rare and more important— integrity in business, it’s a celebration of something radical in today’s marketplace—honesty. And, unfortunately, a reminder of how exceptional it can be, even among Muslims in business.
Meet Fostok Halab, a humble Syrian shawarma outlet tucked in the back of a supermarket in Acton, West London. They’re selling shawarmas for £3—a price that feels unknown to Londoners. But what’s really captured the internet isn’t just the price — it’s the owner Mohamed’s unapologetic transparency and ethical practice.
When asked by an influencer why his shawarmas were priced so low, Mohamed offered a candid response. He explained that the actual cost of making one—factoring in the meat, bread, sauces, overheads, and labour—amounts to no more than £2.50. To charge £7, he implied, would be nothing short of unethical. This is refreshing in a market saturated with inflated prices and a relentless drive for profit at the expense of principle. A number of food reviewers on TikTok have also commended the exceptional flavour of the food.
Islam leaves no ambiguity on the matter. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as a mercy to all of mankind, guiding us in every aspect of our conduct—personal, spiritual, social, and commercial. As Muslims, we are called to emulate the most exemplary man to walk this planet. Rasool Allah (s.a.w) was an ethical and compassionate businessman who embodied transparency, fairness, and integrity in every transaction.
He said:
“The truthful and trustworthy merchant is with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 1209)
Yet, many merchants inflate prices without justification. Head to Southall Broadway for instance, and you’ll find an uncle who, more often than not, offers one price for a shalwar kameez to you, while charging an extortionate price to another sister, all because her shoes look fancy and she can’t speak the lingo.
Furthermore, many Muslim employers exploit their employees—imposing long hours, offering inadequate pay, and delaying wages. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against such injustices:
“Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2443)
Rasool Allah (s.a.w) also spoke about fair pricing. He taught that blessings in trade came from clarity and honesty:
“The buyer and the seller have the option of cancelling (the contract) as long as they have not separated, and if they spoke the truth and made things clear, they will be blessed in their transaction.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2079)
He called for compassion and kindness in all dealings, even when demanding debts or negotiating payments:
“May Allah have mercy on a man who is kind when he sells, buys, and demands his due.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2076)
And when it comes to how to deal with employees, Rasool Allah (s.a.w) said that employees should be treated with dignity and care, and like family:
“Your brothers are your responsibility. Allah has put them under your authority. So, whoever has a brother under his authority, let him feed him with the same food he eats, clothe him with the same clothes he wears, and do not burden him beyond his ability. If you burden him, then help him.”
Islamic ethics go beyond halal certificates. They demand justice. Transparency. Humanity. Consequently, it is heart breaking that as an ummah we often fall where we are supposed to lead, not because of the extra money we pay as consumers but rather because we are not following the example of the greatest man who ever lived (s.a.w).
