Halal Industry on lock down: Hope on the horizon

 In times of plague and turmoil, our prophet taught us to be poised, patient, and responsible. The Halal Industry is responding to the COVID-19 virus in a responsible and positive way.

Our Prophet (SAW) instructed us “Plague was a punishment which Allah used to send on whom He wished, but Allah made it a blessing for the believers. None (among the believers) remains patient in their home (in quarantine) in which plague has broken out and considers that nothing will befall him except what Allah has ordained for him, but that Allah will grant him a reward similar to that of a martyr.” - Sahih al-Bukhari 5734

Muslim American leaders and scholars have advised that all Islamic functions and services be suspended indefinitely. This includes in-person Islamic classes, marriage ceremonies, and even Jumuah salah itself. Certification agencies in the US have put all audits and inspections on hold until further notice.

A new directive coming from the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) is instructing stakeholders in the Halal industry to take all necessary precautions during the pandemic. They are asking that the necessary preventative measures are put into place in order to flatten the curve of the new COVID-19 outbreak.

HDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hairol Ariffein Sahari implored halal market players to co-operate with their national governmental measures of proper hygiene, social distancing and self-isolation,as well as refraining from non-essential travelling.

All non-essential businesses should be closed, except for essential services such as healthcare providers,supermarkets, etc. ‘With a lot of precautions currently being taken into practice, this is an opportunity for us to reinforce these socially responsiblepractices — observe hygiene practices, wash your hands frequently,’ Hairol said.

Hairol ensured that the ‘halal eco-system’will be able to weather the potential crises surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.‘Hygiene, a precautionary measure that is expected of us in battling this virus is not new to the halal market players. It is one of the criteria of a halal product and is embedded in the Halal business operations,’ Hairol stated.

The HDC is currently monitoring the situation concerning the halal industry and does not expect the industry to be adversely affected.

While the economy has taken a huge dip amid COVID-19 being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, there is an opportunity for growth in the halal industry as a result of the shortage of medical and pharmaceutical related products.

The shortage is a result of the supply-chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 as the global production from China took a downscale in February. The manufacturing-hub, China, attributes its shortage due it being hindered by its labour-force who are currently observing quarantine and self-isolation.

Halal Watch World takes this global widespread of Covid-19 seriously. We have instituted strict measures for employees in our offices in an effort to curb the virus. We are taking every precaution to ensure our personnel and clients are safe during the lock down,and have suspended all travel and audits until it has been made clear that it is safe to carry out business again. We continue to be in contact with our clients, and are working remotely from home to see to their needs.

We urge all Muslims to turn to Allah first,and follow the directive of their government. Remember that your patience with this trial and difficulty merits rewards unbounded. Keep in mind that adherence to the precautions not only protect you and those around you, including family and friends, but also that it pleases Allah Subhana hu Wa Ta’allah.

Our hope is that if Muslims trust in Allah, and take the required measures seriously in the immediate sense, it will stave off a greater harm in the future Allah willing.

For more information, please contact your local Center for Disease Control units, and consult your local scholars for advice.