Source: Halal Times

JAKARTA – A UK-based animal welfare organization is spearheading efforts to transform the global halal industry by expanding the definition of halal beyond traditional slaughter practices to encompass the entire lifecycle of animals.

Expanding the Definition of Halal

The Halal Animal Welfare Association (HAWA), established in 2018 under the leadership of livestock welfare specialist Gemma Ali, argues that authentic halal practices must integrate the Islamic concept of Tayyib—meaning pure, ethical, and wholesome—throughout every aspect of animal husbandry.

“True halal encompasses far more than the final moments of an animal’s life,” Ali explains. “It represents a holistic approach to ethical living that should extend to how we treat animals from birth through the entire supply chain.”

The organization emphasizes that Islamic principles of compassion and ihsan (excellence) should be reflected in all aspects of food production, not merely during slaughter and processing.

Current Industry Challenges

The halal market faces numerous ethical concerns despite its rapid global expansion:

• Substandard Living Conditions: Many facilities prioritize meeting high demand over providing adequate animal care
• Transportation Issues: Animals often endure lengthy journeys under poor conditions, despite available alternatives
• Certification Gaps: Current halal certification typically focuses solely on slaughter methods and contamination prevention, ignoring earlier stages of animal life
• Cosmetic Testing: Some halal-certified beauty products continue to use animal testing, contradicting Islamic teachings about preventing unnecessary suffering

HAWA contends that existing certification systems inadequately address the full spectrum of animal welfare, creating a disconnect between Islamic ethics and industry practices.

Emerging Solutions and Initiatives

While recognizing positive developments in the form of independent Tayyib farms operating with high welfare standards, HAWA argues that isolated efforts are insufficient for industry-wide transformation.

“We’re witnessing encouraging examples of ethical farming practices, but these remain outliers rather than industry standards,” Ali notes. “Comprehensive systemic change is essential.”

The organization also highlights that existing welfare certification schemes, while valuable, often require stunning methods that conflict with non-stun halal requirements, creating barriers for religiously observant producers.

HAWA’s Strategic Approach

The association has developed a multi-faceted strategy to address these challenges:

Welfare Assurance Program: Providing consultation services to help farmers implement practices aligned with both Islamic values and modern animal welfare science, adapted to different regional contexts and economic conditions.

Educational Outreach: Collaborating with religious scholars, policymakers, and researchers to influence both regulatory frameworks and public understanding.

Transparency Technology: Developing QR code systems that will allow consumers to trace an animal’s complete welfare journey from birth to market.

Research Integration: Combining Islamic ethical principles with scientific animal welfare research to create sustainable and humane supply chains.

Consumer Responsibility and Religious Obligation

The organization emphasizes that increasingly conscious Muslim consumers have both rights and religious duties to inquire about their food sources. HAWA encourages Muslims to ask critical questions about meat production: the origins of their food, the treatment of animals, and the justice of the production process.

This call for accountability reflects growing consumer interest in sustainability, transparency, and social responsibility within the Muslim community.

Looking Forward

HAWA’s initiative represents a broader movement toward redefining halal standards to align with comprehensive Islamic ethical principles. By advocating for systemic industry reform rather than relying solely on individual consumer choices, the organization aims to create lasting change in how halal products are produced and certified.

The association’s approach suggests that authentic halal practice requires consideration of animal welfare throughout the entire production process, not just at the point of slaughter, potentially reshaping industry standards and consumer expectations globally.

Original article:

halaltimes.com. (n.d.). Halal Animal Welfare Association Calls for Urgent Reform in the Global Halal Industry. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.halaltimes.com/halal-animal-welfare-association-calls-for-urgent-reform-in-the-global-halal-industry/