2.1.

HALAL CONCEPT
2.2. Definition of halal.
Halal originates from an Arabic phrase that means allowed or permitted by Islamic Law.
Halal simply means permitted or lawful. Halal foods mean any foods that are allowed to be
eaten according to Islamic Sharia law. This means that for any food to be considered halal it
must comply with the religious ritual and observance of Sharia law.
In reference to food, it is dietary standard, as prescribed in the Quran, the Muslim
scripture. General Quranic guidance dictates that all foods are Halal except those that are
specifically mentioned as Haram (unlawful or prohibited). When the term is used in relation
to food in any form whatsoever, in the process of trade or commerce as an aspect of trading
or part of an aspect of trading for the referred food, the terms Halal, Guaranteed Halal or
Muslim Food or any other terms that may be used to indicate or may be understood as
meaning to indicate as permissible to be consumed by Muslims and allowed in their religion
for the referred food to be consumed, must therefore mean the following, that is, the food for
which such terms are being used:
a. Does not stem from or consists of any part of or item from animals that are
forbidden to Muslims by Islamic law, or animals that have not been slaughtered
according to Islamic law.
b. Does not contain any substance that is considered impure in Islamic law.
c. Is not prepared, processed or manufactured using equipment or utensils that are not
free from impurities as defined by Islamic law
d. That, in the preparation, processing or storage stage, does not come in contact with
or is stored near any kind of food that does not meet the requirements of para(s)
(a), (b) or (c) or any substances that are considered impure by Islamic law.

Opposite to Halal is Haram, which means unlawful or forbidden. The life of the
Muslim revolves around the concept of Halal. A Muslim must consume Halal food and
drink. The concept of Halal in Islam has very specific motives;
1. To preserve the purity of religion
2. To safeguard the Islamic mentality
3. To preserve life
4. To safeguard property
5. To safeguard future generations
6. To maintain self-respect and integrity.

2.3. Guidelines of halal.

Within the Islamic religion, a strong emphasis is placed on cleanliness, both spiritually
and in the context of food and drink. For a food and drink product to be approved for
consumption it must conform to the Islamic dietary laws.
The guidelines are meant to guide and serve as a reference point for any authority
responsible for halal certification to determine whether a product is halal or not. The guides
also aim to provide entrepreneurs and the public (Muslim or non-Muslim) with an
understanding and clarification of the aspects of halal according to Islamic principles that
encompass preparation, processing, storage, packaging, handling and transportation of food,
beverage and consumer goods applicable to Muslims.
In the selection of food and drink, Islam has laid down three very important guidelines,
namely;
1. Whether the consumption of the foodstuff is prohibited by Allah,
2. Whether the foodstuff is obtained through Halal or Haram means, and
3. Whether or not the material is harmful to health.
As an example, any pig product is considered Haram because the material itself is Haram.
Whereas beef from an animal that has not been slaughtered, according to Islamic rites would
still be considered Haram.

2.3.1.

Sources of food and beverage

a) Land animals
Animals not slaughtered in accordance with Islamic principles.
Swine and dog.
Animals which have fangs or tusks for hunting other predators such as tigers,

bears, elephants, rhinoceros, cats and other similar animals.

Birds with talons, sharp beaks, birds of prey such as eagles, owls and others

similar.
Animals that are sanctioned by Islam to be killed like rats, scorpions, crows,

centipedes, snakes and the like.

Animals which are forbidden in Islam to be killed such as ants, bees,

woodpeckers, swallows and spiders.

Animals which are considered as repulsive (foul) in Islam such as lice, flies,

maggots and the like.

Animals that live on land and in water (both worlds), such as frogs, crocodiles,

turtles, seals and the like.

All plants and animals derived through biotechnology are deemed halal except
for those produced using the DNA from any one of the swine or dog species.

b) Water animals
Water animals are animals which live in water only intrinsically. They are
clean and can be eaten, except for those that are poisonous, intoxicating and
harmful to human health.
c) Plants
All plant types and their products are deemed halal except for those which are
poisonous, intoxicating, pose a danger to human health and biotechnology
produced plants using DNA derived from forbidden substances.
d) Beverage
All types of water are deemed halal for drinking except those that are
poisonous, intoxicating, alcoholic, harmful to human health and polluted by
wastes.
e) Natural substances
All natural substances such as water, minerals and others are permissible
unless polluted by sewage, are toxic, intoxicating and dangerous to health.
f) Chemical substances
All chemical substances are deemed halal unless those polluted by sewage, are
toxic, intoxicating and dangerous to health.

g) Food additives
Food additives such as stabilizers, emulsion, colouring and others are deemed
halal except those from animal sources which are forbidden under Islamic law.

2.3.2.

Muslim consumer goods

a) Cosmetics
Cosmetics are substances or ingredients that consist of various elements to be
applied to the body, rubbed, scrubbed, wrapped, affixed to, or applied with the
intention of enhancing beauty such as hair dyes, powder, lipstick, nail coloring

and the likes.

Cosmetics derived from plants and chemicals can be used unless poisonous
and harmful to health. Cosmetic products made from halal animals slaughtered

in accordance with Islamic law are also permissible.

b) Clothing and equipment
Clothing and equipment derived from plant sources are permissible.
Materials and clothing made from animal fur can be used except for pig and

dog fur.
Clothing materials made from bones, horns, claws and teeth of animals that

are halal when slaughtered according to Islamic law are permissible.

Clothing and tools that are made from animal skin (except swine and dog) and
have been cleansed according to Islamic law are permissible.

REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

http://www.halal.gov.my/v4/index.php/en/garis-panduan/takrifan-halal
http://www.halalchoices.com.au/what_is_halal.html
http://www.isnahalal.ca/pdf/Halal%20info.pdf
http://www.islamiccouncilwa.com.au/halal-certification/halal-guidelines/
http://www.halal.gov.my/v4/index.php/en/garis-panduan-mobile