What is Halal? Exploring Meaning & Food Standards

When "Halal" is mentioned, many Vietnamese people often associate it with food for Muslims. However, the conceptWhat is Halalfar broader; it affects almost every aspect of a Muslim's life, from food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to finance and ethical conduct. "Halal" in Arabic means "permissible" or "lawful," in contrast to "Haram," which means "forbidden" or "unlawful."

In Vietnam, although the Muslim community is not large, they also have a demand for Halal products. Vietnamese businesses are also increasingly interested in Halal certification to expand export markets, especially to Muslim countries with large populations and high purchasing power such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East.

Halal: More than Food – A Comprehensive Lifestyle

Halal is not limited to what is eaten or drunk, but also encompasses actions, words, and thoughts. For Muslims, adhering to Halal principles is an expression of obedience to God (Allah) and a pursuit of purity in all aspects of life.

Origin and fundamental principles

Halal principles are stipulated in the Quran (the holy book of Islam) and the Sunnah (the traditions, teachings, and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). These principles guide believers on what is permissible and impermissible, aiming to ensure a healthy physical, spiritual, and moral life.

For example, regarding food, the Quran strictly prohibits the consumption of pork and pork products, blood, animals that have died before proper slaughter, and alcohol. These regulations not only have religious significance but are also believed to be beneficial for health and hygiene.

Halal Standards in Food: A Rigorous Process

Halal food is not just about choosing permissible ingredients; it also involves the entire process from production, processing, storage, to transportation. This is why Halal certification is important and requires strict control.

Harram (Forbidden) Foods

To understand clearlyWhat is HalalIn food, we need to know what is Haram:

• Pork and pork products:This is the most prominent and widely known regulation.
• Carnivores, birds of prey:For example, dogs, cats, bears, eagles.
• Reptiles, insects:For example, snakes, scorpions.
• Animals that die before they are ritually slaughtered:Including animals that died from disease or accidents.
• Blood and blood products:For example, tiết canh.
• Alcohol and intoxicants:Even products that contain alcohol, however small the amount, such as some sauces or pastries.
• The product contains gelatin made from non-Halal animal bones:Gelatin is a common ingredient in gummy candies, yogurt, and pills.
• Food contaminated by Harram substances:This means that even if a product is Halal by itself, if it is processed or comes into contact with tools and equipment that have been used for Harram products without proper cleaning, it also becomes Harram.

Halal slaughtering process (Dhabiha)

One of the most important aspects of Halal food is the animal slaughtering process, known as Dhabiha. This process includes the following steps:

1. Butchers:Must be a Muslim, with sufficient awareness and understanding of Halal rules.
2. Slaughter tools:Must be sharp to ensure animals are slaughtered quickly and with minimal pain.
3. Qiblah direction:The animal must be directed towards the Kaaba in Mecca (the Muslim direction of prayer).
4. Chant:Before slaughtering, the slaughterer must utter the name of Allah (Bismillah – "In the name of Allah").
5. Slitting throats:The trachea, esophagus, and two main jugular veins must be severed quickly to allow for maximum blood drainage. Complete blood drainage is very important because blood is Harram.
6. No stunning or anesthesia beforehand:Unless there is a special reason and approved by Halal organizations. The purpose is to ensure the animal is alive when slaughtered.

This process is not only religiously significant but is also believed to ensure better hygiene and meat quality due to the complete removal of blood.

Halal Certification in Vietnam

In Vietnam, there are several recognized organizations for issuing Halal certifications. Notable ones include:

• Vietnam Halal Certification Center (HVC):This is a leading and reputable organization, recognized by many Islamic countries. HVC provides Halal certification services for manufacturers of food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism services.
• Ho Chi Minh City Muslim Community Representative Committee:Also involved in certifying several Halal products and services in the Southern region.

For a product to be Halal certified, businesses must undergo a rigorous inspection process, from the origin of raw materials, production processes, factory and equipment sanitation, to packaging and transportation. For example, an instant noodle factory wishing to obtain Halal certification must ensure it does not use any ingredients derived from pork (such as flavorings, oils, or fats), does not share production lines with Harram products, and personnel involved in the production process must adhere to strict hygiene regulations.

The cost of obtaining Halal certification in Vietnam can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of VND, depending on the business's scale and the number of products requiring certification. However, this is a worthwhile investment, opening up export opportunities to the global Halal consumer market, valued at trillions of USD. Vietnamese brands such as Vinamilk, TH True Milk, and several coffee and agricultural product manufacturers have successfully conquered this market thanks to Halal certification.

Halal in other fields

As mentioned, Halal is not limited to food.

Halal Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals

Halal cosmetics and pharmaceuticals must ensure they do not contain Harram ingredients such as:

• Pork fat:Commonly found in lipsticks, soaps.
• Alcohol:Found in perfumes, mouthwashes.
• Animal collagen, gelatin is not Halal:Present in many skincare products, medications.

Cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies in Vietnam are also starting to research and produce Halal products to serve domestic demand and for export.

Halal Tourism

Halal tourism is a rapidly growing segment. It includes services such as:

• Halal Restaurant:Serving foods prepared to Halal standards.
• Muslim Friendly Hotel:Prayer mat, Qiblah direction in the room, no alcoholic beverages in the minibar.
• Tours:Designed to accommodate Muslim prayer times and dietary rules.

In Vietnam, major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and tourist destinations with Muslim communities like Chau Doc (An Giang), Phan Rang (Ninh Thuan) are gradually developing Halal tourism services to attract tourists from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East.

Halal Finance

Halal Finance (Islamic Finance) adheres to Sharia principles, prohibiting activities such as:

• Interest (Riba):Instead, there are forms of profit sharing, leasing, and buying and selling.
• Investment in forbidden (Harram) industries:Like gambling, alcohol, pork.

Although Halal finance has not developed strongly in Vietnam, it is a potential field with the increase in economic cooperation with Islamic countries.

The Meaning of Halal in Modern Life

In the context of globalization, understanding aboutWhat is Halalnot only for the Muslim community but also has significant meaning for businesses, manufacturers, and even non-Muslim consumers.

• Market opportunity:The global Halal market is estimated to be worth trillions of US dollars, with over 2 billion consumers. This presents a significant opportunity for Vietnamese businesses looking to expand their exports.
• Ensuring Quality and Hygiene:Halal regulations are often accompanied by high food safety and hygiene standards, benefiting all consumers.
• Respect for culture and religion:The provision of Halal products and services demonstrates respect for the beliefs and culture of the Muslim community.

Understand clearlyWhat is Halalhelping us gain a more comprehensive understanding of a system of rules that not only holds religious significance but also contributes to shaping a healthy, ethical, and sustainable lifestyle. With the development of the economy and tourism, the concept of Halal will undoubtedly receive increasing attention and wider application in Vietnam.