WHY HALAL FOOD?

By: Abdulatif "Chef Tato"Sangcupan

Halal Food actually unite people and this is reality for the Muslims, in this time, too many things divide us, we often hear news about war, killings and unrest in different part of the world. In the Philippines, there is seemingly unbridgeable gap between rich and the poor. There is still delineation between Christians and Muslims, sometime our ego or pride create hatred towards our fellow Bangsamoro when in fact we are all brothers.

After the events of 9/11, invasion of Afghanistan, Iraq and creation of the many so called funded terrorists by conspirators just to divide the  Muslim World, the Sunni Muslims and the Shia’ah Muslims , this division of the foundation of the Muslims actually did not existed during the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Each group claimed to be good people and faithful to Allah (SWT),  it was made clear that we should go beyond our differences and create a world where we can all live in peace and harmony. If there is one thing that is sure to bring people together, no matter how different they are, it is food. When we share meal, we share life, we share our culture, tradition, a bit of history and even a little bit of ourselves every time we break bread or bring a bowl of noodle soup with someone.

To truly appreciate the context of this writing, it was presented by first is knowing the backgrounds through understanding the dietary laws of the Muslims.

Islam is the fastest-growing religion with one-fourth to one-fifth of the world population is Muslim. This can imply the large amount of purchasing power both in domestic and international market.

Muslims restrict their way of life with Islamic Principle that states every step of living, including dietary. Consumption patterns of Muslim is different from other nations or communities. We have our own dietary law as stated in Quran and Muslim have to follow it. Normally, it is not essential to certify on the label of foods or any products that they are Halal as all stated clearly in Quran or Hadith. However, with the expansion of food industry and its development make the uncertainty among Muslims increased. What Muslim used to ascertain that it is Halal cannot be totally guaranteed nowadays?

Development of technology in food science makes things unclear with the food additives via scientific process. We cannot assume that this product is Halal or not by just look at it or read its label.
With the large amount of Muslims, holding big purchasing power, in this world together with the restriction in food consumption, Halal certified symbol was initiated to show the approval according to Islamic requirement. A successful seller is the one who, while producing the same product lines, can cater to the special tastes, preferences and needs of a group of customers that other producers have failed to meet same as those who asked for Halal Certificate. Then numerous opportunities are opened to manufacturers of Halal products. Muslim consumers prefer to buy products with Halal certificate although it is clearly seen that the product is not related to Haram.

Food exporters and Halal product manufacturers can expand their market by understanding Muslim cultures. Halal Certificate can increase sales of manufacturers dramatically; especially exporters who can penetrate Muslim countries with Halal products. The markets available for Halal product are not only Muslim countries, but also non-Muslim countries where Muslim Communities are scattered.
The Halal Products show the positive image of manufacturers in term of

1. Importance of Muslim communities.
2. Commitments to Islam honorably.
3. Quality Maintenance of Islamic Dietary Law, clean, and nutrition.
4. Acknowledge and Understanding of consumers culture.
5. Besides the good image showing, they can create customer loyalty, as Muslims are strict to Halal products. Consequently, trend of having Halal certified symbol is increasing in order to draw consumers attention.