Industry Columnist

Elyas Harun

 

 

The Importance of Shariah on Halal Product and the Role of Science in Determining the Halal and Haram

Introduction
In the diverse and complex world of dietary laws, Shariah, the Islamic legal system, holds a pivotal role for Muslims. Shariah not only governs religious and moral conduct but also provides comprehensive guidelines on what is permissible (Halal) and forbidden (Haram), especially in terms of food consumption. In recent years, the interplay between Shariah and modern science has become increasingly significant, offering more precise methods for determining the Halal status of food products.

Shariah and Halal Food
Shariah, derived from the Quran and Sunnah (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh), outlines the fundamental principles for what constitutes Halal food. These principles ensure that food is wholesome, pure, and ethically sourced. Key Shariah guidelines include:

1. Prohibition of Pork and Its By-products: Pork is strictly forbidden in Islam. This extends to any food products containing pork derivatives.

2. Prohibition of Alcoholic Beverages (Khamr) and Intoxicants: Any form of Khamr or intoxicant is considered Haram, impacting both food and beverages.
3. Permissible Animal Slaughter: All land animals must be slaughtered by a Muslim invoking the name of Allah. The method of slaughter is designed to minimize the animal’s suffering.
4. Avoidance of Contamination: Halal food must not come into contact with Haram or Najs substances during processing, preparation, or storage.

These guidelines ensure that Muslims’ food is clean, ethical, and aligned with their spiritual beliefs.

The Role of Science in Determining Halal and Haram:
While Shariah provides the foundational framework, the application of modern science enhances the accuracy and reliability of Halal certification. Science supports Shariah in several critical areas:

1. Ingredient Analysis: Modern analytical techniques, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, can detect and quantify minute traces of Haram or Najs substances in food products. This is crucial for verifying the Halal status of processed foods, where ingredients might be derived from non-Halal sources.

2. Genetic Testing: DNA testing is a powerful tool for identifying the species origin of meat products. This helps in ensuring that meat labeled as Halal is indeed from permissible animals and not mixed with forbidden species like pork.

3. Production Process Verification: Science aids in examining the entire production process to ensure it complies with Halal standards. This includes evaluating the cleanliness of facilities and the methods used to prevent cross-contamination with Haram substances.

4. Alcohol Content Measurement: In the case of beverages, precise scientific methods are used to measure alcohol content, ensuring it falls within permissible limits as prescribed by Islamic scholars and Fatwa’s.

5. Halal Certification and Regulation: Scientific advancements have facilitated the development of rigorous Halal certification systems. Certifying bodies use scientific methods to audit and inspect food production facilities, ensuring compliance with Shariah guidelines.

While science plays a crucial role in helping determine whether a product is Halal, it cannot be the primary authority in this matter. The original laws governing Halal and Haram are derived from Shariah, which is based on the Quran and Sunnah. Therefore, every scientific finding must be evaluated from a Shariah perspective, and the final ruling must come from Shariah principles.

For example, if scientific analysis detects porcine DNA in a food product, this discovery alone does not determine the product’s Halal or Haram status. The final ruling must be issued by a qualified Islamic scholar or through a fatwa as they interpret and apply Shariah law. Similarly, when it comes to the alcohol content found in drinks or the presence of bacteria from feces, science provides essential data, but the ultimate decision must align with Shariah guidelines.

Conclusion
Shariah plays an indispensable role in guiding Muslims on Halal and Haram food choices, ensuring their dietary practices align with their faith. The advent of modern science has significantly bolstered the ability to verify and ensure the Halal status of food products, enhancing the reliability and integrity of Halal certification. By continuing to bridge Shariah and science, the Muslim community can confidently navigate contemporary dietary challenges while upholding their religious principles.

While science is invaluable in identifying the components of food products, Shariah remains the definitive authority in determining their Halal or Haram status. This ensures that Muslims’ dietary practices are firmly rooted in their religious principles.