Halal is an Arabic term that means “permissible” or “lawful” under Islamic law, as outlined in the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). It primarily applies to food and drinks but extends to other areas of life, including financial transactions, cosmetics, clothing, and lifestyle practices.
In this guide we dive into:
- The concept behind halal
- Key criteria for halal
- What is halal certification
- Halal certification process
- How to get halal certification?
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Islamic Concept Behind Halal
Islam establishes a fundamental principle of natural permissibility and usability for everything on earth. This principle reflects Allah’s generosity and wisdom, as outlined in the Quran:
“It is He who created for you all that is on the earth…”
(Al-Quran 2:29)“Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and amply bestowed upon you His favors, both visible and hidden?”
(Al-Quran 31:20)
The underlying rule of Islamic law (Shari’ah) is that everything is allowed for human use and benefit unless explicitly forbidden by the Quran or the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This principle provides freedom and flexibility in choosing what to eat, drink, and use, provided it does not fall under the category of what is haram (forbidden).
“… He (Allah) has detailed to you what He has prohibited for you…”(Al-Quran 6:119)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further emphasized this in a clear and empowering statement:
“The halal is that which Allah has made lawful in His Book, and the haram is that which He has forbidden, and what He has remained silent about is a mercy for you.”
(Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
Key Criteria for Halal
To make it easier to understand, the prohibitions in Islam can be summarized with the mnemonic ABCD-IS:
A – Alcohol and Intoxicants
Any substance that causes intoxication or alters the mind is haram. This includes ethyl alcohol and recreational drugs.
B – Blood
Flowing or congealed blood, which is not properly drained during halal slaughter, is impermissible for consumption.
C – Carnivorous Animals
Predatory animals with fangs (e.g., lions, tigers) and birds of prey with talons are forbidden.
D – Dead Meat
Meat from animals that were not slaughtered according to Islamic rites or died naturally (carrion) is haram.
I – Food Dedicated to Idols
Any food or drink offered to deities other than Allah, or in the name of idols, is strictly prohibited.
S – Swine and its Derivatives
Pork, bacon, and any products containing pig derivatives (e.g., gelatin, enzymes) are entirely forbidden.
Below is the specific criteria for halal for different products:
Animal Products:
Animals must be slaughtered according to Islamic slaughter guidelines, which include:
- Recitation of “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) during slaughter.
- Ensuring the animal is healthy and treated humanely.
General Food Products:
Beyond meat, all other food products must also adhere to halal principles:
- Ingredient Compliance: The ingredients used in food must not include haram substances such as pork, alcohol, or derivatives from non-halal sources (e.g., animal-based gelatin or enzymes).
- No Cross-Contamination: Halal foods must not come into contact with non-halal items during storage, preparation, or processing. This applies to shared equipment, utensils, or storage spaces.
- Purity and Cleanliness: All food and beverages must be prepared in a hygienic environment that aligns with Islamic standards of cleanliness.
- Packaging: Food packaging should not contain any haram materials, and it must ensure that the halal integrity of the product is maintained during transit and storage.
Non-Food Products:
- Cosmetics: Must use halal-certified ingredients, avoid haram substances like pork derivatives or alcohol, and maintain purity.
- Pharmaceuticals: Ingredients and processes must avoid haram substances, with halal-certified alternatives prioritized.
- Nutraceuticals: All components, including capsules, must be halal-certified and alcohol-free or within permissible limits.
- Packaging: Materials must not contain haram elements, ensure hygiene, and preserve halal integrity during handling.
- Chemicals: Must be sourced from halal-certified origins, free from impurities, and certified to maintain compliance.
What is Halal Certification?
Halal certification is a formal process that verifies whether a product or facility complies with Islamic dietary laws. It ensures that the item or service meets the requirements of halal (lawful) and is free from haram (prohibited) elements.
Read More: Halal Certification Benefits for Manufacturers
Halal Certification Process:
Step 1- Application and Documentation:
- Companies submit an application detailing products, ingredients, manufacturing processes, and supply chain practices.
- Documents such as ingredient lists, supplier certifications, and manufacturing flowcharts are required.
Step 2- Audit and Inspection:
- An auditor reviews the production process, materials, and facility.
- Checks are conducted for cross-contamination risks, adherence to Islamic slaughter practices (for meat), and storage compliance.
- Laboratory testing for contaminants like alcohol or pork DNA may be required.
Step 3- Certification Approval:
- Once the product or service passes the audit, the company is granted a halal certificate and can use the certifying body’s halal logo.
Step 4- Annual Renewal:
- Certifications often require periodic renewal to ensure continued compliance.
Read More: Detailed Halal Certification Requirements and Process
How to Get a Well-Recognized Halal Certification?
Obtaining Halal certification is a strategic step that can open up new markets and build trust with Muslim consumers. To obtain halal certification, the first step is to complete an online application to qualify your products.
To opt for a well-recognized halal certification body, engage with a certification body with a network of global accreditations. Fill out this form to obtain a halal certification quote.
Get in Touch With a Halal Certification Expert
If you’re ready to begin your halal certification journey or have questions about the process, connecting with a halal certification expert is the first step.
A professional will guide you through the halal certification requirements, ensure your products and facilities comply with Islamic standards, and help you navigate audits and documentation with ease.
Reach out to an expert at +1 (514) 907-0983 or simply email us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a halal-certified product?
A halal-certified product is one that has been verified by an accredited halal certification body to ensure it adheres to Islamic laws, is free from haram substances, and meets cleanliness and ethical standards.
2. Who provides halal certification?
Halal certification is provided by recognized certification bodies such as the Canadian Halal Bureau, American Halal Foundation (AHF), JAKIM in Malaysia, BPJPH in Indonesia, and others accredited globally for their reliability and adherence to halal standards.
3. How long does it take to get halal-certified?
The time to obtain halal certification varies but typically takes 3-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the product, documentation readiness, and the certifying body’s audit schedule.
4. What does halal certification cost?
The cost of halal certification depends on factors such as the type of product, facility size, and certifying body but generally ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year. Obtain a quote here.
5. How can halal certification benefit manufacturers?
Halal certification expands market reach, improves product credibility, and allows manufacturers to tap into the global halal market, which is valued at over $3 trillion.
6. What types of products can be halal-certified?
Products like food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, packaging, and even services such as logistics and hospitality can be halal-certified.
7. What is the difference between halal and haram?
Halal means permissible or lawful according to Islamic law, while haram refers to anything explicitly prohibited, such as pork, alcohol, and improperly slaughtered meat.
8. What happens during a halal audit?
A halal audit involves inspecting the ingredients, production processes, and facilities to ensure compliance with halal standards, including cross-contamination prevention and hygiene.
9. Are vegan products automatically halal?
Not always. Vegan products may still be cross-contaminated with haram substances during production or storage and may require halal certification to confirm compliance.
10. What should businesses do to renew their halal certification?
Submit updated documentation, ensure compliance with current halal standards, and schedule a re-audit with the certifying body.