business f lifestyle f trends
November+December 2009
www.halaljournal.com
Winds of Change Food market trends and the Muslim markets of Europe While the present market size of Halal food products in Europe is large, the future is even brighter. This is due to the fact that purchasing power of Muslim consumers in Europe is much higher than those living in Asian countries {Pg. 18}
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LIVING
ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY h TOURING ALEXANDRIA RESTAURANT REVIEW: CORNICHE CAFÉ, LONDON h BOOK REVIEW: THREE CUPS OF TEA h composer & singer Amir Awan
CHANGE OF STATE FROM HARAM TO HALAL? Understand the concept of istihala
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THE WORLD HALAL MEAT MAP “See” where your Halal meat is coming from
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UK £2.95 • Australia AU$6.50 • Malaysia RM9.90 • Singapore S$5.50 • UAE Dhs10
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THE PREMIER GLOBAL HALAL INDUSTRY EVENT
The 5th
World Halal Forum
21-22 JUNE 2010 KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE KUAL A LUMPUR, MAL AYSIA www . worldhalalforum . org
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contents | November+December 2oo9
29} CHANGE OF STATE FROM HARAM TO HALAL? Understand the concept of istihala
©2009 KasehDia Sdn. Bhd. All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer : While all care is taken, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the information contained herein which is believed to be reliable. The publisher/editor takes no responsibility for opinions expressed or implied as they are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher or editor who make no warranties governing material, including advertising or features contained within this publication. This publication may not in whole or part, be copied, reproduced or translated without prior written permission of the publisher.
32} THE CASE FOR ISLAMIC “NOBEL” PRIZES An idea for awarding professionals in the Muslim world
34} FASTRACK EUROPE Burkini banned in Paris 35} FASTRACK EUROPE Bone china ware is not Halal... 36} CENTRESPREAD POSTER The World Halal Meat Map 42} FASTRACK EUROPE UK’s Halal organic skincare brand launched in Malaysia
45} FASTRACK ASIA Jerneh, premium Halal cosmetics, launched in departmental stores 46} FASTRACK ASIA AMC leads Halal incursion into China 52} ISLAMIC FINANCE Cash-Waqf Certificate: 32 utilisation purposes, challenges, and the way forward
18}Winds of
Change
Food market trends and the Muslim markets of Europe Photo by Dimitri Castrique •• cover photo by John Nyberg
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Ed’s Note
Dato’ Hajjah Sheila Majid Founder of Jerneh
“Halal was chosen as a criteria because Halal is a concept that emphasises on hygiene and safety, and encourages wholesomeness and goodness; and the formulation of Jerneh by Sheila Majid fits Halal requirements.”
Regulars 08} Global News A brief insight into events currently shaping the Halal industry around the globe + Calendar of Events 48} Country in Focus France: Leading the economy of the European nation
Living 59} FEATURE COVER Ibn Sina : The greatest thinker, physician and scientist 64} journey Catching glimpses of Alexandria’s history 66} Browsing Corniche Café, London in Restaurant Review; Amir Awan in Music; and Oscar Wilde and the Ring of Death and Three Cups of Tea in Books; Lion of the Dessert in Movie; Photojournalism 72} parting words Selma Djukic, President, White Owl Global Services Ltd.
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Welcome to the newly revamped and improved Halal Journal. The team behind the magazine is looking at ways to serve our readers better by providing more informative, insightful and inspirational stories in a better way. We hope you like what we came up with. To new readers, we hope this first issue you have picked up would open your mind to a whole new world of contemporary Halal business and lifestyle. On the cover of this issue, our sights are set on Europe, focusing on the changing trends of the European food market armed with the latest statistics and figures by KasehDia Research and Consulting. We’ve also looked at the term istihala. Many Islamic scholars, manufacturers, and even consumers have used the term to discuss and reason the permissibility of certain products such as gelatine. Featured in this issue is Dr. Hani Mansour Mosa Al-Mazeedi of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research who distilled the Islamic term for us. How about the idea of coming up with something similar like the Nobel Prize for creative, innovative and socially implementable discoveries and new ideas by Muslim professionals in different fields? Check it out on p32. Our feature country in this issue takes you to a journey into France, one of the most modern countries and a leader among European nations. Get to know its demography, economy, religion, as well as its politics and food trends on p48. The Islamic Finance section features the final part of the CashWaqf Certificate series from an expert with over more than 48 years experience in the field of economics, Islamic economics, banking and finance. The author lists down the 32 purposes of Cash-Waqf utilisation, the challenges of introducing this scheme in countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia and the US, as well as provide recommendations on the way forward. In today’s constantly evolving culture and lifestyle, the best way forward sometimes is to look back. To learn and reflect from the thought processes of Islamic philosophers back in the old days, many of whom came up with striking discoveries in their time; discoveries that are constantly studied and improvised in the modern era, where technology is available at hand. Learn from the creative acquisition of knowledge and thought process of Islamic philosophers in the Living section on p59. Do drop us your comments on the new look and its contents by sending an email to info@halalJournal.com. Meanwhile, sit back, enjoy your read,
and may 2010 be a blessed year for you!
the Heart of T he Halal Jour nal
Halal refers to that which the Creator has made lawful. Its opposite Haram, refers to what is forbidden. The realm of Halal extends beyond the obvious references to food and touches on all matters relating to human life. In the commercial arena, all goods and services, market transactions, currencies and other activities come under the judgments of Halal and Haram. These parameters include protecting the environment, humane treatment for animals, ethical investments, the intrinsic value of currencies, and fairness in all commercial transactions. The global Halal market is now a new economic sector, and we believe it will be one of the great market forces in the coming decades.
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KASEHDIA HALAL GUIDE SERIES - 12 Edition th
EDITORIAL EDITOR Hajjah Jumaatun Azmi ju@kasehdia.com senior WRITER Ruzanna Muhammad ruzanna@halaljournal.com WRITER Zaahira Muhammad zaahira@halaljournal.com
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RESEARCHERs Mohd Amri Sofi Dayana Nordin Suraiya Ilyas Mohd Izreen Kamil Suhaimi Contributing Writers Irfan Sungkar Dr. Hani Mansour Mosa Al-Mazeedi Prof. Dr. M. A. Mannan Huzaime Hamid Abu Bakar Ahmad
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Over 180 reviews of restaurants, cafes, food courts, bakeries and confectioners Descriptive photographs Index and icons to find the exact place you want Maps for reference
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global news
Compiled by Zaahira Muhammad
United Arab Emirates Al Islami expands fresh meat shops Al Islami has started selling fresh meat in Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain, initially opening 15 shops during the first half of the year. The company plans 12 more shops for the next two quarters making a total of 27 shops at the end of this year. Al Islami has revealed an increased demand for Halal and fresh meats, receiving a number of enquiries and signed agreements with the Sharjah Cooperative Society, Al Ain Cooperative Society and Union Cooperative Society. Al Islami has hired over 50 professional butchers so far for its meat shops. |SOURCE: AME Info, 1 AUGUST 2009
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and entertainment for both Muslim and non-Muslim members of the community,” said Event Director, Amer Meknas. This year’s event features performances by Muslim bands, including Montreal-based The Sound of Reason and local group Halal Meat. This year’s performers include television comedians Baba Ali and Aman Ali and Hollywood actor Omar Regan. Muslim Fest also features non-Muslim performers, as well as a talent show that allows all members of the community to perform without being judged. The goal of the festival is to bridge cultural gaps in the community and share the Muslim lifestyle with the entire community. |SOURCE: Mississauga.com, 2 AUGUST 2009
Brunei Darussalam
United Kingdom The World’s First “Halal” Search Engine Designed for Muslims Goes Live Muslims from all over the world can now search the World Wide Web safely without coming across content that might be considered unlawful according to the Islamic Law. The search engine, ImHalal.com (http://www.imhalal.com/), only fetches results that are flagged to be “Halal”. The search engine uses various techniques to determine which results fetched are supposed to be “Halal” or “Haram”. Once a user comes in contact with content of explicit nature, the search engine will return a negative search advice. The site offers a broad range of functions that are developed specifically to increase the users search experience. Besides focusing to be a great Islamic search engine, ImHalal.com also aims to deliver the best search product as well. ImHalal.com is a service launched by AZS Media Group LTD which is a creative Media Group specialized in launching services which will shape the online landscape into a more advanced and social media. |SOURCE: PR Newswire Europe Ltd., 1 SEPTEMBER 2009
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Muslima Swimsuits at Halal Expo Muslima Swimsuits, the ideal swimwear for modest women are now being marketed in Brunei. JNature Boutique and Tailoring who started from humble beginnings at an incubation programme in the Business School of the Ministry of Education is promoting this swimwear at the International Halal Expo. Julieana Haji Noralimin, owner of JNature Boutique and Tailoring, said that the idea came from sharing ideas with a group of friends to become the main distributor of the swimsuits in Brunei. |SOURCE: BruDirect.com, 1 AUGUST 2009
Canada Muslim Fest hits town The city is celebrating the best in Islamic arts and entertainment during this weekend’s sixth annual Muslim Fest summer festival at the Living Arts Centre. The twoday festival will attract more than 10,000 visitors. It includes live entertainment, art exhibits, a film festival and much more. Founded in 2004, Muslim Fest is the only event of its kind in Ontario, providing local residents the chance to learn more about Islamic culture. “Muslim Fest is unique because it provides a wide variety of events
The Halal Express Service - Loop 2 (HE2) will directly connect the Far East ports to India and the Middle East region. With the new loop, MISC offers the fastest transit from Yokohama, Nagoya and Xiamen to Nhava Sheva and the ports in the Gulf States.
Malaysia MISC add new loop to Halal Express Service MISC Berhad has announced the launch of a new service to compliment its current Halal Express Service beginning 24th September. The Halal Express Service - Loop 2 (HE2) will directly connect the Far East ports to India and the Middle East region. The service, whose inaugural voyage will start from Japan, is expected to meet the growing demand for carriage of Halal produce and product. The Halal Express Service - Loop 2 will serve the following ports; Yokohama, Nagoya, Shanghai, Xiamen, Singapore, Port Klang, Colombo, Nhava Sheva, Jebel Ali,
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Dammam, Karachi, Port Klang, Singapore and back to Yokohama. With the new loop, MISC offers the fastest transit from Yokohama, Nagoya and Xiamen to Nhava Sheva and the ports in the Gulf States. Also available is a direct call from Dammam back to Yokohama, Nagoya, Shanghai and Xiamen. Six vessels of 4500teu each equipped with 350 plugs per vessel have been allocated for the new service. Both the Halal Express Loops 1 and 2 will provide connections to the Red Sea and Upper Gulf ports i.e. Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, Umm Qassar and Shuwaikh via Jebel Ali. |SOURCE: Sea Trade Asia Online, 15 SEPTEMBER 2009
China WORLDHOTELS’ Beijing Affiliate Hotel Kunlun Targets the Growing Middle Eastern Market Hotel Kunlun is the first and only five-star hotel in Beijing exclusively serving Halal cuisine at its newly opened Middle Eastern restaurant, Crystal. ‘Crystal-Muslim Fine Dining’ showcases the talents of Egyptian Chef Asmaa Abdelghani Aboucaid Elhadary and features four distinct cuisines including Middle Eastern Arab, Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Western. All food is prepared strictly according to Halal Muslim tradition and the entire kitchen and 20 per cent of the serving staff is Muslim. The restaurant features an elegant main dining room in addition to three private rooms which comfortably sits 66. It is also open for afternoon tea and late night supper, as well as lunch and dinner. Located beside the Liangma River in Beijing’s Central Business District, Hotel Kunlun boasts over 640 guestrooms and suites catering for both business travellers and leisure tourists. More than 15 small and medium-size banquet rooms, and an 800sqm grand banquet hall, all contribute to its exceptional capability for hosting international conferences and large-scale banquets. Hotel Kunlun has been voted one of
Beijing’s top five business hotels in National Geographic Traveller – China Edition’s prestigious annual Gold List 2009. The initiative signals the opening of the first Muslim fine dining restaurant at the Beijing 5-star hotel, 24-hour Muslim room service and in-room provision of the Quran, a Mecca compass, and prayer mat for Muslim guests. |SOURCE: e-Travel Blackboard Asia, 21 SEPTEMBER 2009
Dubai Malaysian Seafood Exports to the UAE to Cross $1.59 Million A 14-member Malaysian delegation is set to participate in the upcoming Sea Food Expo 2009, the regions only dedicated seafood event, as part of extensive plans to exceed the USD1.59 million seafood exports to the UAE in 2008. The participation is also aimed at increasing the value of its overall fish and fishery exports to the Middle East, which is currently at USD5 million, according to Infofish, an inter-governmental organisation that provides marketing information and technical advisory services to the fishery industry of the Asia-Pacific region. Orange Fair & Events, the event organisers, have revealed that the show continues to strengthen Dubai’s repute as the best destination to promote Halal seafood products to the Middle East market. With an estimated 10 to 15 tonnes of seafood being auctioned off within the Dubai fish market on a daily basis, the seafood trade in the emirate remains thriving amidst the current recession. Dubai’s relatively affluent expatriate community and its hospitality sector also make the emirate an excellent hub for Halal seafood imports and exports from across the globe. The show is held from 12 to 14 October 2009 at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall, Madinat Jumeirah. |SOURCE: Khaleej Times, 18 SEPTEMBER 2009
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Thailand Thailand to increase Halal food exports Thailand aims to expand Halal food exports by at least 10 per cent a year between 2010 and 2014, helped by new strategies to develop more products for Muslim markets. A panel on Halal industry development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu, has approved strategies to develop the industry. A plan were included to strengthen the potential of the Halal industry to meet world standards and conform to domestic demand; promoting the competitiveness of entrepreneurs and increase Thailand’s capability in certifying food to Muslim Halal standards, expanding markets and upgrading R&D. Livestock products are targeted. The strategy calls for five southern provinces – Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun and Songkhla – to become the production base for Halal products. Sabhavasu mentioned that the total global Halal market is estimated to be worth USD635 billion, and that Thailand is currently the fifth largest Halal food exporter, controlling a 5.6 per cent market share. In 2008, Thai Halal exports were worth 5.19 billion baht, up 53.3 per cent from a year earlier. In the first seven months this year, exports dropped 26.9 per cent to 2.49 billion on shrinking global consumption. |SOURCE: worldpoultry.net, 18 SEPTEMBER 2009
Australia Halal red meat exports up 17 Per cent Between years 2008 and 2009 Australia exported an estimated 187,671 tonnes (shipped weight) of certified Halal red meat products, up more than 17 per cent
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With the Muslim population continuing to increase by nearly two per cent per annum, representing the most populous religion in the world with about two billion followers, Australia’s Halal red meat exports are also expected to continue to grow with this increasing demand.
red meat imports. With the Muslim population continuing to increase by nearly two per cent per annum, representing the most populous religion in the world with about two billion followers, Australia’s Halal red meat exports are also expected to continue to grow with this increasing demand. |SOURCE: NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, 21 SEPTEMBER 2009
Brunei Darussalam year-on-year. The trade is valued at USD673 million and represents more than 10 per cent of the total value of Australia’s red meat exports. Figures do not include Halal shipments to countries where certification is not a requirement, such as the US, Japan, the UK and Korea. Australia’s certified Halal markets span the globe, with the lion’s share being within the Middle East/North Africa and South East Asian regions. There are emerging countries such as Bosnia Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Mauritius and the Maldives that also require Halal certification for
Halal Pharmaceutical Guidelines Delayed Brunei’s Halal pharmaceutical guidelines have yet to be released and await the endorsement of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (BIRC), the senior scientific officer of the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Pharmaceutical Services Department said yesterday. “Initially slated to be unveiled during the Fourth International Halal Market Conference (IHMC), the guidelines are supposed to address the different aspects of risk areas pertaining to the production of Halal pharmaceutical products,” said Zubaidah Hj
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Mahmud after the conference. However, she could not divulge further details on the guidelines itself since it had not been endorsed and was still technically in draft stage. But she added that the eventual endorsement of the guidelines will allow interested parties to invest in this specific Halal segment. |SOURCE: BruDirect.com, 3 AUGUST 2009
Canada OnePure Halal Cosmetics Canadian Make-up artist Layla Mandi introduced cosmetics, free from alcohol and animal residues. OnePure brand offers Halal cosmetics which have no ingredients that are banned under Islamic law. In many brands she found animal by-products such as blood, urine, fats, gelatine from horns and hooves, swine placenta and stearic acid (a fatty substance derived from the stomach lining, often of pigs). Cosmetics are a highly competitive business, and OnePure is guaranteed pure, and is presented in glitzy wrappings, which is hoped will help get them a start in the market. |SOURCE: International Supermarket News, 15 SEPTEMBER 2009
Halal certified
Malaysia HDC opens Halal food channel to France Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) is set to step up its presence in Europe following a strategic partnership with French Glon Groupe, which will spur bilateral trade of Halal products in a Halal corridor between France and Malaysia. HDC signed a memorandum of understanding with Benefiq Pte Ltd, a newly formed company that will lead Glon’s agri-food business thrust in Asia. The MoU will establish a strategic partnership to facilitate bilateral opportunities between Malaysia and France in the areas of trade, supply chain management and research and development. The Singapore-based Benefiq is a leading French vertical agriculture integrator — a proprietary service standard and process that provides quality assurance throughout the entire agricultural supply chain from the development and creation of the product and its distribution, to the final end-user. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister
Dato’ Seri Najib Razak. Signing on behalf of HDC was its CEO Dato’ Seri Jamil Bidin while Benefiq was represented by its chairman Benoit Glon. Under the MoU, HDC will collaborate with Benefiq to provide Malaysian companies the opportunities to further develop their skills in R&D and modern agriculture TECHNOLOGY. The MoU will set up the world’s first working platform between Malaysia and Bretagne, France to expand bilateral trade of Halal products between the two countries. With the MoU, the Halal industry will have access to breakthrough technology that leads in traceability and sustainability from “farm to fork”. |SOURCE: The Edge, 7 octoBER 2009
Brunei Darussalam Ghanim Eye Tesco, Carrefour as Outlets Ghanim International Food Corporation is looking at major retailers such as Tesco and Carrefour to help sell products registered under the Brunei Halal brand to its target markets. Noel Shield, Ghanim’s interim CEO revealed that
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Calendar of Events the company is targeting markets with “high disposable incomes” with the UK, the Middle East and Europe being the first three. Ghanim plans to position it as being one of the leaders in the world of quality. These countries are the ones that can help absorb the brand more efficiently and quickly. Under the Brunei Halal brand, Ghanim is aiming to develop products ranging from snack food and confectionery, canned fruit and vegetables, spices and condiments, breakfast foods, energy drinks, beverages, pasta and rice products, sauces, canned seafood, Asian specialty dishes, cooking oils and meat, and seafood and dairy products. Ghamin will assist with the challenges faced by local manufacturers, for example, high costs of the supply chain, high labour costs, and high imported costs of raw materials, but Noel said they must be able to economically stand on their own feet. |SOURCE: BruDirect.com, 1 AUGUST 2009
Restaurant owners have been urged to apply for the Halal certificate to give Muslim customers more confidence to dine at their restaurants. Concerns were raised regarding lack of local restaurants bearing the Halal logo.
brik drinks production factory as the venue for a training programme demonstrating how Halal standards and conformances are applied on each step in producing beverages. Attending the training programme were delegates from the OIC including United Arab Emirates (UAE), Albania, Morocco, Libya, Mauritania, Kyrgyz Republic, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda and Yemen. Amongst them were representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Industry and Trade and the National Bureau of Standards. Representatives from Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), SIRIM and Standards Malaysia were also present throughout the training programme. Yeo’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Owen Ow spoke at the training programme to welcome the international guests. The training programme was facilitated by En. Abdul Halim bin Ibrahim, Chairman of Yeo’s Internal Halal Committee, who gave an in-depth explanation on Halal conformance and practices in the plant. |SOURCE: Press Release, 12 octoBER 2009
Brunei Darussalam OIC delegates looking at the attractive display of Yeo’s Halal products
Malaysia Yeo’s sets the mark as exemplary manufacturer in Halal Standards and practices In recognition as one of the certified companies with Halal Standards and Conformance Infrastructures, Yeo Hiap Seng (Malaysia) Berhad (Yeo’s) was selected to host a training programme for delegates from the OIC Countries recently. Aimed at reiterating Malaysia’s exceptional quality of Halal products and the appropriates for Muslim consumption, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and Standards and Industrial Research Institute Malaysia (SIRIM) chose Yeo Hiap Seng (Malaysia) Berhad (Yeo’s) – the largest tetra The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Restaurants Advised To Obtain Halal Certificate Restaurant owners have been urged to apply for the Halal certificate to give Muslim customers more confidence to dine at their restaurants. Concerns were raised regarding lack of local restaurants bearing the Halal logo. Currently there is only one restaurant which has been accredited with the Halal certificate while six others are still in the auditing process conducted by the council. Halal Food Control Division (HFCD) Education Officer at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Siti Norain Mohamad said the cost of a Halal certificate is BND30 which will be issued by Ministry of Religious Affairs and only require to be renewed upon expiry. With the enforcement of the Halal Label Certificate and Halal Label Order 2005 in August last year, restaurant owners and food outlets must obtain their Halal certificates for their respective establishments. According to previous reports, a total of 30 Halal products from RBC Express Fast Food went through Halal products audit which were conducted by Halal Audit representatives from Religious Office, Majlis Mufti and the Department of Agriculture. |SOURCE: Brunei TIMES, 1 SEPTEMBER 2009
The Halal Journal Partner Event 2nd – 6th November 2009 6th Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum 2009 Nikko Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia CERT Events Sdn Bhd Tel: +603 4108 1439 Fax: +603 4106 1549 Email: zarina@cert.com.my, ana@cert.com.my Website: www.kliff2009.com 10 – 12th November 2009 Halal Expo Dubai 2009 Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, UAE Orange Expo Tel: +971 4 2987730 Fax: +971 4 2987886 Email: orangex@emirates.net.ae Website: www.worldhalalexpos.com 17 – 18th November 2009 World Halal Forum Europe Novotel World Forum Convention Centre The Hague, Netherlands KasehDia Sdn Bhd Tel: +603 6203 1025 Fax: +603 6203 4072 Email: info@worldhalalforum.org Website: www.worldhalalforum.org 1st – 3rd December 2009 Diyafa 2009 Doha Exhibition Centre Doha, Qatar IFP Qatar Tel: +974 432 9900 Fax: +974 443 2891 Email: info@ifpqatar.com Website: www.ifpqatar.com 4 – 7th February 2010 HALALISTEXPO 2010 Istanbul Yesilkoy Exhibition Centre Istanbul, Turkey Atilim Fairs & Org. Tel: +90 212 273 1818 Fax: +90 212 273 1819 Email: info@halalistexpo.com Website: www.halalistexpo.com 12 – 14th February 2010 Global Halal Expo Pakistan 2010 Karachi Expo Centre Karachi, Pakistan Global Exhibitions & Marketing Tel: +92 21 3531 0301 Fax: +92 21 3531 0030 Email: info@halalexpopakistan.com Website: www.globalhalalexpo.com 21st – 24th February 2010 Gulfood 2010 Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre Dubai, UAE Dubai World Trade Centre L.L.C., Tel: +971 4 308 6081 Fax: +971 4 318 8607 Email: gulfood@dwtc.com Website: www.gulfood.com 23rd – 26th February 2010 Ingredients Middle East 2010 Airport Expo Dubai Dubai, UAE Dubai World Trade Centre L.L.C., Tel: +971 4 308 6081 Fax: +971 4 318 8607 Email: ingredientsme@dwtc.com Website: www.ingredientsme.com 18TH - 20TH MAY 2010 WORLD ISLAMIC ECONOMIC FORUM 2010 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Malaysia WIEF Foundation Tel: +6 03 2145 5500 Fax: +6 03 2145 5504 Email: enquiry@wief.org Website: www.wief.org
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GLOBAL HALAL UNITY IHI Alliance is an international non-profit organisation created to uphold the integrity of the Halal market concept in global trade through recognition, collaboration and membership. Our mission is to propagate the benefits of Halal and elevate it as the standard of choice. Through our strategic partnership with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), we seek to assemble world class experts, leading industry figures and stakeholders across the whole industry supply chain to harmonise the global Halal industry. We invite companies, organisations and individuals to join as IHI Alliance members and be a part of an initiative to build a stronger and robust global Halal industry. For membership details including benefits, categories and fees, please log on to
www.ihialliance.org or email info@ihialliance.org
INTERNATIONAL HALAL INTEGRITY ALLIANCE LTD (LG05848)
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IHI Alliance updates
The International Halal Integrity Alliance ( IHI ALLIANCE ) is an international, non-profit initiative created to present the international Halal industry players with one definitive voice. The IHI ALLIANCE’s mission is to strengthen the Halal market and uphold the integrity of Halal for the benefit of all.
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Pakistan IHI ALLIANCE collaboration gained supports Pakistan’s first ever major Halal event, Global Halal Expo and Global Halal Congress scheduled to be held in February 2010, caused tremendous media buzz after the recent launch. The Pakistani government’s new policy to support Halal industry is a development resulting from collaboration between the International Halal Integrity Alliance (IHI Alliance) and MESSE Pakistan – the organiser of both events. At the launch, IHI Alliance CEO, Darhim Hashim, was interviewed by three leading Pakistani broadcasters – Business Plus, GEO TV, and ATV – to talk about Pakistan’s vast potential in tapping the Halal market and IHI Alliance’s supporting role as the Global Halal Authority. “It is definitely amazing that over 300 people attended the launch. If this is an indication of the interest in the Pakistan Halal industry then we can expect a potentially overwhelming crowd during the event itself next year,” said Darhim, speaking during a live interview with Business Plus, a 24hour business news channel based in Karachi. When asked about the potential of the Pakistan Halal industry, Darhim pointed out that in addition to the Republic’s huge population and captive market, there is also a high level of production of food and agriculture products. He further added that these two salient features make strong value propositions to draw more foreign direct investment into Pakistan. Pakistan’s strategic geographical location enables it to play the role of Halal gateway for South Asian countries as well as the Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) all the way up to Kazakhstan. Earlier during the launch, chairman of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Syed Mohibullah Shah, hailed the Pakistani government’s new Trade Policy to subsidise 50 per cent of the certification costs as an effort to bolster the development of the nation’s domestic Halal industry. The Consul General of Malaysia in Karachi, Mr. Mohd Khalid Abdul Razak, was also present and in his speech, expressed Malaysia’s keen interest to enhance bilateral trade activities between the two countries. He cited an example of a synergistic opportunity for Malaysia to export palm oil kernel cake for the livestock industry, and Malaysia in turn, could import Pakistan’s Halal The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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meat. As reported by Bernama in June 2009, Pakistan’s import of Malaysian palm oil rose by 33 per cent for the January-April 2008 period, making the country one of the biggest export destinations for Malaysia’s main commodity. Singapore IHI ALLIANCE AT WORLD BANK’S 1ST EAP REGIONAL AGRIBUSINESS TRADE & INVESTMENT CONFERENCE Themed “Agro-enterprises Without Borders”, the conference was held on 30 and 31 July 2009 at
Holiday Inn Atrium, Singapore, and was in conjunction with the Republic’s hosting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2009 themed ‘Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region’. Set against an economically challenging year, World Bank continues to strive for agriculture development within the EAP region. The event was one of many initiatives taken by World Bank in supporting the improvement of agriculture and food security to help raise income of the smallholder farmers in the region. Interestingly, for the first time,
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Picture 01 : From left : Asad Sajjad, Managing Director of MESSE Pakistan; Syed Mohibullah Shah, Chairman of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan; Mohd Khalid Abdul Razak, Consul General of Malaysia in Karachi; and Darhim Hashim, CEO of IHI Alliance. Picture 02 : Attentive audience at the launch of the Global Halal Expo and Global Halal Congress in Karachi, Pakistan. Picture 03 : Darhim Hashim, CEO of IHI Alliance at the World Bank’s first EAP Regional Agribusiness Trade & Investment Conference in Singapore, where Halal was brought up for the first time as a topic of interest. Picture 04 : IHI Alliance industry advisor, Dr. Irfan Sungkar presenting the overview of Halal market potential at the World Bank’s Conference in Singapore. Picture 05 : Multicultural speakers at the International Halal Market Conference (IHMC) taking a group photo with Dato Hj Hamdillah Hj Abd Wahab, Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam.
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Halal was introduced as a topic at World Bank’s East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Regional Agribusiness Trade and Investment Conference in Singapore, earning the Halal industry much deserved attention from some of the world’s leading academicians, engineers, and industry players in agribusiness and food safety who gathered there. As one of the speakers at the conference, IHI Alliance CEO, Darhim Hashim, presented a paper on the global Halal food market and updates on the globally recognised Halal standard, and was accompanied on stage by IHI Alliance industry advisor, Irfan Sungkar, and Associate Professor from ESSEC Business School of Paris, Mr. Cedomir Nestorovic, as discussants. Darhim pointed out the typical scenario of globalisation of food and agribusiness where trade is being dominated by big players in developed countries. “As resources become more and more constrained, there’s an imminent need to harness the potential of smallholder farmers.” He further suggested that actions should be taken to nurture these groups to fill the gaps and realise their actual potential as the major stakeholders in the EAP agriculture sector. According to World Bank, the region’s rural population are still heavily reliant on agriculture despite substantial rural-tourban migration in recent decades. Hence, stimulating agricultural growth and providing food security became part of World Bank’s four strategic objectives in the EAP region. Darhim also presented an update on the development of the Global Halal Standard and the framework in which it can be implemented; whereas Irfan enlightened the audience with an overview of The Halal industry’s market potential as well as a myriad of issues currently faced by the industry. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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IHI Alliance updates
122 participants from 23 countries were seen at the conference with a high level participation from Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, USA, China and Malaysia. Major stakeholders and leading industry players such as World Health organisation (WHO), World Trade Organisation (WTO), CIES Business Forum, Carrefour, Rabobank, GlobalGAP and Cargill were also present. Brunei BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL HALAL MARKET CONFERENCE 2009 The 4th International Halal Market Conference 2009 (4th IHMC) organisers from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) had prepared a full itinerary ensuring that the guests, which include IHI Alliance CEO, Darhim Hashim, as one of the invited
speakers, were well taken care of throughout their stay in Brunei. The 4th IHMC was officiated by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna. All the invited speakers had the privilege of meeting with Her Royal Highness over refreshments, prior to the start of the conference. Addressing challenges and potentials in the Halal industry, Darhim presented a topic on “Developing Halal Standards for the OIC” on the second day of the event at the International Convention Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan. Jointly organised by Brunei’s MIPR, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Ministry of Health, the conference coincided with the 4th Brunei International Halal Products Expo (IHPE) 2009. Officiated by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, IHPE
2009 saw the Brunei Halal brand unveiled for the first time to the public. Under Brunei’s new Halal branding scheme, the newly launched trademark is aimed to assist local and international manufacturers in preparations for Halal export. “Raw materials entering Brunei must already be Halal-certified before being sent to Brunei. These will only come out of Brunei as finished products, ready to serve. If Brunei aims to produce high value-added products, then it is only natural that the raw material must already comply with the high level of Halal integrity before it arrives here.” At the global level, a lack of one commonly recognised Halal standard remains an unfilled gap of a perennial concern among Muslims worldwide. According to Darhim, of all 57 OIC member countries less than five have Halal certification bodies; less than half of these countries have Halal import regulations; and Brunei is the first member country that has a domestic Halal Act. IHI Alliance, with full support from Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), has been working tirelessly in developing a global Halal standard that cuts across the entire supply chain – an initiative that could forever change the landscape of the fragmented Halal industry.
EVENT PARTICIPATION OF IHI ALLIANCE AROUND THE GLOBE 1-4 November 2009 SAUDI AGRO-FOOD 2009, RIYADH Event profile: Saudi Agro Food is Saudi Arabia’s longest established food exhibition. The 16th edition of this bi-annual event will again be the Kingdom’s leading food industry event providing an opportunity to introduce new products, equipment, and technologies. Attended by the region’s food trade and business professionals, the event is a unique platform to expand existing exports or establish new ones, at the centre of the region’s fastest growing market. 2 – 4 November 2009 SWEETS MIDDLE EAST 2009 Event profile: The event is an international exhibition for the sweet & confectionery, bakery, snack food and ice cream industry in Dubai. Scheduled to be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, it aims to create new trading The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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opportunities and promote growth and development of the industry across the Middle East and North Africa region. 3 – 6 November 2009 WORLD FOOD KAZAKHSTAN 2009 Event profile: World Food Kazakhstan 2009 will feature approximately 300 companies from 30 countries. The exhibition will comprise several national group stands, including Germany, South Korea, France and Czech Republic. Considered as one of the largest exhibition in Central Asia, the event is expected to draw approximately 5,000 trade visitors. 8 – 9 November 2009 GLOBAL ISLAMIC SUMMIT 2009, DUBAI Event profile: Featuring premier keynote address from the Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the
event will discuss issues, future directions, and best practices of Islamic finance, international trade, and human capital development in the current economic environment. Darhim Hashim, CEO of IHI Alliance has been invited to speak on global Halal trade. 17-18 November 2009 WORLD HALAL FORUM EUROPE Event profile: Following the resolution of the 4th World Halal Forum, which was held in Kuala Lumpur in May 2009, World Halal Forum Europe will be the first ever regional edition of this premier event. Slated to be held at World Forum Convention Centre in The Hague, Netherlands, the forum is themed “Halal Potential – A Regional Focus”. 15-18 December 2009 THE 4TH CAMBODIA IMPORT-EXPORT & ONE PROVINCE ONE PRODUCT EXHIBITION Event profile: The 4th Cambodia Import-Export & One Province One Product Exhibition will be held at Mondial Exhibition Center, Phnom Penh. Organised by Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, this annual event will be incorporating three sub-events: Keynote Business & Investment Forum, Seminar & Workshop on One Province One Product Strategy, and relevant Business Matching.
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THE PREMIER GLOBAL HALAL INDUSTRY EVENT
The 5th World Halal Forum 2010
Call for papers
The World Halal Forum is acknowledged as the foremost gathering of Halal industry leaders from all over the world, all converging in Kuala Lumpur every year to discuss issues within the global Halal industry. This makes it an excellent platform to share ideas, raise concerns and suggest opportunities so as to chart the future growth and development of the Halal industry.
We therefore invite all individuals and corporations to contribute to the development of the global Halal market by submitting proposed papers to be presented during the WHF 2010.
S ubmission deadline : 1 5 th M ar c h 2 0 1 0 For more info, log on to www.worldhalalforum.org or call the WHF Secretariat at +6 03 6203 1025
www . worldhalalforum . org
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Photo by John Nyberg
The number of Muslims in EU-15 (Western/ Northern Europe) was approximately 5.1 per cent of the total population in the 15 founding countries of the European Union.
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Winds of Change Food Market Trends and the Muslim Markets of Europe
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ccuracy is bliss, and ignorance is not. At least not when it comes to any industry involving consumer products, where assessment of market size, knowledge on customers and their requirements, and the growth factors are the most important fundamental elements to be gathered. For the global Halal industry, the lack of accurate and easily accessible data relating to the global Halal industry is one of a few major factors that can possibly deter its growth potential. KasehDia industry advisor, Irfan Sungkar, shares insights on the trends of Halal in Europe. Importance of the European Halal Market Islam is the largest religion in terms of number of followers (Muslims) in the world with the average annual growth rate of about 1.80 per cent per annum (average non-Muslim is about 1.12 per cent per annum). While the exact number of Muslim population worldwide is hard to come by, our research indicated that the total number of Muslims worldwide reached 1.83 billion in 2009. Europe has a Muslim population of about 51.2 million in 2009. The number has grown by
140 per cent since the last decade and continues to outpace that of the non-Muslims. Consequently, this pool of Muslims in Europe plays a major role in the global Halal market for various reasons: Europe has the third largest concentration of Muslims after Asia and the African countries, with much larger number of Muslims compared to North America, Australia/ the Pacific countries, and Latin America. European Muslims have higher purchasing power, meaning the market potential is big;
The demographic structure of Muslims in Europe is skewed towards the younger/ educated Muslim generation with higher purchasing power; Dominated by immigrants from Turkey, North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and others), the Middle Eastern and some Asian countries, these communities have faster population growth and higher household size. For example, the average Muslim immigrant’s household size is between 4.0 and 4.5 persons. The average household size for the whole EU-27 is 1.8 persons; The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Table 1: Muslim Population in France & Major European Countries, 2005 No. Country
Total
1 2 3 4 5 6
727.40 389.04 62.00 82.20 60.30 16.30
Total Europe EU-15 (Western/ Northern) France Germany United Kingdom The Netherlands
Population (Million) Muslim 51.20 19.75 5.86 3.45 1.72 0.94
% Muslim 7.0% 5.1% 9.5% 4.2% 2.9% 5.8%
Source: KasehDia/ World Halal Forum Secretariat from various sources
Table 2: Projection of Muslims in Europe and Selected EU Countries, 2010
As noted in Table 2, the total number of Muslims in the whole of Europe, including the Russian Federation is projected to reach 54.7 million in 2010.
No. Country
Muslim Population (‘000) 2005 2010
1 2 3 4 5 6
51,200 19,750 5,866 3,450 1,720 940
Total Europe EU – 15 (western/northern) France Germany United Kingdom The Netherlands
Source: KasehDia/ World Halal Forum Secretariat from various sources
Halal products are becoming mainstream and the awareness is increasing. As Halal food and products are not only for Muslims, but rather for everyone in the world regardless their religious affiliation, makes Halal a perfect match for Europe’s multicultural consumer market. Muslims in Europe In EU-15 (Western/ Northern Europe), the number of Muslims was close to 20 million in 2005. This represents about 5.1 per cent of the total population in 15 founding countries of the European Union (EU-15). France has the largest number of Muslim population at about 5.86 million, accounting for about 9.5 per cent of the total French population in 2005. Germany ranked second with approximately 3.45 million Muslims, followed by United Kingdom with 1.72 million Muslims and the Netherlands with about 0.94 million Muslims or 5.8 per cent of the total Dutch population. This number is widely projected to continue increasing from 19.75 million in 2005 to 25.2 million in 2010 within the EU-15 countries. Moreover, in the whole of Europe (including Russia), the total number of Muslims is expected to reach 54.7 million in 2010, increasing from 51.2 million in 2005. The projected number of Muslims in the whole of Europe, EU-15 The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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54,700 25,230 6,780 4,160 2,180 1,050
and several major EU countries is shown in Table 2. Nonetheless, in the absence of formal and accurate demographic data for Muslims in almost all European countries, this projection can vary, should higher quality data and field research findings are obtained. The rapid rise in Muslim population in major European countries is mainly due to the higher population growth of Muslim families compared to the average national growth. It is widely estimated that the population growth of Muslim families is about 30 to 40 per cent higher than the national average population growth in most of the European countries – a trend that also exists in the global context. Migration is an important source of population growth in Europe. Without migration, the total European population would have already started to decline. Migrants tend to have
higher fertility rates than the local European population. There is also internal migration within the European countries, primarily from some of the new EU member states to Western and Northern Europe. For Muslim immigrants, the Turkish forms the largest community in Europe followed by North Africans (from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and so on), and Asians. The Halal Food Market in Europe First of all, as mentioned earlier, it is a daunting task to get the exact number of Muslims in each non-Muslim majority country. The revelation of the exact number of Muslims is interplay between national and regional political situation, socio-economic conditions, and inter-ethnic as well as interreligion issues. This is the main reason why there will never be an agreement on how many Muslims are actually living in Europe, as
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Table 3: Estimated Breakdown of the Global Halal Food Market Size, 2009-2010 Global Halal Food Market Size (USD Billion)
2009 634.6
2010 (p) 661.6
1. Africa
150.3
155.9
2. Asian Countries - GCC Countries - Indonesia - Malaysia
400.1 43.8 77.6 8.2
418.1 46.0 80.7 8.6
3. European Countries - France (EU) - Russian Federation (non EU) - United Kingdom (EU)
66.6 17.4 21.1 4.1
69.3 18.2 21.9 4.3
4. Australia/ Oceania 5. American Countries
1.5 16.1
1.6 16.7
*Note: At present, KasehDia Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( founder and organiser of the World Halal Forum since 2006 and World Halal Forum Europe 2009), is the only widely quoted source of information on the global and regional Halal market in terms of potential, market size, consumption pattern, consumer behaviour, trade issues and other relevant information by large regional and multinational corporations for decision making process, apart from the media such as Times, Economist, Forbes, Asian Wall Street Journal, Poultry International and many others.
well as in the whole world. On this matter, to get the best estimate on the number of Muslim population in each country within Europe as well as other parts of the world, we have to conduct our own field research in major European countries. This has been done by interviewing Muslim leaders and experts in each country, and by looking at the estimates from several sources such as the United Nations Population Database, Eurostat, other international agencies, and a number of Islamic population database and various sources in the web. Thus, in order to get the best projection on the size of the Halal food market in Europe and other parts of the world, we multiply the best available estimates of Muslim population as explained above with the average annual per capita food consumption. In order to have the equality of food expenditure, the per capita
Photo by Bartlomiej Stroinski
Source: Calculated based on data from World Bank IDC; UN Population Database, other Muslim Population database, and internal WHF research in Europe, Middle-East and South-East Asia during 2008/2009; (p) Projected
The Russian Federation, a non-EU member country, has a larger number of Muslims in Europe, with an estimate of 20 and 25 million Muslims. Russia is home to 23 million indigenous Muslims, as well as an estimated three to four million Muslim migrants from former Soviet states: approximately two million Azeris, one million Kazakhs, and several hundred thousands Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Kyrgyz. This constitutes 10 to 16 per cent of Russia’s total population. The Russian Muslim community is extremely diverse -- from Volga, Tatars and Bashkirs, to the ethnic mosaic of North Caucasus. In contrast to Muslim minorities in Western Europe, however, most Russian Muslims represent native people of what is now the Russian Federation, and have inhabited this land for over a millenium. The Muslim population is spread across the country, but coalesced in several Muslim-majority republics. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Here, there & everywhere...
Photo by Hans Thoursie
NETHERLANDS Total population: 16.3 million Muslim population: 945,000 or 5.8% Background: The integration of Muslims remains a concern for the Dutch government, particularly after a film-maker critical of Islam was murdered in 2004. Further tensions surround the view held by some that there is a high level of crime among Muslim youths and a problem with unemployment. In the 1950s, Muslims arrived from the former colonies of Suriname and Indonesia. Other Muslim migrants come from Morocco, Algeria, Turkey, and some Asian and sub-saharan African countries. The Netherlands favours multiculturalism, essentially the accommodation of different groups on equal terms. Sources: Total population - Statistics Netherlands, 2005 figures; Muslim population - Statistics Netherlands, 2004 figures.
Photo by Hans Thoursie
SWEDEN Total population: 9 million Muslim population: 300,000 (3%) Background: The Muslim population is broad, with significant groups from Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria. The size of the Muslim population is such that representative bodies receive state funding. Sweden favours multiculturalism and immigrants can become citizens after five years. Sweden prides itself on its tolerance, but there has been criticism that Muslims are too often blamed for causing problems in the society. Sweden is amongst the very few countries in the world that prohibits ritual slaughtering without stunning. Sources: Total population - Statistics Sweden, 2005 figures; Muslim population - US State Department.
Photo by Aline Dassel
BELGIUM Total population: 10,364,388 Muslim population: 380,000 (in 2005) Background: Belgium has the second largest and busiest port in Europe, Port of Antwerp, which is a traditional port within the last centuries. The country is host to some of the major regional and international agencies including the EC Headquarters and the EU Parliament. The Muslim population in Belgium is forecasted to increase to 420,000 in 2010. According to a recent survey, the biggest concentration of Muslims in Belgium are in Brussels (approximately 17-20 per cent of total Brussels population) and in Antwerp (6 per cent). Belgium is famous for its chocolates, but interestingly, there is not a single cocoa tree in the country! The trees are all planted halfway across the world in many African countries. Sources: US Census Bureau, International Data Base, The Halal Journal May/June 2007.
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During Ramadhan in France this year, television advertisements were aired and Halal food products displayed - something that have never occurred in the years before.
food consumption is computed based on purchasing power parity across each country. The result of calculation of the global and European Halal food market size in terms of consumption is shown in Table 3: The Russian Federation, a non-EU member country, has a larger number of Muslims in Europe, estimated between 20 and 25 million Muslims. Among the EU member countries, France has the largest number of Muslim population, which was 5.87 million in 2005 and estimated to reach 6.5 million in 2009. Although the Muslim population in the Russian Federation more than triple the Muslim population in France, because the per capita food consumption is smaller, the total size of the Russian Halal food market is only slightly more than France. With much higher income per capita and purchasing power, France has a total market size of USD17.4 billion. About half of this market is located in areas surrounding Paris, where the Muslim population can be as high as 30-40 per cent of the total Muslim population in the whole country. Next to France, main countries with substantial Halal food market size are Germany, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Based on Table 3, the current size of Halal food market in all of the European countries, including France, is estimated to reach USD66.6 billion in 2009 and is projected to rise to USD69.3 billion in 2010. Thus, the European Halal food market size is considerably high and it is close to the total market size in Indonesia – the country with the largest Muslim population in the world with more than 200 million Muslims. The present market size of Halal food products in Europe is attractive, but the future is even brighter. This is due to the fact that purchasing power of Muslim consumers in Europe is, on average, much higher than those living in Asian countries. Secondly, population
Another perspective on Halal and the European Market
T
here is a useful feature available on Google, whereby you can see the interest in a particular subject, based on search frequency over a given period of time. Worldwide interest in Halal, based on Google searches, has doubled in the past five years; this fact has provided us with some statistical foundation for claims that the global Halal market is growing. It is clear from the graph that the change over the past 18 months has been more dramatic than over the preceding four years, confirming the view that the Halal market is heating up, despite a general cooling in many other sectors. Halal in Europe Without going into the claims and counter-claims circulating on YouTube about the changing demographics in Europe, it seems to be apparent that the
Words by Hajj Abdalhamid Evans Senior Analyst, Imarat Consultants
Muslim population of Europe is not only increasing, but has an above average growth rate. Certainly the European Muslim consumer is becoming a target demographic for retailers and manufacturers, especially in the food sector. As one up-market restaurateur in London commented, referring to his Ramadhan fast-breaking customers, “They’re all young, professional and moneyed and all quite trendy – they’ve got disposable incomes to go out and have really great food, and they know they can get Halal meat here.” Halal food is increasingly available in mainstream retail outlets throughout Europe, including under the supermarkets ‘own label’ offerings. It is important to recognise that what we are seeing now is in many cases the result of decisions made several years ago; such is the time-
Google Insights for Search Interest Over Time for Halal • halal 64 | 2004 - present 100 80 60 40 20 0 14
2006
2008
View full report in Google Insights for Search
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cover story Another perspective on Halal and the European Market (continued)
The growth of Halal food consumption is projected to grow stronger, which will lead to increasing trade potential either between European countries, or between European with non-European countries.
growth of Muslims in most European countries is higher than the national average or compared to non-Muslims. Thirdly, in most European countries, there exist transitions of generations from the first and second generations of Muslim immigrants to the third and younger generations of French-national Muslims of various ethnic/ nationality backgrounds. These transitional factors have resulted in the existence of educated and professional Muslim societies; socially, they are relatively assimilated with the nonMuslim communities compared to the earlier generations. Moreover, there is a sign that this generation is also gradually detaching themselves from the traditional food of their origins/ ethnicities to follow global trends, such as trends towards convenience foods and ready meals, health food, and so on. However, as Muslims, they still require that these changes are in accordance to their basic Islamic values and food products purchased must be Halal. The changes in European Halal food market can be seen in various existing trends. For example, in France, television advertisements and promotional billboards on Halal food products have started appearing this year and this was intense during Ramadhan – something that have never existed in the years before. All the above elements have resulted in a market where the growth of Halal food consumption is projected to grow stronger, which will lead to increasing trade potential either between European countries, or between European countries with non-European countries. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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frame for big corporate decisions to become visible in the marketplace. Similarly, it is significant that Halal is now being seen as a potential engine of growth in economies from all over the world, leading us to surmise that we are likely to see a continued increase in the Halal market, driven by growing consumer demand (and confidence) and the retailers’ willingness to supply it. Furthermore, this new view of Halal as an engine of growth
is going to be underpinned with policy decisions by governments keen to find ways to strengthen fragile economies. Balancing Priorities Opening up potential fertile new areas, without alienating existing supporters is a balancing act in both politics and business. On the political front, the recognition that developing products and services for the Halal market can play a significant role in both
Muslims Population in Selected Urban Area City
Number of Muslims
Amsterdam Bradford Birmingham Brussels Ile de France Greater London Marseille Rotterdam Vienna
180,000 75,000 143,000 160,000 1.7 million 625,000 350,000 80,000 120,000
Sources: EUMAP, The Economist, UK cencus
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domestic and export markets is becoming more common. Political and economic climate also plays a role in determining the extent to which producers will openly target and supply Muslim consumers, and also the extent to which those consumers feel confident to demand the kind of products and services they want. The change of administration in the USA generated an almost immediate sigh of relief among the 8-9 million US Muslims. This was accompanied by an economic turmoil that saw many of the largest players in the food sector looking around for new markets and strategies to maintain market share – or in some cases just to try and stay afloat – and finding the Halal sector a promising candidate. This brought Muslim consumer power into the spotlight, and the realisation that US Muslims have a combined spending power of an estimated USD16 billion (on food products) is opening up a new market niche. Not only have
WalMart and CostCo recognised the importance of this market, but some major food producers are also considering serving the Halal market as a means of breathing fresh life into a tired business plan. The question is often how to do this without alienating existing customers. In the UK, Dominos Pizza and KFC have changed to a Halal menu in outlets with a high Muslim population, with signs in the windows and certificates on the wall…and not without some degree of backlash. In Finland, McDonald’s is selling Halal chicken burgers without making any publicity at all, buying more than half of their chickens from Danish producer Danpol, who comply with Halal procedures, and saying that their decision is based on quality, rather than religion. Whether this will produce its own backlash remains to be seen, but the decision is an interesting one. For this is perhaps where the real opportunity lies, in the cross-over market.
Furthermore, this new view of Halal as an engine of growth is going to be underpinned with policy decisions by governments keen to find ways to strengthen fragile economies.
• beauty products • beauty treatment • bodycare • health products • supplement • leisure • sports club & gym • beauty spa • textile • swimwear • sportswear • modest fashion
Europe as a Multicultural Market Given the existence of various factors such as migration, and higher number of multiethnic and multicultural tourists, the direct and indirect consequence is a trend for European consumers, either Muslims or non-Muslims, to be more open to an international lifestyle and this is reflected in new types of food products being offered in the European markets. Muslim migrants in Europe contributed to these multicultural markets as they bring their own consumption habits to Europe, which creates specific demand for products from their country of origin, and at the same time, serve to widen the domestic market for those particular products. In major European countries, such as France, Germany, United Kingdom and the Netherlands, it is common to see Muslim residents start their own businesses, such as in the areas of restaurants and catering, as well as retailing and wholesaling. As a result, product ranges are widening towards more international and multicultural products, including Halal food products across European countries. This growing internationalisation and multicultural products-base has pushed the tourism industry further; enabling European countries to receive Muslim tourists with easy accessibility for Halal food products, restaurants and related needs for Muslim travellers from all over the world (mosques, availability of the Holy Quran in hotels, and so on). Supermarkets, hotels and restaurants have responded to this new demand and have started to offer Halal food products in their mainstream offerings. Consumer Trends and Opportunities for Premium Halal Products It is globally recognised that higher living standards is related to how people It is globally recognised that higher living standards is related to how people spend their money. While consumers are cutting their expenses in certain area, they also tend to spoil themselves by consuming premium products as manifestation in a trend toward healthy eating, natural or organic products, and The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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cover story Another perspective on Halal and the European Market (continued)
Although this is not a common case for consumers with lower income, our research in major European countries found that consumers are willing to pay premium for products with better quality and safety as well as product integrity and Halal assurance.
high end food products. Although this is not a common case for consumers with lower income, our research in major European countries found that consumers are willing to pay premium for products with better quality and safety as well as product integrity and Halal assurance. The main reasons for this trend are: (1) European household income, both Muslim or non-Muslim households, have increased steadily over the past 30 years, including their wealth with the rise in property and other asset values; (2) The rapid growth of mass retailers and low price outlets resulted in excess purchasing power of the consumers for higher price/ premium products, and; (3) European women, including Muslims, who are significant drivers of premium spending are working more, earning more and starting to play a more influential role in purchasing decisions and behaviour. The above trend observed in most European countries led to better potentials for high end and processed Halal food products rather than the initial trend towards primary Halal food products. Opportunities for ‘freezer-to-fryer’ products such as chicken nuggets, sausages, burgers, ready meals and other types of convenience foods are increasing. While the current demand are largely being fulfilled by local companies, rising future demand shall open new opportunities for non-European companies to start investing in The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Access All Areas Halal meat and poultry, if the raw materials are high quality, and if the Halal guidelines are correctly followed, should be among the highest quality produce available anywhere. Correct Halal slaughter means less blood in the carcass, less toxin and bacteria content in the meat; it is safer, healthier and has a longer shelf-life, and despite the negative image of Halal slaughter, when done correctly, it is less traumatic for the animals. Halal food has the potential to be the ultimate cross-over market product, and the companies that recognise this, and can build it into their strategic planning, will
be the ones to put themselves into a strong market position – if they can get the puzzle right. The Emerging European Market There is no question that the European Halal market is a viable and untapped emerging market. The question of how best to access it is a more complex problem than might be the case in other minority markets, such as in North America, where the Muslim populations are arguably more integrated and affluent, and most people are originally from somewhere else anyway. The socio-political landscape
Due to the growth of Muslims, the business of selling ‘Halal’ meat (which is slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law) has grown to be a multi-billion euro-industry. A 2005 estimate placed Halal meat sale at 15 billion euros in the European continent, with five billion euros of those sales coming from France, where it is growing 15% annually. The industry has been under criticism for being unorganized and ill-developed. In 2004 Europe’s first bank to offer Sharia compliant financial services, the Islamic Bank of Britain, opened its doors in Britain. Other countries which have Islamic banking institutions are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland and Ireland. Source: Wikipedia - Islam in Europe
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in Europe is more complicated. It is made up of different countries, each with a Muslim population originating from a different continent, bringing their own differences of culture, taste and schools of thought that became merged, to a greater or lesser extent, with their new European Muslim identities. Not to mention their own ideas of what constitutes Halal! Add to this the complexities of European politics, and the often difficult relationships with the wider Muslim world and their own Muslim minorities, as well as the influence of the right-wing and animal welfare groups; it seems clear that developing the lucrative Halal markets in Europe may well be a long and interesting journey. Perhaps the weakest link in the value chain is the credibility of the domestic Halal certification bodies. The development of Halal as an industry is in turn forcing the evolution of the certification process away from the image of the religious figure with limited understanding of the 21st century food industry, and towards the emerging picture of a new hybrid figure, as wellversed in the appropriate Shariah law as in the complexities of food science and market logistics. It was a telling moment, in the spring of 2009 in Chicago, when the quality control expert from one of the world’s largest food and ingredient manufacturers outlined, in a formal presentation, what ‘big industry’ needs from the Halal certification process: Independence and transparency of a) Standards, b) Audit, and c) Certification and the emergence of competent Accreditation Bodies to oversee the whole process. With the World Halal Forum now entering the European arena in November 2009, it seems likely that we will see an increased focus on this emerging regional Halal market. A complex mix of colonial history, identity, immigration, politics, ethics, and of course money, this new chapter promises to be one of the most interesting instalments in the meeting of Islamic Shariah with the modern world of trade and commerce. It is unlikely to be boring.
market observation to find targeted markets and products that they are able to supply. Leading European Companies Some leading food companies in Europe have realised this and are taking the opportunities this market has to offer. The leading examples are: Nestlé SA, Switzerland. Through prudent research and implementation of measures, Nestlé has already 75 factories out of its 481 total factories across the world producing Halal food products through Halal-certified manufacturing process. Nestlé is the biggest food company in the world that produces Halal food products, reporting total sales generated from Muslim countries at USD3.0 billion. Leading European retailers such as Tesco in the UK, and Carrefour and Groupe Casino in France targets Muslim customers through the adoption of Halal section in their hypermarkets. In 2005, Tesco UK introduced the Halal section in part of its outlets (117 hypermarkets or 6 per cent of total number of outlets). By end of 2009, the percentage is expected to increase to more than 20 per cent. Asian companies, including from Malaysia, are trying to fulfil the demand for Halal products by these outlets for European consumers. Doux, the leading chicken meat exporter in France and also across the European market acquired
Frangosul, another chicken meat producer in Brazil, in order to maintain their competitiveness in the export market due to gradual removal of export subsidy in the EU. Europe has about 11 per cent market share of the total import of Halal meat from the GCC countries. Other major European companies with strong presence in Asia are: Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods Holding (Frisian Flag), the Netherlands: Dairy products (Dutch Lady, and other brands) Arla Foods Group, Denmark: Dairy products Danish Crown Group (Emborg, Tulip Foods), Denmark: Halal meat products (frozen, canned, and so on) Groupe Lactalis, France: Dairy products Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, and others While the potential or market size is large, the international trade of Halal food products at present is still relatively small – projected at below ten per cent of the potential market size. This gap is relatively untapped due to the gross misunderstanding of Halal products and other Halalrelated matters by some companies, consumers, and even NGOs (non-government organisations) and multinational institutions. If the market is fully understood, European food companies and retailers should be able to reap the benefits from the Halal food market not only in Europe but also globally by developing appropriate strategies. hj
Obtain your copy of the Global Halal Food Market Report/ the European Halal Food Market Report for detailed market analysis. These reports will be available for sale at the World Halal Forum Europe in The Hague, Netherlands, from 17 to 18 November 2009. (see overleaf)
The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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feature
The Estihala Concept
Words by Dr. Hani Mansour Mosa Al-Mazeedi, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
Linguistically, the term “istihala” denotes a transformation or a change in the nature of a thing into something else. In Fiqh (religiously speaking), istihala signifies a turning of a matter from a state of impurity or inedibility by Shariah (Islamic Law) into a matter different in nature, name, properties and characteristics with a 100 per cent chemical change.
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n 1997, at the 9th Symposium of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences (IOMS) in Kuwait, Dr. Hamed Jame mentions the accepted Islamic conditions of well established istihala: “Any matter that undergoes a total and comprehensive transformation and change to an extent that it affect its nature, name, properties and characteristics under a condition that no part of it bears any similarity to its former pre-istihala state to an extent that it turns into a substance of a new nature, different reality and with a new name. Based on this definition, Dr. Hamed gave a clear example of an istihala that has been given by earlier scholars, and he said: a swine which falls into a salt mixer turns into salt and does not keep its name ‘swine’ as it was before. However, it is given a new name that is ‘salt’, and it no longer looks like swine nor it retains any of its original properties or characteristics. It turns (after istihala) into salt: its looks, properties and characteristics are altogether different from its pre-istihala nature. Other examples would be the istihala of wine into vinegar.
Fiqh scholars’ opinions on the istihala concept and its religious purification (tahara) effects on najasah (forbidden and unclean materials according to Shariah): Estihala gains tahara: some later scholars from the Ahnaf School maintain that any najas matter can be religiously purified (taher) once the najasah factors are removed and replaced with tayyibah (pure) characteristics, resulting in the transformation of the najas matter into tayyibah matter in a total transformation/ change (chemical
change – such as the transformation of pork fat into soap). Estihala does not gain tahara: other Muslim scholars from the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools maintain that najasahs when turned into another matter does not make it taher. For some later Ahnaf scholars, the application of the istihala concept as interpreted religiously by the earlier Ahnaf fiqh scholars was problematic especially with examples they deal with in our present daily life. For instance, the later Ahnaf scholars have missed out the
fact that istihala, as interpreted religiously by the earlier Ahnaf scholars, has put a very important condition to it, and that is, istihala must occur by coincidence without human intervention or intention. As a result and looking at currently debated various examples, we see odd Muslim scholars consider any chemical change of najas matter as istihala! Looking at this religious interpretation that is based on scientific interpretation, I totally cannot accept the religious verdict by the later Ahnaf scholars claiming that soap made from pork fat may undergo istihala and The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Glycerides are fats and oils that are esters of glycerol with one or more fatty acids. The primary function of glyceride is energy storage. A triglyceride is an ester of glycerol and three fatty acids. Most animal fats are composed primarily of triglycerides. It consists of three individual fatty acids bound together in a single large molecule; an important energy source forming much of the fat stored by the body.
From Fat to Soap
by Dr. House
Fatty acids, glycerine and other chemical characters in soap production. It starts with oils and fats from plants (e.g. palm oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and so on) or animals (e.g. lard, cow fat, chicken fat, and so on). Oils and fats share a basic structure: a glycerine backbone supporting fatty acid chains. Simply put, the triglyceride is ester of glycerine backbone and three fatty acids – we call it ‘fat ester’ and it looks something like this:
Triglycerides. The fatty acids attached to the glycerol are represented by ‘R’. The fatty acids can be the same or different. Source: Wikipedia, wikimedia
become taher, or that gelatine taken from swine hide or a cow that is not Halal-slaughtered may also undergo istihala and become taher.
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et us take a look at the scientific interpretation of this argument in which the religious interpretation is based on. Soap, by definition is the salt of fat. The final product which is called soap is nothing more than a mixture of mainly salts of fats, few glycerides and free fatty acids that are all derived from the starting material of raw fat and salt. So, some of the original natural material of raw fat, in our opinion, still exists in the final soap product. This can scientifically be explained as follows: based on the chemical structure of fat, we find that it contains fatty acids (R-COOH) linked to the backbone of glycerol (CH2OH CH2OHCHOH-) in the form of esters (CH2OH-CHOH–CH2O-CO-R). Such fatty acids are seldom found in living tissues in its free form, and found linked to the backbone of glyceride molecules. Fatty acids consist of a hydrocarbon chain (-CH2-CH2-) or (-CH=CH-) which is given the symbol R, ending in the carboxyl group (-COOH). The discrepancy between the fatty acids’ properties is attributed to the varying length of its hydrocarbon The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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chains and to the different hydrogen satiation ratios. In fact, if glycerol is linked to one fatty acid it is called monoglyceride. The fat containing two fatty acids are called diglycerides. However, the compound containing three fatty acids, being the maximum number of possible linkages, is called triglycerides, which is the widest spread type of fat. The origin of the fat can be determined by measuring the length, distribution and satiation ratios of fatty acids amongst the glycerides and inside the one glyceride, where certain types of glycerides can be found in specific quantities in the structure of natural fat. In the soap industry, the glycerol-linked carboxyl fatty acid group during interaction with caustic soda (NaOH) or caustic potash (KOH) makes a water molecule (H2O) and the salt of that fatty acid (R-COONa+) – that is the Sodium ion (Na+) or positive Potassium (K+) ion with the ionised negative fatty carboxyl (COO-) and so on and so forth – for the remaining fatty acids in the glyceride. The variety of glycerides and fatty acids of animal or plant origin existing in many food items such as chewing gum, and consumer items such as commercial hand soap (blocks or liquid), shampoo, detergents, toothpastes, deodorants, cosmetics, and skin care products
The carbon atoms (C), running down the left-hand side, form the ‘glycerine backbone’, and the bits hanging on the right are the ‘fatty acids’, where the R represents a long hydrocarbon chain. Simple. Now we need to separate the glycerine backbone from the fatty acids. To do this, just add any methanol solvent to the oil or fat, and the result is, the glycerine backbone peels away from the fatty acids like the skin off fried chicken. Meanwhile, the methanol particles replace each carbon atoms, leaving you with three ‘fatty acids methyl ester’, or simply, ‘methyl ester’. This reaction is called a transesterification, because one kind of ester (fat ester) is turned into another ester (methyl ester). The glycerine left behind settles and can be used for consumer products like moisturisers. Now we have methyl ester, which is perfect as biodiesel, but we want soap. So, what we do is add alkali solution like soda (usually sodium methoxide) to the methyl ester – producing methanol and a fatty acid ‘salt’, better known as soap.
are but a mixture of glycerine (moisturiser) and fatty acids, belonging to a number of animal fat (sheep/ cow/ swine) or pure plant oils, or a combination of all those sources to make up desired characteristics. Although there is no fixed scientific source, some scientists believe that the chemical reaction process in the soap industry is not a hundred per cent complete. In other words, some of the triglycerides or fats are only partially involved in the reaction, of which part are left in the final soap product. Some of the glycerol decomposed from the fatty acids involved in the soap industry may be added or remain in the final soap product to give the soap its moisturising effect. Sometimes, the cheapest of all fat (those discarded by slaughterhouses) may be used in the soap industry.
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The later Ahnaf scholars have missed out the fact that istihala, as interpreted religiously by the earlier Ahnaf scholars, has put a very important condition to it, and that is, istihala must occur by coincidence without human intervention or intention.
In the case of protein gelatine, some biochemists believe that gelatine extracted from its natural sources (animal skin and bones) does not undertake a total and a comprehensive change from its original intact protein state (the collagen). It undertakes a (partial) change in its chemical structure and a massive change in its physical and chemical properties. Gelatine taken from swine hide (skin) is originally swine protein, and after it has been extracted, it will still remain protein, however a broken form of swine protein – the extraction process involves heat and alkalis (or acids), which changes the tertiary structure of the original collagen triple helix protein molecule through breaking the hydrogen bonds between the protein alpha chains and the chemical bonds uniting the parts of the protein chain itself, producing broken chemical swine protein chains of smaller sizes. This explains the immuno-analysis results in the case of failing to identify the foreign bodies (smaller pork gelatine size molecules) that are believed to have undergone istihala. For example, it is not correct to consider that antibodies directed to random collagen pork sample before gelatine extraction as a criterion for occurrence of complete istihala, since heat and alkalis or acids result in the un-reorganisation state of the antibody to the new structure of the broken protein collagen chains.
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t is believed that the time will come where intelligent lab techniques will be used to establish the origin of some of the materials that are believed erroneously to have undergone istihala, which cannot be identified now. It will be important here to remind readers that the techniques of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) cannot be used in a normal routine way to establish the animal origin of gelatine protein starting material. The normal procedure of PCR requires the presence of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) material, which means it requires the presence of cells and not protein.
Odd religious interpretation of istihala, that is the deliberate change of najas material within hours, will definitely make some of the industrial food/ medical/ cosmetic processes generate millions of dollars from Muslim consumers simply by changing the characteristics of najas/ forbidden materials; a situation which is totally unacceptable religiously, and Halal certification bodies should be warned not to certify such products as Halal. There is another misconception that needs to be put into its right context, and that is, the saying that rennet in cheese making undergoes istihala. This is not true, since rennet is just like any other enzyme which goes into the reaction and goes out intact without turning into any other matter following a bio-interactive process. Some Muslim scholars have approved of rennet from cow sources that has not been Halal-slaughtered, not based on the istihala concept but on incidents that occurred during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him, p.b.u.h). In the examples discussed earlier, I believe that the actual nature of the starting material (its origins) remains partially intact. Therefore, I am of the opinion that they should be avoided. On the basis of the danger of assuming istihala, Dr. Mohammad Sulaiman Al-Ashqar says: the changes occurring to the najas and forbidden matters are many. Therefore, there must be a clearly defined rule that identifies the change that is considered a religiously purified state and sets it apart from any other change. He gave real-life examples from the food industry. Islamic rule on the use of Najasah: Dr. Mohammad Habib Al-Tijkani (College of Fundamentals of Religion, Tatwan/ Morocco) said at the 9th Symposium of the IOMS: “In this context, there is no need to look for an Islamic ruling if the nature of alcohol, for instance, changed or its percentage decreased by vaporisation or any other processes. This is applicable
if Haram is mixed up with Halal, or the Haram is turned Halal by coincidence without human intervention or intention. However, with the deliberate use of Haram on the assumption that it will turn into Halal or lose its percentage without any justification is an individual or collective sin that is rejected by the Muslim community who believes in Allah and the Last Day. Allah, the Almighty, enjoin us to absolutely avoid wine. The justification offered by some literature on this topic by saying “this is the prevailed norm” or “a prevailed plight” is un-Islamic and are totally rejected by Shariah, especially in our modern day, where the use of Haram materials is rampant and widespread. The rampant deflection amongst people does not change the gravity of a contravention/ sin in the sight of Allah. The justification of “it is a prevailed plight” will only be considered if it does not contradict with the religious text of Islam. Dr. Al-Tijkani also said, “Lastly, the solution to this problem cannot be justified by a situation created by a status of inferiority or market globality. Rather, it resides in the making of a new reality based on virtuous Islamic values, where all capabilities can be mobilised to establish new food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, reflecting the essence of Islam in the life of Muslims and later in the lives of humankind. The dominant blind civilisation of today – progressing without guidance – has lost and is losing so much by diverting away from the path of God and by surrendering to materialistic values. Hence, Muslims have to seek a different path to ensure salvation for them and for others. hj
Notes: *This article was originally written in Arabic and taken from the book “My Food, 2010”, by its author Dr. Hani Mansour Mosa Al-Mazeedi. Translation of this article is courtesy from Mr. Mohammad Yaseen Mustafa Al-Argha. ** Dr Hani Mansour Mosa Al-Mazeedi is an Associate Research Scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. He was one of the pioneers who started promoting Halal in a holistic manner integrating HACCP and Halal, and taking the concept across the whole supply chain. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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feature
The Case for
Words by Huzaime Hamid
Islamic “Nobel” Prizes The words “Nobel Prize” evoke visions of extraordinary achievements in the fields of science, literature and leadership; specifically leadership towards the progress of realising peace. The Nobel Prize is now acclaimed as the penultimate prize in the world for attainments in the fields that these prizes are awarded for. It celebrates these accomplishments and the great persons behind them every year.
27th November 1865
Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel initiated the Nobel Prizes.
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obel willed his vast estate to be divided into five equal parts and from there, awarded annually to the most significant achievements in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. The criteria for the award for peace were stated by Nobel as: “…. To the person who shall have done the most or best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.” The first Nobel Prizes were conferred in 1901. The awards list was expanded in 1968 with the inclusion of a prize for economics. The prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden each year, with the exception of the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo, Norway. Nominations for these prizes are received from thousands of academicians, scientists, previous Laureates (as the prize winners are known), members of Parliament, and other selected parties. The individual Nobel Committees send invitations to them asking for nominations each year. The Nobel Prize winners are selected by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for prizes in physics, chemistry and economics; the Karolinska Institute for the prize in medicine; the Swedish Academy for the prize in literature; and for the peace prize, a committee of five persons is selected by the Norwegian Parliament. Alfred Nobel himself chose this mechanism. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Indeed, the purpose of such Islamic “Nobel” Prizes is to be the catalyst to help raise the levels of achievements and standards of living of Muslims worldwide.
The Nobel Prizes nowadays carry a reward of USD1 million per award but it is for the prestige and recognition that scientists, economists, writers of literature, and leaders strive for. It is claimed, with no small amount of correctness, that it has been a key factor in vaulting mankind’s progress in these past 100 years, especially in the fields of economics, medicine, chemistry, and physics. Ironically, Alfred Nobel made his fortune in dynamite. Many speculated that he was so appalled of how dynamite had been used in warfare that he initiated the awards, with the notable inclusion of an award for peace. Through the years, there have been several winners of the Nobel Prize from the Islamic world. They include Anwar El-Sadat (for the Peace Prize in 1978), Abdus Salam (Physics, 1979), Naguib Mahfouz (Literature, 1988), Yasser Arafat (Peace, 1994), Ahmed Zewail (Chemistry, 1999), Shirin Abadi (Peace, 2003), Mohamed Al-Baradei (Peace, 2005), Muhammad Yunus (Peace, 2006), and Orhan Pamuk (Literature, 2006). Historically, the Muslim world is replete with great thinkers and achievers, most especially during the times of the great Islamic caliphates and empires. These persons played key roles in advancing their respective fields and their civilisations of the time. Several famous names include: • Ibn Sina (also known as Avicenna) for medicine • Jabir Ibn Haiyan for chemistry • Al Khwarizmi for mathematics • Ibn Khaldun for economics • Al-Battani for astronomy • Omar Khayyam for literature • Al Idrisi for botany • Al-Din Rumi for philosophy • Al-Mawardi for jurisprudence • Al-Haitham for physics Their contributions are celebrated even today. Perhaps not surprisingly, most of these great men were multidisciplinary; for instance, Al-Khwarizmi was renowned as a mathematician, astronomer and geographer, and Ibn Khaldun was known as a sociologist, philosopher, economist, and civilisation-building expert. The question that arises now is this: why not organise Islamic “Nobel” Prizes for the Muslim world with the aims of acknowledging significant achievements among Muslims in the chosen fields, providing prize
moneys to be used for further research and development and to create a Muslim-worldwide competitive environment to spur greater achievements within. They could be named after great Muslim leaders, thinkers, and acknowledged experts in their fields, such as: • The Al-Khulafa Ar-Rashidun Prize for Leadership, • The Ibn Sina Prize for Medicine, • The Jabir Ibn Haiyan Prize for Chemistry, • The Al-Haitham Prize for Physics, • The Ibn Khaldun Prize for Economics, and so on. Perhaps the key to determining the number of prizes to be awarded should commensurate to what would be needed to improve the Muslim world continuously and sustainably. Certainly, the needs of the Muslim world will change through time, hence, to retain the integrity and relevance of these awards, the ones that form the core of the needs of the Muslim world through time should be retained whereas temporal or peripheral ones can be incorporated into the criteria for one of the core needs or “basic element” prizes. In this regard, the “basic element” prizes need to be as wide as possible, for instance, the prize for medicine could include considerations for achievements in surgery, biology, biomechanics, pharmaceuticals, and so on, all of which are related to medicine. A further consideration is to ensure that the work that has been done (which elicited nominations) must have had a real and not just an academic impact onto the advancement of that particular field or onto the well being of mankind.
Mechanisms to elicit, process, and approve nominations need to be set up, as do criteria in choosing the judges and rules for selecting the winners. The choice of judges is especially important, as they need to be able to understand well of which they are judging and not make errors that would erode the value of these awards. The reward for them is that they will continually be exposed to cutting-edge knowledge and hence be at the forefront of these fields themselves. As the Nobel Prize mechanism has shown, judges need not be individuals per se but can be institutions themselves. Whether such awards for the Muslim world’s achievers would be subservient to the already centuryold Nobel Prizes is not an issue. The two awards would be different in scope, can be differentiated by prize-lists, operational methodology, and criteria for awards. Hence, whether the other subsumes one set of prizes is not a question. Indeed, the purpose of such Islamic “Nobel” Prizes is to be the catalyst to help raise the levels of achievements and standards of living of Muslims worldwide. Remarkably, the Nobel Prizes were not initiated by a government or a multinational development body but by a man in business. There is no reason why the private sector cannot do this. Already the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, initiated within the Muslim world, is world-renowned. Is there a champion for these Islamic “Nobel” Prizes out there? hj
The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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fastrack Photo 01 : A modest swimwear marketed by an online store WholesomeWear based in North America. http://www.wholesomewear.com/ Photo 02 : Swimwear of the Victorian era. Photo 03 : Burkini that caters for Muslims and non-Muslims produced by SplashGear®, an online store based in the US. https://splas004.secure.omnis.com/store/index.php
Europe •• Burkini banned in Paris
Photo 04 : Swimwear of the 19th century.
By Zaahira Muhammad
Muslim women wearing decent clothes have always been an issue not only in non-Muslim countries but also in some Muslim majority countries. Issues regarding the use of the hijab, a headscarf worn by Muslim women, have been raised many times before. Now, issues are being raised regarding the use of burkini, swimwear which resembles a wetsuit with built-in hood. Recently, a Muslim woman in Paris was declined entry to swim at a public pool because she was wearing a burkini. The argument was that wearing the burkini is unhygienic when in actual fact the burkini is made with the same waterproof lycra polyester material as other swimsuits. The question now is: how is burkini any different from any other swimsuits in terms of hygiene when they are both made from the same materials? This Muslim woman from Paris is not the only one to have endured such inconvenience because of her burkini. At a hotel in Egypt, another woman was told that she was not permitted to enter the hotel pool while wearing the burkini, because the hotel accommodates foreign patrons. Why is it so wrong for Muslim women to want to dress modestly, whether it is wearing the hijab or burkini? Modesty in the western world In the early 19th century, women’s bathing dresses were very modest in terms of not being revealing. They were made from heavy silk, wool garments, flannel or The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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linen which hampered their movement, leading to an evolution to the design of women’s bathing dresses that changed in such a way that help wearers move freely, and at the same time maintain the wearers’ modesty. By mid19th century, a new bathing costume was introduced and used throughout the century which comprised of a long-sleeved tunic, belted at the waist and worn with long trousers. At that point in time, bathing suits were still made to protect the wearer’s modesty. Women even wore caps to keep their hair tidy to maintain the etiquette of covering the head outside their home. Now, women’s swimwear are made with materials that are much lighter than those used in the 19th century, with various styles that put modesty very far in the backs of people’s minds. The burkini, in design, has taken after the look of swimwear in the 19th century, but accommodates for aerodynamic movement of swimmers slicing through the water. It is also made from light material such as lycra to allow better movement when swimming, which complements its design. The burkini comes with a hood that will help cover the wearer’s hair just like a hat does in the 19th century, and for competitive swimmers, there is no need to use a separate swim cap. So, why is Muslim burkini an issue now when even in the 19th century, swimwear was made to protect the
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wearer’s modesty? If safety was in question in that the design and materials used can cause the wearer to drown, the burkini is safe because it is designed to allow freedom of movement and it is made from lighter, less restricting materials such as lycra. If it is a question of hygiene, wouldn’t wearing a burkini be more hygienic as the wearer is fully protected by its waterproof material compared to modern swimwear that exposes all possible skin conditions that can be directly transmitted via water? Why should it be an issue when the basic requirements of how a swimsuit should be are fulfilled?
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A Muslim women’s religious obligation According to a Muslim scholar, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, in his book, ‘The Lawful and The Prohibited’: “Islam permits and requires that Muslims be careful about their appearance, dress decently, maintain their dignity, and enjoy what Allah has created for the purpose of clothing and adornment. From an Islamic point of view, clothing has two purposes which are, to cover the body, and to beautify the appearance. Whoever neglects either of these two aspects, covering or adornment has deviated from the way of Islam. Islam has made it obligatory on Muslims to cover their
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Europe •• Bone china ware is not Halal.. Or so claims concerned Muslims. This issue was brought up recently because there were concerns of bone china-ware being produced from the bones of swine. However, the same cannot be said about Aynsley’s fine bone china – renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and art – for it is Halal certified.
private parts, which everyone naturally feels, a sense of shame at exposing. Allah S.W.T counts his bestowal of clothing adornment upon human beings as one of his favours to mankind: “O children of Adam! Verily, we have bestowed upon you clothing to cover your shame as well as to be an adornment to you... (7:26)” Conclusion The policy to ban veiled women from the pool is discriminatory to all practicing Muslim women, as it is a violation of religious freedom for Muslim women. In Islam, it is obligatory to cover up. Those who reject the hijab as being obligatory on Muslim
women, consider it part of the culture that has nothing to do with religion, although it is part and parcel of the religion and constitutes the dress code ordained by Islam on Muslim women. By wearing the hijab, niqab or burqa, or even the burkini, does not make Muslim women any different from any other human being. We are all human beings with different beliefs and obligations. If at all, we should respect each others’ beliefs and religions. The question remains, why can’t Muslim women cover up whether they want to or because they have to? And how long will this matter be questioned? Is it a question of religion or a question of social adherence?
Of late, questions like “what is bone china really made of ?” and “is it permissible for Muslims to use bone china?” were raised by concerned Muslims because sources say that bone china contains bone ash that comes from swine bones. In response, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) explains, “Bone china is a type of tableware in which its main exponent is made from animal bone. The bone is first heated up to 1000°C until it changes form and is then hardened by mixing it with other materials such as clay. From this we can observe that the bone’s main traits have changed and it has also been mixed with
other materials or chemicals in order to create bone china, its usage is therefore permissible as it is no longer considered as najas (forbidden and unclean materials according to Shariah).” However, this does not necessarily mean that certain brands of bone china ware do not use swine bones in production, as swine byproducts are naturally a very cost effective option for manufacturers across many different industries, be it food and beverage, or pharmaceuticals or even tableware. Let’s find out more. What is bone china? Bone china is a type of tableware which is made The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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advertorial
Only the best for its customers and yours! In a country where 80 per cent of 1.2 million tonnes of meat produced yearly is poultry, our appetite for chicken is far from waning. Chicken is one of the best sources of protein, important B vitamins and minerals available to us. But in order to benefit fully from it, the quality of the cut must be at its best. This is why Farm’s Best Food Industries Sdn Bhd has always strived to maintain the highest possible standards for farming methods to produce healthy livestock for consumption as well as egg production.
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ince its incorporation in 1989, as a fullyowned subsidiary of Farm’s Best Berhad, the poultry producer has built a reputation as a prime supplier of quality poultry products under the Farm’s Best label. The company’s success can be attributed to its philosophy of delivering only the best to its customers. This culture of excellence starts from the ground up. Careful breeding ensures the general health and quality of the poultry stocks at Farm’s Best. Additionally, the birds are fed a diet of yellow corn, soybean meal, and marigold petals fortified with essential supplements made by the company’s own feed mills. Routine hygiene and health assessments are conducted on-site by veterinary inspectors from the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia to ensure the birds are properly housed in well-ventilated conditions, away from wild birds and pests in accordance with international safety and veterinary guidelines. As one of the pioneer poultry integrators in
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Malaysia, Farm’s Best operates as a fully integrated entity that includes hatcheries, feed mills, breeder and broiler farms, as well as a temperature-controlled poultry processing facility that processes over 70,000 birds per day. Chickens must weigh at least 1.8 kilograms before they are sent to the poultry processing plant. So, only the plumpest, choicest cuts are obtained. There, the birds are slaughtered, dressed and processed under the watchful eyes of highly trained Quality Control inspectors who ensure strict implementation of the international Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system for good food safety practices. Farm’s Best
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production processes are also certified and inspected by the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia. Every step of Farm’s Best operations, from the farm to the processing plant to distribution, carries the Halal certification awarded by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia). As a poultry processor that is committed to Halal food production, Farm’s Best has an in-house Halal committee to ensure its entire operations and product lines meet stringent Islamic requirements at all times. Only Muslims trained in Halal slaughter rites are employed by the company in its slaughterhouses. The poultry processor also sources all raw materials and ingredients for its cooked products from suppliers endorsed by the Islamic body. These high standards are grounded in the belief that Halal is not just about products that are produced in accordance with Islamic requirements; it is about being in line with good manufacturing and business practices as well. The products that carry the Farm’s Best name are a result of the company’s push towards continuous improvement. Hygienic packing and controlled freezing, from processing
to storage and distribution, have significantly reduced the need for added preservatives in Farm’s Best products. Its Antibiotic ResidueFree fresh broilers and cuts are now packed in vacuum-sealed tamper proof bags to retain freshness and promote safer, cleaner food handling – something both savvy consumers and retailers can appreciate. The natural nutrients and flavours of its frozen poultry products are sealed in during processing and packing so there’s little need for artificial flavour enhancers. Its innovative chilled par-cooked products are fried in vegetable oil, steam-cooked or hot air-roasted to bring out the best flavour in each individual product. Ranging from nuggets and frankfurters to breaded bone-in chicken cuts and more, the frozen products offer convenience without compromising on taste or nutritional value. The newly launched Black Pepper Chicken Frankfurters and Cheese Nuggets are made with quality ground black peppercorns and real cheddar cubes for natural, fullbodied flavour. In fact, the company claims its frankfurters contain no trans-fats or artificial colouring. The company’s good
manufacturing practices do not end at the production line. Its waste management system fully complies with the requirements of the Environmental Quality Act, 1974 (EQA). Last year alone, four air emission and quality monitoring exercises were carried out to ensure its feed mill plant emissions were within the limits set by the EQA and the Department of Environment (DOE). Today, Farm’s Best is a principle supplier of various poultry products to major fast food chains, restaurants, supermarkets and hotels in Malaysia. The company also exports to primary markets in the Asian region, including Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan.
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fastrack
“The final result of our analysis regarding the brand’s raw materials for bone china production provides a high level of assurance that they do not contain any non-Halal animal elements or residue, assuring that the bone ash used is 100 per cent bovine.”
losing sight of the traditional craft skills. Aynsley produces a wide range of delightful patterns and designs, all unique to Aynsley, including such perennial favourites as gold embossed tableware that are often the choice of royal palaces, governments, and companies all over the world. This has deservedly made Aynsley a household name in fine bone china.
Bone china is a type of tableware which is made out of clay or kaolin mixed with bone ash. Bone china ware is translucent, very light and very refined, yet is one of the toughest porcelain. Production of bone china basically involves two stages of firing: the first stage is Bisque, which fires at 1280 °C (2336 °F) without a glaze; and then glazing, which fires at a lower temperature of below 1080°C (1976°F) that gives fine translucency to the product. Bone china is usually decorated with gold or platinum and is usually used as high-end dining ware, giftware, and collectibles. There are several brands that produce bone china products. One of which is Aynsley by Aynsley China Ltd, a UK-based company that specialises in the manufacturing of fine bone china ware. Founded by master potter John Aynsley in 1775, Aynsley has established a reputation for outstanding design, quality and value in fine bone china, a reputation they have perfected over the years – constantly seeking to discover newer, better ways to make their products, yet never The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Are there Halal bone china wares in the market? Yes, there are, and to be specific, those that goes by the brand name Aynsley, and this was stated by Zainal Hisham Yusuf, Executive Director of Istipintar Sdn Bhd, the sole agent and distributor of Aynsley fine bone china ware in Malaysia since 2007. Istipintar Sdn Bhd has two outlets in Kuala Lumpur, one in Plaza Damas and the other at the SOGO Department Store. At his quaint little shop of tableware called Serendipity in Plaza Damas, Kuala Lumpur, Zainal said sales of bone china, in general, took a dip since claims made in the media that bone china wares
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were produced from swine bones, therefore deeming them unfit to be used by Muslims. Amidst a myriad of beautiful tableware ranging from porcelains to stoneware, Zainal also said that a few of his Muslim customers have expressed doubts in buying and using bone china since the issue was raised. Fortunately, this issue did not take Zainal by surprise, for he had suspected that Muslim customers would question the permissibility of using bone china (because it is made of
animal products) and is facing this problem prepared. When he first started as the sole agent and distributor of Aynsley fine bone china ware, Zainal at his own initiative contacted the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) in the UK to investigate and certify the production of Aynsley bone china ware. “We knew then this was going to be a real world concern to many of our Muslim customers. We had talked to Aynsley earlier on this and although they have the certification in regards
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Photo 01 (page 35) : Aynsley’s Pembroke (Fine Dining) collection Photo 02 : The exterior of Serendipity Photo 03 : Hand-painted...the intricate beauty of the Pembroke collection Photo 04 : Zainal Hisham Yusuf (Executive Director of Istipintar Sdn Bhd)...proud owner of Serendipity, and the sole agent and distributor of Aynsley fine bone china ware in Malaysia since 2007 Photo 05 : A cupboard full of Aynsley bone china ware Photo 06 : The Palace Collection Photo 07 : Butterfly teacup and saucer Photo 08 : Timeless gem...the Corona Gold (Fine Dining) tureen
to their use of bovine ash, we knew we had to have that additional assurance by way of a Halal audit,” Zainal added. As a result of thorough and accurate analysis on Aynsley’s bone china products by HMC, they concluded that: “The final result of our analysis regarding the brand’s raw materials for bone china production provides a high level of assurance that they do not contain any non-Halal animal elements or residue, assuring that the bone ash used is 100 per cent bovine.”
Aynsley’s range of fine bone china ware was therefore deemed permissible. “We obtained this Halal certification on 29 February 2008, with the assurance that Aynsley Fine Bone China products are manufactured using 100 per cent bovine bone ash. Therefore, there is no need to worry about Aynsley’s bone china ware not being permissible for use by Muslims,” said Zainal. “We like to believe we are probably one of the first anywhere to have Halal certification for a
major bone china brand such as Aynsley as they have an outstanding heritage and such beautiful bone china tableware and giftware that would grace any home and setting.” Although there is no assurance that all brands of bone china are made of bovine sources, Muslim collectors of bone china ware can at least have a peace of mind when they buy Aynsley’s products. Perhaps other brands of bone china ware can also start tapping into this emergent Muslim market as a large proportion of collectors for this tableware are Muslims in the Middle East.
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Europe •• Halal organic products from the UK launched in Malaysia
SAAF products contain raw materials sourced from certified organic suppliers with no alcohol, no Genetically Modified Organisms, no artificial fragrance or colour, no unnecessary synthetic irritants and no known irritants. Positioning itself as a ‘Marriage between Safe Science and Nature’, SAAF products are of highly concentrated therapeutic formulation that contains healing botanicals, antiinflammatory black seed oil, soothing safflower and skin generating shea butter. Founder and formulator of Saaf Pure Skincare, Dr. Mah Hussain-Gambles, said, “Each of our products is a mixture of the very best The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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oil from each continent, all working synthetically to improve skin health. In SAAF, we only use 100 per cent whole unprocessed natural ingredients. Being organically grown, they are also cold-pressed so the oils are extracted by a physical process rather than chemical or heat treatment, thus, retaining all of the natural goodness found in the oil.” YABhg. Tun Jeanne Abdullah, wife to Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, who officiated the recent launch, said “I am personally happy to be associated with SAAF in Malaysia as I regard their philosophy of the ‘Marriage between Safe Science and Nature’ as a wonderful
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“As a Muslim woman, I recognise the need to use Halal products especially when performing prayers. I believe that this kind of assurance would create a high demand for the product itself, especially in Malaysia,”
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Photo 01 : Dr. Mah Hussain-Gambles proudly displays her products
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Photo 02 : Dr. Mah explains Saaf pure Skincare to Tun Jeanne in the presence of Maryam Jemi. Photo 03 : Tun Jeanne delivering the keynote speech
combination and is in line with my own personal way of life. The idea of being ecological and at the same time ethical should be extended not only to food consumption, but also to beauty and skincare. Skincare is after all something you put on your face and body and should be appropriate for usage at all times.” “As a Muslim woman, I recognise the need to use Halal products especially when performing prayers. I believe that this kind of assurance would create a high demand for the product itself, especially in Malaysia,” said Tun Jeanne. Also present at the launch alongside Tun Jeanne and Dr. Mah were Director of TAAC, Maryam Jemi, Executive
Director of TNS Skinlab, Kay Liew, as well representatives from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC). Maryam Jemi said, “Our Company has always been passionate for a career that inspires the love for nature and the respect for life. It is with this passion in mind that we chose SAAF to be one of our lines of organic and Halal products for distribution in Asia. Our concept, however, goes beyond just distributing organic products. We are committed in cultivating awareness for a chemicalfree lifestyle and promoting values for authentic quality
products. We share our passion in organic living by cultivating appreciation of nature, and inspirations for the joy of life. Buying organic goes beyond keeping chemicals off your plate, but also a way that you can contribute to preserve the soil and protect the environment for our future generation.” “TAAC chose Malaysia to launch SAAF because we believe in its potential and are impressed by its elegance. We intend to remain in Malaysia for a long time and have plans to invest more into this country in terms of product extensions, research and development as well as hiring local management team,” added Maryam.
TAAC plans to expand the distribution of SAAF products into other parts of Asia such as Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan by the end of the year, and to penetrate into the whole of Asia Pacific by end of 2010. Muslim countries are the main target for SAAF, which means that the Middle East will be their biggest target market, not forgetting India because of its potential. SAAF is currently available in all nine outlets of TNS Skinlab (formerly known as The Natural Source) in various shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur that include Suria KLCC, Pavilion and MidValley Megamall.
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The Halal Journal Awards celebrates and honour success, innovation and hard work in this exciting emergent market
2 0 1 0 Nomination Form
Recognising Excellence
Company Name Address City
Country
Postcode
Contact Person Telephone No
Designation Facsimile No
Email Address
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Awa r d s w i l l be p r e s e n t e d at t h e W or l d H a l a l F or u m 2 0 1 0 G a l a Di n n er on 2 1 J un e 2 0 1 0
Award Categories
(You may nominate under more than one category) Best Halal Product Most Creative Marketing Campaign Best Islamic Financial Service or Product Best Corporate Social Responsibility Project Travel & Hospitality Best Halal-Related Service Provider Best Innovation in Halal Industry Outstanding Personal Achievement in the Halal Industry
Supporting documents
Supporting documents may be submitted in a format of your choice, that being (a) Hard Copy, (b) in CDs, or (c) via Email. Please include in your submission the following: Company brief: including background, date of incorporation, number of employees, etc One page write up outlining reasons for deserving nominations Testimonials from customers/ clients (where available) Recent press coverage (if available) Brochures & samples (if applicable) Website address Any other supporting materials or documents that you deem fit Please submit to: Panel of Judges The Halal Journal Awards 2010 c/o KasehDia Sdn Bhd 31-2, Plaza Crystalville Jalan 22A/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: +603 6203 1025 F: +603 6203 4072 E: info@halaljournal.com W: www.halaljournal.com Submission Conditions • Decisions made by Panel of Judges are final and no correspondences will be entertained • Materials and information supplied will be treated confidentially and will not be returned • All entries must be received before the closing date of 15th May 2010 • Successful nominations will be duly notified
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Asia •• Premium Halal cosmetics launched in Malaysia’s departmental store
Premium Halal cosmetic products branded Jerneh by Sheila Majid was created, formulated and produced based on Dato’ Hajjah Sheila Majid’s philosophy – Safe & Simple, Halal, Effective, Innovative, Luxurious and Affordable. Previously only available online for purchase, this brand of Halal cosmetics is now available in Malaysia’s departmental store called Parkson in the Sunway Pyramid shopping centre. At the recent launch, Dato’ Hajjah Sheila Majid, Malaysia’s legendary songstress and founder of the brand said, “Jerneh is my baby. I believe in creating products that are not only effective, but also contain safe ingredients and are simpler to use. I waited ten whole years to venture in this business and I am happy with the outcome of my effort. I am very proud to be able to position my products amongst internationally recognised products available at Parkson, Sunway Pyramid. This has been a lifelong dream, and I hope that one day, when people talk about local products, people will remember and think of Jerneh.” The launch was officiated by Dato’ Hajjah Sheila Majid herself.
According to Dato’ Hajjah Sheila Majid, Halal was chosen as a criteria because Halal is a concept that emphasises on hygiene and safety, and encourages wholesomeness and goodness; and the formulation of Jerneh by Sheila Majid fits Halal requirements. Jerneh by Sheila Majid is available in two ranges, the first of which is the AntiAgeing Series to rejuvenate the skin. This range improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is available as a complete set: Cleanser and Makeup Remover, Day Cream with SPF 15, Night Cream and 10-Day Serum retailing at RM450. The second range is the Clarifying Series to even skin tone and give a radiant glow; the complete set includes Cleanser and Makeup Remover, Day Cream with SPF 15, Night Cream and 10-Day Serum which are also priced at RM450. Jerneh by Sheila Majid products can now be purchased at Parkson, Sunway Pyramid, online at jernehbysheilamajid. com, Dato’ Hajjah Sheila Majid’s Jentayu Spa in Damansara Heights, and all Tanamera Spa and retail outlets in the country.
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Photo 01 : Jerneh by Sheila Majid in Parkson, Sunway Pyramid, Malaysia Photo 02 : Dato’ Sheila Majid launches her first retail stand
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Asia •• AMC leads Halal incursion into China By Abu Bakar Ahmad AMC CEO Jerry Yap exchanging MOU with HDC CEO Dato’ Seri Jamil Bidin on AMC’s exclusive right to Halal training for Chinese and Taiwanese companies at the World Halal Research Summit 2009
China’s emergence as an economic superpower has been stupendous. It is the second largest economy after the US with a GDP of USD7.8 trillion (2008) based on purchasing power parity (PPP) and third in the world next to the US and Japan with a nominal GDP of USD4.4 trillion when measured in exchange rate terms. Concomitant with this development is the enhanced prospect for the introduction, promotion, and development of Halal business opportunities in the country – opportunities that China would ill afford to miss given the whopping annual estimated global value of trade in Halal products worth some USD1.2 trillion. Asia Management & Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. (AMC), a Malaysian private limited company, is one company that looks to China as a haven to push the Halal initiative. According to CEO Jerry Yap, the company is gearing up to co-organise the first China (Yiwu) Halal Food and Muslim Products Expo with Xi’an Muslim Business Chamber of Commerce and China Tongyuan Co., Ltd, on 18 to 20 November 2009. The choice of Yiwu as the place for this auspicious The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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occasion is most apt. Located in the middle of Zhejiang province on the eastern part of the Jin Qu basin, Yiwu boasts an internationally reputable commodity market, the highest concentration of local and foreign Muslim businessmen in the country, flourishing 300 odd Islamic restaurants, Islamic meat and food supply points, processing points and Islamic supermarkets as well as ample Arabic translators to facilitate business dealings. It is thus, the most ideal site to jumpstart economic cooperation among Muslim businesses and to promote Islamic food and supplies to the whole of the Middle East and the rest of the Muslim world. The three-day expo, approved by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, will feature various categories of Islamic food products ranging from meat, fresh and frozen products, dried fruits, healthcare food, high and low temperature cooked food, dairy and bean products, edible oils, instant and canned food, and teas and herbs, to various food processing and packaging machineries. In addition to food-related products and implements,
supplies such as ethnic crafts, silk, industrial arts, costumes, caps, shoes, perfumes, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, weather and wool products, carpets and furniture, and other consumables will also be highlighted. AMC hopes that the pioneering effort will not only achieve its objective of developing and promoting global trade between Muslim countries, particularly in regards to Halal products and services, but also attract foreign businesses to Malaysia; where a well-developed physical and institutional infrastructure awaits them, one that is capable of supporting initiatives and programmes relating to the Halal industry. Apart from the expo endeavour, AMC provides Halal training and consultancy to companies in mainland China and Taiwan – having received exclusive rights from the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), the governing body overseeing the Halal industry in Malaysia and Malaysian companies participating in the global Halal market. Adapted from HDC’s own training elements and focused on meeting the guidelines of the Malaysian instituted Halal
standard (MS1500:2004), the three-module training programme offers a comprehensive treatment of every aspect relating to Halal and the Halal industry. This training and the pre-audit consultation are prerequisite steps in the total accreditation process that companies have to undergo should they wish to be certified as Halal entities by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), the agency entrusted by the Malaysian government with ultimate certification authority. The Malaysian certification and the corollary approval to use the JAKIM Halal Logo confer the companies with immediate recognition that their products are safe for consumption not only in Malaysia but all over the Islamic world. This is due in great measure to the government’s full backing of the Halal certification process unlike other countries where this is either done at the individual provincial level or by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). AMC’s effort in China is an excellent example of Malaysia’s commitment to be a key player in the global Halal business.
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country in focus
Words by Dayana Nordin
Chateau Vaux le Vicomte Castle. Near Paris, Seine et Marne, France. One of many French masterpiece architectures from the past. It is among the best tourist spot in France. Photo by Lemarchal Cedric & Lukáš Patkan
France: Leading the Economy of the European Nation In the early seventeenth century, a small castle stood at the confluence of two small rivers, between the royal residences of Vincennes and Fontainebleau. In 1641, a 26 year-old parliamentarian, Nicolas Fouquet, purchased the estate. Fifteen years later, the first stone of a unique masterpiece was laid; it was to be the finest château de Vaux le Vicomte is as resplendent as it was in former times, and it now stands as a symbol of intelligence, taste and independence of its creator, Nicolas Fouquet. The pursuit for the finest in everything is what France is all about, and this has continued until today.
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rance today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. According to the International Monetary Fund, the country possesses the fifth largest economy by nominal GDP or Gross Domestic Product (USD2,866,951 million); and it is listed among the nine largest economies by purchasing power The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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View from the panoramic roof terrace at the top of the Maine Montparnasse Tower. With a height of 210 metres, it is the tallest skyscraper in France. Photo by Claudia Meyer
parity (estimated at USD2.128 trillion). In terms of land area, France is the largest European Union country and the second largest country in all of Europe. For many centuries now, France has been a major power with strong economic, cultural, military and political influence. France is also the most visited country in the world with 75 million foreign tourists per year, and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism.
Aside from being one of the founding members of the European Union, France is also part of the Francophonie, Group of 20 (G20) major economies, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). France also takes a leading role in contributing to the Middle East peace process and
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development issues in Africa. Additionally, France is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and is a nuclear weapons power. In the last two centuries, France has given the art world the creations of Gauguin, Renoir, Monet, Matisse, Braque, and Cézanne, to name but a few. What’s more, France has produced some of the region’s most influential writers and intellectuals from Pascal and Descartes in the 17th century, through Voltaire and Rousseau in the 18th, Flaubert and Baudelaire in the 19th to Camus and Sartre in the 20th century. France is also famous for its strong culinary tradition. It produces more than 250 cheeses and some of the world’s best-loved wines. Population France has a total population of 64.057 million people, which puts the country at 22nd highest population in the world between Thailand and United Kingdom. It includes four overseas departments in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion and French Guiana. Metropolitan France in Western Europe accounts for just over 80 per cent of the territory and 96 per cent
Indochinese, Basque minorities, East Indian, Chinese, and Amerindian, just to name a few. The major practicing religions in France are Roman Catholic (83-88 per cent), Islam (8-10 per cent), Protestant (2 per cent), and Jewish (1 per cent). Islam in France Mass immigration of Muslims to France in the 20th and 21st centuries has created one of the largest Islamic communities in Europe. In 2005, France had about 5.86 million Muslims and the Muslim population is estimated to grow to 6.78 million by 2010. The Muslim percentage is translated to 9.8 per cent out of the total French population. Those numbers take into consideration the number of people born into Islam as well as converts and they are fragmented
Autumn colours at the National Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Photo by Claudia Meyer
the majority of Muslims are second-generation immigrants. In reality, the latter are born in France as citizens and therefore are not ‘immigrants’. However, what was previously given automatically, the 1992 reform of French nationality laws delayed obtainment of French nationality until it is requested at adulthood. The Muslim ethnics in France are mostly from Algeria (35 per cent), Morocco (23.3 per cent), Tunisia (8.3 per cent), Turkey (7.5 per cent), Sub-Saharan Africa (5.8 per cent), the Middle East (3 per cent) and Asia (2.5 per cent), to name a few. They are not all located in a specific area or state but are sporadically distributed throughout the country, mostly in areas surrounding Paris, Lyon, Nice and Marseilles.
La Défense is a major business district for the city of Paris, bordering Neuilly-sur-Seine, west of the city itself. It is centered in an oval freeway loop straddling the Hautsde-Seine department’s municipalities of Nanterre, Courbevoie and Puteaux Photo by Lucretious
of the population of the French Republic. Its population growth rate is currently at 0.549 per cent. Out of the total population, approximately 18.6 per cent are below 14 years of age and about 65 per cent are between the ages 15 and 64. The other 16.4 per cent are 65 and above. France’s colonial past is a major contributing factor in the presence of a richly diverse multicultural population. It is home to more than five million people of Arab and African descent. The various ethnic groups in France include Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African,
by ethnicity. However, the estimates of Muslims in France vary wildly and some claim that the numbers could be overestimated while others argue that it is underestimated. This is because the French Republic does not ask about religious affiliations in its census, which makes it hard to ascertain the exact number. The first generation of Muslim immigrants are now retired from the workforce and currently,
Economy France is the world’s fifth largest economic power in terms of GDP. France’s strengths are varied and include its transport and telecommunication sectors, agri-food and pharmaceutical industries, along with banking, insurance, tourism and the traditional luxury products, which consist of leather goods, ready-to-wear fashion, perfumes, fine wines and spirits and more. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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country in focus
Colourful olives in the sunlight on a cool November morning during harvest in Provence, France. Provence is famous for its Vallée des Baux de Provence olives. Photo by Helenej Courtyard of the serene Paris mosque, behind Jean Nouvel’s magnificent Institut du Monde Arab, dates from 1926. Its design draws its inspiration quite deliberately from the Alhambra in Spain. Photo by Conspirisi
A restaurant in Paris offering Halal cuisines. Photo by le Pain Blanc Australien
France is the leading producer and exporter of farm products in Europe and is also the world’s fifth largest exporter of goods (mainly durables). France ranks third in services and agriculture (grain and agri-food in particular) and is second worldwide for direct inward investment. The skills of French workers, the advanced level of research, the mastery of high technology, the stable currency and control of production costs are highly sought after by foreign investors. Although the country had suffered negative effects from the global financial breakdown, France has a relatively stable economic growth, thanks to its skilled population compared to the average EU-27 economic growth. Agriculture Principal agricultural products in France are grain, wine, dairy and livestock. Grain production in France is ranked first in the EU and fifth worldwide. The country produces 22.6 million litres of milk, making it the second largest producer in the EU, after Germany, and the fifth largest producer globally. Additionally, France is the largest producer of sugar beet and oilseeds in the EU. Meat production in France covers 1.8 million metric tonnes of beef, 1.4 million metric tonnes of sheep/ goat and 1.9 million metric tonnes of poultry. Tourism France possesses the most diverse natural environment of any European country, as it varies from the prairies, northern spruce forests and the lush countryside, to Alpine mountaintops, the hinterlands and the plateaus. Not to forget its coastline at the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Channel and the North Sea. France is a haven for nature tourism as it boasts thousands of natural attractions and most of these sites are not even in the travel guides. The country has nine National Parks, 46 regional nature parks (parcs naturels régionaux) covering more than seven per cent of the country, hundreds of sites that would be classified as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and hundreds more of areas listed and protected under the European Natura 2000 programme. EUR47.7 billion is allocated to the protection of the environment and EUR755.00 per inhabitant. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Three quarters of this goes on wastewater management and waste disposal. In addition, France is party to many international treaties and conventions concerning the environment, among them United Nations agreements on climate, biodiversity and desertification. Halal in France Being home to the largest Muslim community in EU countries also makes France the largest Halal market in the region, with projected market data reaching up to USD17.4 billion in 2009. Due to rapid growth in the Halal industry, the Halal food market and its distribution is shifting from some traditional markets to high-volume retail outlets – gradually becoming mainstream. Competition has also increased from the large producers and food processors that dominate the market. Multinational food producers and
hypermarkets are also increasing their selections of Halal processed food and non-meat products to keep up with growing demand. Halal certification in France applies to various food and nonfood products and the certification process could differ from other European countries. The prominent certification bodies in France are the Grand Mosque of Paris, AVS Paris and the Grand Mosque of Evry, who issues Halal certificates that are approved/ recognised by many Muslim/ importing countries. Halal products appeal particularly to the younger generation of Muslims who makes the effort to look for and purchase Halal products. hj
References: KasehDia International Study 2007; WHF Secretariat, Eurostats, World Bank, and other sources.
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islamic finance series Beyond the Malaysian Twin Towers: Mobilisation Efforts of CashWaqf Fund at Local and International Levels for Development of the Islamic Ummah Social Infrastructure and Establishment of World Social Bank.
> Part 3 of 3
Words by Dr. M. A. Mannan
Founder and Chairman of the Social Investment Bank Ltd. (SIBL), Bangladesh
Cash-Waqf Fund: 32 utilisation purposes, challenges, and the way forward
photo by werner braun
Part 1 of this series introduced the Islamic Voluntary sector and Bangladesh’s Cash-Waqf Certificate; the second part covered the objectives and implications of the Cash-Waqf Certificate, introduced an interesting area of economic analysis of resource allocation in public finance, and highlighted the operational guidelines of this scheme as operated in three Islamic Banks in Bangladesh. This third and final part will close this series with 32 purposes of utilisation of the Cash-Waqf fund, challenges of introducing this scheme to Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the US, as well as recommendations for the way forward, among others.
Cash-Waqf Certificate can easily connect individual initiatives of different Muslim countries and Muslim minorities in non-Muslim majority countries at the national and global scale, and open up great prospects, possibilities and potentialities for greater variety of pluralism in the expression of Muslim solidarity and reconstitution of socio-economic infrastructure of the Islamic Ummah. We should work for establishment of a World Social Bank for managing this fund. In this context, a group of Indonesian Bankers in collaboration of Social Investment Bank made a Dhaka Declaration in 2000 to work for establishment of a World Social Bank with its headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Utilisation and Growth of Cash-Waqf Accounts and Deposits of Social Investment Bank The thirty two purposes for utilisation of Cash-Waqf fund as indicated in Figure 1 shows the diverse areas of investment by the Social Investment Bank Ltd. (SIBL) within four categories: Family empowerment, education and culture, health and sanitation, as well as social utility services. Although this is not exhaustive, these social investment activities will create a base for perpetual social capital and help develop credit programme that reinforces family values and stimulate the social and moral foundation of a caring society. Building a Caring Society The fund established through Cash-Waqf will be invested; ensuring social security for the poor and social peace for the rich. Eventually, Cash-Waqf would create a bridge of mutual care and compassion between the rich and the poor, thereby, contributing to the process of social harmony and cooperation. The fact of the matter is that the Cash-Waqf Certificate Scheme is likely to bring about wide ranging economic and social benefits to the society as a whole. At this stage it is interesting to report that SIBL introduced the Cash-Waqf Certificate Scheme on experimental basis in December 1997 and it was formally launched on 12th January 1998. Since then the increased number of accounts and deposits were very encouraging, as indicated in Table 1 (see overleaf). Local challenges and global opportunities: Introduction of Cash-Waqf Scheme by Islamic Banks in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Muslim communities in the US In Bangladesh As noted earlier, the SIBL organised the Social Capital Market operations in the Voluntary Sector
Figure 1: 32 utilisation purposes of Cash-Waqf Fund by SIBL
Thirty two purposes for the utilisation of Cash-Waqf Fund
Family Empowerment Education & Culture Health & Sanitation Educate orphans Upliftment of Educational the absolutely poor development
Village healthcare & sanitation
Social Utility Services
Settle disputes
Provide informal Legal aid to education deserving women
Rehabilitate the Physical education Arrange marriages handicapped without dowry Support local Supply pure culture & heritage drinking water
Provide public transportation & plantation
Rehabilitate beggars
Conduct Da’wah activities
Provide assistance to non-Muslims
Provide scholarship for students
Protect anti-social activities
Rehabilitate destitute women
Support vocational Establish hospitals, education clinics, etc.
Provide education in neglected areas
Upliftment for urban Finance educational slum dwellers institutions
Provide public utility services Mosque development projects Graveyard development projects
Educate deserving Conduct research Eidgah* descendants in health sector development projects Conduct projects for memory of parents * Eidgah is an open-air Establish educational mosque usually at the management outskirts of a city to
perform Eid prayers according to the Sunnah
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islamic finance series
Table 1: Growth of Cash-Waqf accounts and deposits (1997 – May 2007) Item Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
of the Bank, and had for the first time in history, introduced the Cash-Waqf Certificate Scheme in 1997. It also aims at empowering the family of the rich for the sake of social investment and welfare. Cash-Waqfs can be instrumental in transferring savings of the rich to those entrepreneurs and members of the public in financing various religious, educational and social services in Bangladesh. CashWaqf can work as supplement to the financing of various social investment projects undertaken by Islamic Banks that can eventually emerge as Waqf Banks. Even today, Cash-Waqf in Bangladesh is extremely important in terms of mobilisation of fund for the development of Waqf properties. The successful implementation of the Cash-Waqf Certificate Scheme by SIBL with increasing number of accounts and deposits encouraged the Islamic Bank of Bangladesh to introduce Mudaraba Waqf Cash deposit accounts in 2003, on the similar rules and regulations as adopted by SIBL with the exception that Islamic Bank of Bangladesh requires minimum of TK. 50,000/- (that is USD725 as on 14 June 2007) as initial deposit whereas SIBL requires TK. 1000 (USD15) as initial Cash-Waqf. The main justification of smaller initial deposit is to encourage more participants in creating the Social Capital Market on a national scale. The whole spirit of Cash-Waqf fund mobilisation is to involve large number of people in a society for building social infrastructure as well as generating social awareness for creating a caring society. The Al-Arafa Islamic Bank in Bangladesh introduced the Cash-Waqf Certificate with the same terms as SIBL in 2004. As a result, all three major Islamic banks introduced the Cash-Waqf scheme, whereas the remaining two Islamic banks and other conventional banks with Islamic windows in Bangladesh are expected to The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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2007 (until May)
No. of Accounts (Cumulative)
21
991
1,052
1,089 1,156
Amount deposited (Bangladesh Taka in thousand)
39 1,249 3,881 5,445 7,124
8,130
9,222 12,037 13,815 14,273 14,513
215
457
888
1,586
2,623 3,042
Source: Annual Reports of Social Investment Bank (SIBL), 1998 to 2006 and Non-Formal BANKING Division, SIBL,Head Office, 15, Dilkhusa C/A, Dhaka; (Tk. 68.5 = 1 USD as on 30-04-2007)
introduce this scheme as part of a social capital mobilisation drive. There are over 250 branches of Islamic banks in Bangladesh throughout the country that accounts for at least 15 per cent of the total deposits and employment in the banking sector of Bangladesh. In Indonesia Bank Muamalat, the first Islamic Bank of Indonesia introduced the Cash-Waqf scheme in early 2001. One-week intensive course for Training of the Trainers on Local, National and Global Management of Cash-Waqf fund was also organised by Muamalat Institute of Bank Muamalat in November 2001. This was perhaps the first training course on Cash-Waqf ever organised by an Islamic Bank in the history of Islamic Banking and Finance. This training course generated a widespread interest on Cash-Waqf in Indonesia. Eventually, Majelis Ulama Indonesia, the Supreme Religious Body of Indonesia issued a fatwa recognising the positive role of Cash-Waqf in accumulation of Social Capital for the Islamic Ummah on 11 May 2002. As a result, a number of other Islamic Banks and organisations in Indonesia started institutionalising the Cash-Waqf scheme. In this context, it is pertinent to mention that “Indonesia has a long history of mobilising the Islamic Voluntary Sector.
For example, Muhammadiyah, a private Islamic organisation established in Indonesia in 1912, has been able to mobilise and institutionalise Islamic Voluntary Sector resources, particularly in the area of education, health, religion and social welfare. This is evident from the fact that Muhammadiyah is currently looking after or managing over 12,000 schools from kindergarten to university, 4,000 mosques, 12 hospitals, 120 maternity centres, poly-clinics, 271 mother and children centres, three nursing academics, 13 nursing schools, 134 orphanages, 34 units of family welfare, and a number of small cooperatives throughout Indonesia. Muhammadiyah, whose name is derived from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him, p.b.u.h.), has demonstrated beyond doubt that the Islamic voluntary sector can be institutionalised to serve the people at the grass-roots level1. In the US There is a movement to mobilise Cash-Waqf fund to support various social welfare activities even in the US. The Muslim Society of Memphis, USA, established a Cash-Waqf Endowment Fund in 2004 through monetary contributions by members of the society to provide financial stability and to have a permanent source of income for the Muslim Society of Memphis. The strength of the endowment would be in the number of its supporters and not in the size of their donations. This endowment is designed to grow with a broadbased and continuing support with a participation of a minimum of just USD10 per month or more in a manner that will not distract anyone from supporting major fund raising activities. Donation will be invested as Cash-Waqf or Trust Fund for the first five years; all the income will also be reinvested for the fund to grow. After five years, only the income earned from the investment of these funds will be utilised for the following purpose: establishment of new mosques; maintenance of old mosques, Islamic centres and cemeteries, healthcare institutions; Islamic education institutions; old-folks homes and
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Viewed from this perspective, it becomes a social and moral imperative on the part of the well-todo to come forward and invest under a Cash-Waqf Certificate Scheme for his/ her own benefit.
photo by ozan anggia
greater variety of pluralism in the expression of Muslim identities and re-construction of the Islamic Ummah and in the services of mankind as a whole. Private sector initiatives should be considered vital in this area.
shelter homes; and so on. This is indeed a very laudable effort by the Muslim Community of Memphis, which can serve as an example to other member countries of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Muslim communities in nonmember countries of the IDB. Agenda for Action It becomes evident from that there is an urgent need for global mobilisation and creation of CashWaqf funds mainly through sale of Cash Waqf Certificates to support development of human and social capital infrastructure of the Islamic world in particular, and the disadvantaged people of the world in general. Cash-Waqf can be seen as a process of expanding and unfolding the frontiers of human freedom that includes economic and social deprivation. What is needed is to rediscover Islamic socio-economic values and revive Islamic Institutions in the 21st century. Islamic Banks and Islamic Voluntary Organisations must explore this opportunity for mobilising this social capital. As such, the following are three implementable Action Plans that deserves serious consideration: I. Global Mobilisation and Creation of Cash-Waqf fund: Islamic Finance-related events such as the International Seminar on Awqaf 2008 in Malaysia should call for global mobilisation and creation of Cash-Waqf fund by each of the local Islamic Banks and Islamic Voluntary Organisations of the Ummah. II. Forming a Confederation of Islamic Voluntary Organisations: Islamic Financerelated events may call to form a confederation of interested Islamic Voluntary Organisations. The purchase and sale of Cash-Waqf Certificates provide new opportunities to transfer liquid asset and make connections with one another on a global scale and may open up possibilities for
and accountability; it is a perpetual deposit and its profit can be invested in a wide spectrum of social investment. Besides the 32 areas identified by a number of Islamic Banks in Bangladesh, the Waquif or subscriber can select one or more sectors according to his wishes in conformity with the Shariah. Money for Cash-Waqf can be deposited at a lump sum or by instalment. Banks shall manage Cash-Waqf on behalf of the Waquif. This ensures appropriate utilisation of the fund of the Waquif in terms of its goals and objectives. The bank’s 32 sectors/ areas of investments include diverse social investment activities having enduring value which in its ultimate analysis will create a base for perpetual social capital and help develop credit programme that reinforces family values and stimulate a caring society. The Holy Quran has emphasised the virtues of charity in life on earth and the hereafter. The Cash-Waqf Certificate offers an opportunity to get the divine blessing and to have a rewarding social and spiritual experience, as well as internal peace. Viewed from this perspective, it becomes a social and moral imperative on the part of the well-to-do to come forward and invest under a Cash-Waqf Certificate Scheme for his/ her own benefit. This will certainly pave the way for a new dimension of social development. Cash-Waqf fund can be spent for the welfare of non-Muslims also, thereby paving the way of serving the humanity at large.
III. Formation of an International Board of Trustees: Islamic Finance-related events may call for formation of an International Board of Trustees, involving existing efforts for mobilisation of Cash-Waqf funds worldwide. This Board of Trustees may be entrusted to prepare a Comprehensive Action Plan that include establishment of a Global Cash-Waqf Fund, and identification of the areas for conducting joint strategic and futuristic social investment of the Islamic Ummah for eventual establishment of a World Social Bank in the private sector. Cash-Waqf Certificate of SIBL Bangladesh can be used as a building block that can easily connect individual initiatives on a global scale. Conclusion Evidence suggests that there is a considerable mismanagement and misuse of Waqf properties despite their contribution to social development over time, but the Cash-Waqf Certificate Scheme of SIBL Bangladesh is an epochmaking event. Because this CashWaqf is generally managed by the Bank, it has transparency, liquidity hj
Footnote: 1. M.A. Mannan, Economic Development and Social Peace in Islam. Published by TAHA Publishers Ltd, 1, Wynne Road, London, SW90BB, UK (1989) P-122-123. Prof. Dr. Mannan, a pioneer in the field of Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance with over 48 years experience, has written many articles/ books on Economics, Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance, which include: (i) An Introduction to Applied Economics, (Dhaka, 1963), (ii) Economic Problems and Planning in Pakistan, (Lahore, 1968), (iii) Islamic Economics – Theory and Practice (Pakistan,1970; revised edition: UK, 1986) (iv) The Making of Islamic Economic Society (Cairo, 1984), (v) The Frontiers of Islamic Economics (India, 1984), (vi) Economic Development and Social Peace in Islam (UK, 1989), (vii) Understanding Islamic Finance (IDB, Jeddah, 1993) (viii) Structural Adjustments and Islamic Voluntary sector with special reference to Bangladesh (IDB, Jeddah, 1995), (ix) The impact of single European Market on OIC Member countries (IDB, Jeddah, 1996); and many others.
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islamic finance update Compiled by Zaahira Muhammad
BADR AL ISLAMI ANNOUNCES FIRST TAKAFUL SAVINGS & INVESTMENT PROGRAMME Badr Al Islami has announced the launch of Badr Takaful Savings and Investment Programme, the Shariah-compliant savings and protection scheme, available for the first time to Badr Al Islami and Mashreq customers. The new scheme addresses the financial needs of customers looking for Shariah-compliant long term savings or investment plans, such as child education fee planning and retirement planning, with takaful benefits. Customers have the choice to build up their savings by either contributing on a regular basis or as a lump sum amount, which then gets invested into some of the world’s best performing Shariahcompliant funds. The programme also provides Takaful benefits, ensuring that savings and investment goals are achieved, even in the event of loss of life of the customer. In line with other products and services offered through Mashreq and Badr Islami, the scheme is both convenient and affordable. Customers can begin by contributing with a minimal amount of AED 500 per month, and can obtain
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policy documents over the counter at Mashreq branches. |SOURCE: ZAWYA, 1 JULY 2009
MEEZAN LAUNCHES HAJJ, UMRAH FACILITATING ACCOUNT Meezan Bank Limited has launched “Meezan Labbaik” to facilitate customers wishing to perform Hajj, Umrah and ziarat of holy places at Makkah and Madinah with comfort and peace of mind at an affordable cost. This facility will be available through its network of 166 branches in 40 cities across Pakistan. Claiming “Meezan Labbaik,” to be completely Halal and Ribafree, the Meezan Bank officials said that on opening of this account, the bank will facilitate the customers for all matters related to performing Hajj or Umrah. It was said to provide one-stop facilities including Visa processing, ticketing through a designated travel agent, meet and assist, hotel reservations, ziarat and other travel arrangements. The specially designed packages said to be well-organised and competitively priced were maintained to ensure
convenience and security for pilgrims. Meanwhile, Meezan Bank and Takaful Pakistan have entered into an agreement whereby all customers of Meezan Bank’s Labbaik (Hajj and Umrah) deposit product will be provided Shariah-compliant credit Takaful coverage. |SOURCE: PAKISTAN OBSERVER, 23 JULY 2009
PLANS IN MOTION FOR FIRST ISLAMIC RETAIL BANK The Muslim Community Cooperative Australia (MCCA) has stated its ambition to become the country’s first Islamic retail bank. MCCA chairman Dr. Akhtar Kalam said its ambitions would be hastened as more and more consumers turn to the principles of Islamic Banking & Finance (IBF) as an alternative to the current offers in the marketplace. Dr. Kalam opened the symposium by saying the MCCA was too big to remain a co-operative and yet too small to become a bank. He said it would work with the federal government to address the challenges and find an Islamic Finance and Banking solution. “I am confident that the Islamic principles of ethical investment and finance will be immensely
attractive to Australian Muslims and non-Muslims and so, provide the momentum that will ensure MCCA’s goal is realised to be our nation’s first retail Islamic bank,” Dr. Kalam concluded. |SOURCE: BROKER NEWS, 28 JULY 2009
COMMERCIAL BANK OF DUBAI OPENS A NEW BRANCH OF ‘ATTIJARI AL ISLAMI’ IN SHARJAH The opening of the new branch in Sharjah brings the Attijari Al Islami branches to a total of four, including two in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. The bank plans to open two more Attijari Al Islami branches in the second half of 2009. Attijari Al Islami branches are distinguished by their modern design and managed by a team of professionals in this field who have substantial experience in understanding client needs and in providing them with innovative Shariahcompliant financial solutions. The prestigious Shariah Supervisory Board of ‘Attijari Al Islami’ consists of prominent Islamic scholars and is chaired by Dr Hussain Hamed Hassan. The Shariah Supervisory Board is responsible for reviewing, approving and overseeing all ‘Attijari Al Islami’ Shariah product offerings. It is
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responsible for certifying and endorsing strict adherence to the principles of Shariah in all products and services. |SOURCE: AME INFO, 4 JULY 2009
HALAL PROFITS WITH ISLAMIC BANK OF BRITAIN Islamic Bank of Britain has announced it has enhanced its popular Shariah-compliant fixed term deposit account by allowing savers to take 18 or 24 months’ terms and earn Halal profit as a quarterly income. Expected target profit rates are competitive, reaching up to 3.30 per cent (gross p.a). Customers have the option of receiving their profit every three months or retaining it in their account to be invested with the deposit amount, and receiving the combined deposit and profit on maturity. As an Islamic Bank, IBB does not pay interest to its savers; instead, the account is based on the Islamic financial principle of Wakala (agency agreement) whereby IBB acts as the customer’s agent by taking their cash deposit and investing it in Shariah-compliant and ethical trading activities for
an agreed target profit rate over a fixed term. The bank manages and monitors the performance of the investments on a daily basis to minimise the risk and ensure that the customer gets the projected target profit rate. Based on ethical, Shariahcompliant principles, customers of the fixed term deposit account are given a guarantee that their funds will only be invested in an ethical manner which excludes all interest bearing transactions or unethical business activities such as pornography, gambling, speculation, tobacco and alcohol. |SOURCE: THE ASIAN NEWS UK, 2 JULY 2009
TAKAFUL IKHLAS APPOINTS TWO NEW SHARIAH COMMITTEE MEMBERS Takaful Ikhlas Sdn Bhd has appointed Associate Professor Dr Shamsiah Mohamad and Dr Muhammad Naim Omar as the company Shariah committee members, effective 1 April 2009. In a statement, the company said Shamsiah is currently serving at the ‘Fiqh’ and ‘Usul’ Islamic Academic Studies Department of University Malaya while Muhammad Naim is an Assistant Professor of Law Studies at the International Islamic
University (IIU). The Takaful Ikhlas Shariah Committee’s role is to assist the board and top management to provide counsel and guidance in ensuring the company operates and manages its business in accordance with Shariah principles. |SOURCE: BERNAMA, 27 JULY 2009
CBK URGED TO SET POLICIES FOR ISLAMIC BANKS The Central Bank of Kenya should set up a Central Shariah Supervisory Authority to oversee Islamic banking in Kenya. According to Mr Ali Mohamed, a Shariah auditor from Qatar, the authority should have the duty of setting up policies on Islamic banking in Kenya. The auditor warned that the current situation of allowing individual banks to set up their Shariah policies puts customers at risk and cause confusion in the Islamic banking sector. Mr Mohamed recommended that CBK makes it mandatory for Islamic Financial Institutions to adhere to standards set by Accounting and Auditing Organization of Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) rather than the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). He further called for serious
vetting of Shariah advisors and top management of Islamic banks arguing that presence of “Shariah literate directors would discourage precedence of profit making motive over compliance to Shariah principles.” Islamic banking is a moderately new concept in Kenya with two banks, Gulf African and First Community, offering the services. |SOURCE: DAILY NATION KENYA, 10 JULY 2009
IGI, PAK-QATAR TAKAFUL SIGN MOU IGI Investment Bank recently signed a bancatakaful agreement with Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited aiming to further strengthen its portfolio by adding Family (Life) Takaful Insurance to its insurance advisory services. According to this agreement, clients would be able to secure their own and their family’s future the Islamic way through a host of Shariah-compliant Takaful – Islamic insurance products offered by the Bank. IGI Investment Bank would therefore successfully be able to cater to all those clients who are seeking a Halal alternative to conventional insurance. |SOURCE: THE NATION, 29 JULY
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November+December 2oo9
Ibn Sina has been resting for more than 1,000 years, but his ideals still cure the old and the young in the many hospitals that are build in his name in Iran and the Arab countries as well as in the shattered land of his father, Afghanistan. In the words of George Sarton, the author of The History of Science, Ibn Sina is one of the greatest thinkers and medical scholars in history, the most famous scientist of Islam, and one of the most famous of all races, places and times.
Ibn Sina: The greatest thinker, physician and scientist
Living 10.indd 59
Words by Ozan Anggia
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cover feature
Photo 01: Illuminated front pages of Ibn Sina’s celebrated Kitab al-Qanun fi al-tibb (The Canon of Medicine) Photo 02: The First book of Ibn Sina’s The Canon of Medicine
ibn Sina
Photo 03: Title page from Ibn Sina’s The Canon of Medicine Photo 04: A page from Ibn Sina’s The Canon of Medicine Living cover photo by Lisa Fanucchi & Meral Akbulut Living cover feature art & design by X-Ezekael
His name will not be forgotten, ever. Most popular for the revolution in medical science through his most famous work, ‘The Canon of Medicine’, Abu Ali alHusain ibn Abdallah ibn Sina, better known as Ibn Sina, or Avicenna in the west, is more profoundly known among philosophers as the one who quaked the thinking culture at the time of Aristotle and Al-Farabi by innovating the knowledge of ‘logic’ (Al-Mantiq) – correcting the excess of abstraction, and theoretically showed the difference between strict (mutlaq) meaning and concrete meaning. His philosophical theory is a comprehensive, detailed and rationalistic account of the nature of God and Being, in which he finds a systematic place for the corporeal world, spirit, insight, and the varieties of logical thought including dialectic, rhetoric and poetry.
I
bn Sina had numerous talents in the field of science, which include mathematics, music and metaphysics, but his main prowess is philosophy, where the innermost core is his concept of reality and reasoning. In his observation, reason allows progress through various levels of understanding, which can ultimately lead to the understanding of God – the ultimate Truth. He stresses on the importance of gaining The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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knowledge, and develops a theory of knowledge based on four faculties: sense perception, retention, imagination and estimation. Imagination has the principal role in intellection, as it can compare and construct images, in the form of interlinking chains of data, which give it access to universals, and prevalent consciousness. Again the ultimate object of knowledge is God, the pure intellect. Ibn Sina was born in 370 AH / 980 AD in Afshana, at his mother’s home, near Bukhara in Central Asia, which today is located in the far south of Russia. His father,
an official of the Samanid administration, oversaw his son’s education and introduced him to many of the leading intellectuals at Bukhara. He studied philosophy among many other things, but gained immense skill and knowledge in the field of medicine. His intellectual independence was served by an extraordinary intelligence and memory, which allowed him to overtake his teachers at the age of fourteen. He had apparently explained logic to his master al-Natili. He had no teacher in the natural sciences or in medicine; in fact, famous physicians were working under his direction when he was only sixteen! At the age of seventeen, his medical expertise brought him to the attention of the Sultan of Bukhara, Nuh Ibn Mansur. He successfully treated the King of Bukhara of an illness no other physician had been able to touch. As a reward for his service, he was given
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cover feature
Photos extracted from: • www.muslimphilosophy.com • www.amaana.org • www.grouporigin.com/clients/qatarfoundation
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permission to access the Sultan’s library and its rare manuscripts, allowing him to continue his research into modes of knowledge. At the age of eighteen he had mastered all the known sciences then. His subsequent progress was due only to his personal judgment. When the Sultan died, the heir to the throne, Ali Ibn Shams al-Dawla, asked Ibn Sina to continue as vizier. During this time Ibn Sina composed his major philosophical treatise, Kitab al-shifa’ (Book of Healing), a comprehensive account of learning that ranges from logic and mathematics to metaphysics and the afterlife. His service for the Sultan did not last long. Although his advice is always taken into account, he became an object of envy; sometimes persecuted by his enemies and sometimes coveted by princes opposing those to whom he wished to remain loyal. Thus, he took flight and was obliged to hide on
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several occasions. He travelled to various towns, working as a physician. In his travels he met and later corresponded with a famous scholar, Al-Biruni, who was influential in the fields of mathematics, history, astronomy, physics and medicine. While he was writing the section on logic, Ibn Sina was arrested and imprisoned, but he escaped to Isfahan, disguised as a Sufi, and joined Ala al-Dawla, the ruler of Isfahan at the time. He remained a constant companion to the ruler, accompanying him on journeys and military campaigns. During
his years of service in Isfahan, he found time to study philosophy, medicine, mathematics and astronomy further, becoming a leading authority. He completed al-Shifa’ and produced the Kitab al-najat (Book of Salvation), an abridgment of al-Shifa’. He also produced at least two major works on logic: one, al-Mantiq, translated as The Propositional Logic of Ibn Sina, was a commentary on Aristotle’s Prior Analytics and forms part of al-Shifa’; the other, alIsharat wa-‘I-tanbihat (Remarks and Admonitions), seems to be written in the ‘indicative mode’ where the reader must participate by working out the steps leading from the stated premises to proposed conclusions. He also produced a treatise on definitions and a summary of the theoretical sciences, together with a number of psychological, religious and other works; the latter include works on astronomy, medicine, philology and zoology, as well as poems and an allegorical work, Hayy Ibn Yaqzan (The Living Son of the Vigilant). His biographer also mentions numerous short works on logic and metaphysics, and a book on ‘Fair Judgment’ that was lost when his prince’s fortunes suffered a turn. Relatively at peace, Ibn Sina lived for fourteen years at the court of Isfahan and passed away at Hamadan, during an expedition of the prince ‘Ala’ al-Dawla, in 428 AH/ 1037 AD. He was buried there; and a monument was erected for him to celebrate the millenary (hijri) of his birth. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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03 Photos extracted from: • www.muslimphilosophy.com • www.amaana.org • www.grouporigin.com/clients/qatarfoundation
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Works of a Genius... Ibn Sina (980-1037) Sirat al-shaykh al-ra’is (The Life of Ibn Sina), ed. and trans. WE. Gohlman, Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1974. (The only critical edition of Ibn Sina’s autobiography, supplemented with material from a biography by his student Abu ‘Ubayd al-Juzjani. A more recent translation of the Autobiography appears in D. Gutas, Avicenna and the Aristotelian Tradition: Introduction to Reading Avicenna’s Philosophical Works, Leiden: Brill, 1988) (980-1037) al-Isharat wa-‘l-tanb (980-1037) al-Qanun fi’l-tibb (Canon of Medicine), ed. I. a-Qashsh, Cairo, 1987. (Ibn Sina’s work on medicine) (980-1037) Risalah fi sirr al-qadar (Essay on the Secret of Destiny), trans. G. Hourani in Reason and Tradition in Islamic Ethics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985. (Provides insights into a neglected area of Ibn Sina’s thought) (980-1037) Danishnama-i ‘ala’i (The Book of Scientific Knowledge), ed. and trans. P. Morewedge, The Metaphysics of Avicenna, London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1973. (This is a translation of a metaphysical work in Persian) (1014-20) al-Shifa’ (Healing). (Ibn Sina’s major work on philosophy. He probably began to compose al-Shifa’ in 1014, and completed it in 1020. Critical editions of the Arabic text have been published in Cairo, 1952-83, originally under the supervision of I. Madkour; some of these editions are given below) (c.1014-20) al-Mantiq (Logic), Part 1, al-Madkhal (Isagog), ed. G. Anawati, M. El-Khodeiri and F. al-Ahwani, Cairo: al-Matba’ah al-Amiriyah, 1952; trans. N. Shehaby, The Propositional Logic of Ibn Sina, Dordrecht: Reidel, The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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1973. (Volume I, Part 1 of al-Shifa’.) (1014-20) al-‘Ibarah (Interpretation), ed. M. El-Khodeiri, Cairo: Dar al-Katib al-Arabi, 1970. (Volume 1, Part 3 of al-Shifa’.) (1014-20) al-Qiyas (Syllogism), ed. S. Zayed and I. Madkour, Cairo: Organisme General des Imprimeries Gouvernementales, 1964. (Volume I, Part 4 of al-Shifa’) (1014-20) al-Burhan (Demonstration), ed. A.E. Affifi, Cairo: Organisme General des Imprimeries Gouvernementales, 1956. (Volume I, Part 5 of al-Shifa’) (c 1014-20) al-Jadal (Dialectic), ed. A.F Al-Ehwany, Cairo: Organisme General des Imprimeries Gouvernementales, 1965. (Volume I, Part 7 of al-Shifa’) (1014-20) al-Khatabah (Rhetoric), ed. S. Salim, Cairo: Imprimerie Nationale, 1954. (Volume I, Part 8 of al-Shifa’) (1014-20) al-Ilahiyat (Theology), ed. M.Y. Moussa, S. Dunya and S. Zayed, Cairo: Organisme General des Imprimeries Gouvernementales,
1960; ed. and trans. R.M. Savory and D. A. Agius, ‘Ibn Sina on Primary Concepts in the Metaphysics of al-Shifa’, in Logikos Islamikos, Toronto, Ont.: Pontifical Institute for Mediaeval Studies, 1984; trans. G.C. Anawati, La metaphysique du Shifa’, Etudes Musulmanes 21, 27, Paris: Vrin, 1978, 1985. (This is the metaphysics of al-Shifa’, Volume I, Book 5) (1014-20) al-Nafs (The Soul), ed. G.C. Anawati and S. Zayed, Cairo: Organisme General des Imprimeries Gouvernementales, 1975; ed. F. Rahman, Avicenna’s De Anima, Being the Psychological Part of Kitab al-Shifa’, London: Oxford University Press, 1959. (Volume 1, part 6 of al-Shifa’) (1014-20) Kitab al-najat (The Book of Salvation), trans. F. Rahman, Avicenna’s Psychology: An English Translation of Kitab al-Najat, Book II, Chapter VI with Historicalphilosophical Notes and Textual Improvements on the Cairo Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1952. (The pyschology of al-Shifa’)
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cover feature Photo 01: Cover of the Latin Translation of The Canon of Medicine that was printed in Venice in 1544 Photo 02: Ibn Sina’s al-Najat – front cover from a very old printed copy in Venice (circa 1582) Photo 03: Ibn Sina’s Philosophy (Kitab al-Najat – Book of Safety) cover page in Latin translation that was printed in Rome in 1594 Photo 04: An illuminated Latin Manuscript of a translation of The Canon of Medicine Photo 05: A page from an Arabic version of Ibn Sina’s The Canon of Medicine Photo 06: Ibn Sina’s Magnus Opus in Chinese translation known as Hui Hui Yao Fang (Prescriptions of the Hui Nationality) during the time of the Yuan dynasty
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uring his lifetime, Ibn Sina published anywhere from 100 to 250 books on many subjects (accounts vary), though two works became his most famous. The first, The Book of Healing was an encyclopaedia which included the fields of psychology, natural sciences, mathematics, astronomy and music. The second, The Canon of Medicine, has been called the most famous medical textbook in history. In the 12th century, The Canon of Medicine was translated into Latin and became the most popular and widely used medical textbook in Europe, the Islamic world and Asia for the next 500 years. Reference has sometimes been made to Ibn Sina’s supposed mysticism, but this would appear to be based on a misreading by Western philosophers of parts of his work. As one of the most important practitioners of philosophy, Ibn Sina exercised a strong influence over other Islamic philosophers and the medieval Europe. The secret of Ibn Sina’s success is that he was both a philosopher and a physician, even greater perhaps as a philosopher and as a theorist. In Latin translations, his works influenced many Christian philosophers, most notably Thomas Aquinas. In the Western world, he has been described as possessing the mind of Goethe and the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. If his works are to be understood, they should
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not be thought of as those of a philosopher who lived in his books. He was occupied all day by affairs of state, and he laboured by night on his great works, which were written with astonishing rapidity. He was never safe, and was frequently compelled to move; he would write on horseback, and sometimes in prison, his only resource for reference being his memory. Ibn Sina has been resting for more than 1,000 years, but his ideals still cure the old and the young in the many hospitals that are build in his name in Iran and the Arab countries as well as in the shattered land of his father, Afghanistan. In the words of George Sarton, the author of The History of Science, Ibn Sina is one of the greatest thinkers and medical scholars in history, the most famous scientist of Islam, and one of the most famous of all races, places and times. He was well known in the past, famous at present, and will be remembered and learnt from in the future.
References: • Alexander of Aphrodisias (c 200) De anima (On the Soul), in Scripta minora 2.1, ed. I. Bruns, Berlin, 1887; ed. A.P. Fontinis, The De Anima of Alexander of Aphrodisias, Washington, DC: University Press of America, 1979. (Important later commentary on Aristotle.) • Davidson, H.A. (1992) Alfarabi, Avicenna and Averroes on Intellect: Their Cosmologies, Theories of the Active Intellect, and Theories of the Human Intellect, New York: Oxford University Press (A thorough consideration of Ibn Sina’s theory of the intellects in relation to Hellenistic and Arabic philosophers.) • Fakhry, M. (1993) Ethical Theories in Islam, 2nd edn, Leiden: Brill. (Contains material on Ibn Sina’s ethical thought.) • Goodman, L. (1992) Avicenna, London: Routledge. (A useful introduction to central features of Ibn Sina’s philosophical theories.) • Gutas, D. (1988) Avicenna and the Aristotelian Tradition, Introduction to Reading Avicenna’s Philo-sophical Works, Leiden: Brill. (An excellent account of the considerations that entered into the con-struction of Ibn Sina’s corpus, the book contains translations of a number of smaller texts, a careful consideration of method and sharp criticisms of, among other things, ascriptions of mysticism to Ibn Sina. This is probably the most useful guide to an engagement with the philosopher’s work currently available in English.) • Inati, S. (1996) ‘Ibn Sina’, in S.H. Nasr and O, Leaman (eds) History of Islamic Philosophy, London: Routledge, ch. 16, 231-L6. (Comprehensive guide to his analytical thought.) • Janssens, J.L. (1991) An Annotated Bibliography on Ibn Sina (1970-1989), Including Arabic and Persian Publications and Turkish and Russian references, Leuven: University of Leuven Press. (An indispensible tool for study of Ibn Sina and recent work on the philosopher, though it will soon need to be updated.) • Kemal, S. (1991) The Poetics of Alfarabi and Avicenna, Leiden: Brill. (A philosophical study of Ibn Sina’s philosophical poetics and its relation to epistemology and morality.) • Mamura, M.E. (1962) ‘Some Aspects of Avicenna’s Theory of God’s Knowledge of Particulars’, Journal of the American Oriental Society 82: 299-312. (This paper, along with those of Morewedge (1972) and Rahman (1958), are seminal to contemporary understanding of Ibn Sina’s thought.) (1980) ‘Avicenna’s Proof from Contingency for God’s Existence in the Metaphysics of al Shifa’, Medieval Studies 42: 337-52. (A clear exposition of the proof.) • Morewedge, P (1972) ‘Philosophical Analysis and Ibn Sina’s “Essence-Existence” distinction’. Journal of the American Oriental Society 92: 425-35. (A welcome explanation of the implications of a distinction central to Ibn Sina’s proof of God’s existence.) • Nasr, S. H. (1996) ‘Ibn Sina’s Oriental Philosophy’, in S.H. Nasr and O. Leaman (eds) History of Islamic Philosophy, London: Routledge, ch. 17, 247-51. (Concise and interesting defence of the idea that Ibn Sina really did have distinctive system of mystical philosophy.) • Rahman, F. (1958) ‘Essence and Existence in Avicenna’, Medieval and Renaissance Studies 4: 1-16. (A version also appears in Hamdard Islamicus 4 (1): 3-14. The paper considers the philosophical usefulness of the distinction of essence from existence.)
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Catching glimpses of Alexandria’s history
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eing the largest and most populated city in Egypt, the city of Alexandria has a population of more than four million. The city is considered the largest seaport in Egypt because it extends about 20 miles along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria is known to be The Pearl of the Mediterranean. Those who visit will find plenty of things to see and do during their stay in Alexandria; be it the historical sites or the beautiful Mediterranean beaches. There are several attractions in the city that should be explored which includes Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, Roman Amphitheatre, Pompey’s Pillar, Alexandria National Museum, New Library of Alexandria, Citadel of Qaitbey, Montaza Royal Gardens and Maamoura Beach. Roman Amphitheatre One of the most interesting things about Alexandria is definitely the Roman Amphitheatre (more like the remains of the ancient Roman amphitheatre). The Roman Amphitheatre was discovered in the 1960s The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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when a building was planned to be built in this location. During the excavation, the Roman theatre ruins were found. Besides the theatre, Roman baths, a whole residential area and roads were also excavated. The theatre which has seating in the shape of a horseshoe is elevated towards the back and holds up to 700 to 800 people. Pompey’s Pillar Another interesting site to visit is located in the southwest of the city, Pompey’s Pillar. This ancient pillar was erected in honour of a past Roman Emperor. Considered as one of the largest ancient monument in Alexandria, Pompey’s Pillar rises from the ruins of the ancient Temple of Serapis. Pompey’s Pillar stands at almost 90 feet on a ruined structure.
Citadel of Qaitbey Built by Mameluke Sultan AbdulNasser Qait Bey in 1477, the Citadel of Qaitbey is a fortress that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The fortress looks like a castle and was built with a mosque inside it. Apparently, the Citadel of Qaitbey experienced years of decline and neglect and the Egyptian Supreme Counsel of Antiquities took over to fully restore the fortress. Now, the Citadel of Qaitbey is open for visiting. Alexandria National Museum Alexandria National Museum is also worth a visit for a glimpse of the Alexandria history. The Alexandria National Museum is located on Fouad Street in one of the restored palaces of Alexandria named Al-Saad Bassili Pasha
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provides interactive displays and scientific information. The domed structure of the Planetarium makes it a unique building.
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Photo 01 : Pompey’s Pillar and the Sphinx of Alexandria Photo 02 : A scenic view of the Citadel of Qaitbey Photo 03 : Roman Amphitheatre Photo 04 : Of beauty and grandeur...the historic Abu Al Abbas Al Mursi Mosque Photo 05 : The sphere of scientific knowledge... the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Planetarium Photo 06 : Modern architecture in old Alexandria... the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandrian Library)
Travel Note
If you visit Alexandria during the summer, it is necessary to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated. Drinking Tap Water Water in Alexandria and the whole of Egypt is known to contain high levels of bacteria which almost always cause diarrhoea. Water purified with iodine tablets, boiled or correctly filtered is safe to be consumed here. But don’t worry, bottled water (which is recommended) is available throughout the city. Just be sure to check if the water has been previously opened or tampered with.
Palace. The Alexandria National Museum is full of ancient treasures and is considered as an asset to the cultural and national heritage of Alexandria as well as one of the major attractions in Alexandria. New Library of Alexandria Next in line is the New Library of Alexandria. Its beautifully structured building makes it one of the nicest places to visit when you’re in Alexandria. Located on a superb site on the historic eastern harbour of Alexandria, the complex comprises three main elements: the pre-existing conference centre, the planetarium, and the new building. This library can house about eight million books! Imagine how huge the building is! The Planetarium Science Centre is a department of the library which
Scenic beaches Apart from having interesting historical sites, Alexandria has breathtakingly beautiful beaches which line the coast that you can visit. With beaches stretching in either direction from downtown, visitors can choose to explore the coast at their leisure. Exclusive resorts of Agami or Hannoville, the upmarket Montazah Beach and the western vacation resorts of Ras elHikma, Sidi Barram and Sallum are a few of the many popular places to bathe and enjoy water sports. Abu Al Abbas Al Mursi Mosque The most important historic mosque in Alexandria is definitely the Abu Al Abbas Al Mursi Mosque, which was built in 707 H by one of the richest traders of Alexandria and his men, Al Sheikh Zein Al Din Ibn Al Qattan. As a tribute to the respectable Spanish scholar from Andalusia, Abu Al Abbas Al Mursi (616 H – 686 H), the mosque was built alongside the mausoleum and dome that was built over the tomb of Abu Al Abbas. Since it was first built, several series of renovation, expansion and reconstruction had taken place as maintenance. Now, the mosque is adorned with beautiful Arabian architectural pattern where the walls, dressed in artificial stone, stand at 23 metres high. The 73-metre minaret is situated on the southern side. The mosque has two entrances: the north entrance and the eastern door, both overlooking the square. Octagonal in shape, its columns are solid or monolithic measuring 0.85 metres in diameter and 8.6 metres in height. The doors, minbar (the pulpit) and the windows are made of finely carved teak, walnut and citronia wood. Located near the Citadel of Qaitbey in the Anfoushi neighbourhood of Alexandria, the Abu Al Abbas Al Mursi Mosque is definitely a good place to visit as it is one of the most beautiful Islamic Architecture, with a tale to tell. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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To linger or not to linger at Corniche Cafe As narrated by Ruzaimi Sany to Ruzanna Muhammad, who put pen to paper and captured the moment
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ungry and in need of a quick bite as I walk along Coventry Street in London, I could not miss the bright red awning and signage with large red fonts of Corniche Café – my brain literally screaming red alert signs as it translates the hunger pangs from my stomach. I walked closer and saw that this quaint little café serves none other than Lebanese food, and is 100 per cent Halal! As I stepped in, my sense of smell picked up the scrumptious smell of meat on the grill. Spoilt for choice, I went for the lightest option, lamb shawarma kebab, from a selection of rice to the many types of breads. As I munch on my juicy lamb kebab with pickled green chilli on the side, I took in the ambience of the café. It is small, with a very simple interior, and is not The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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very children-friendly as prams or strollers will not fit in the premises without being folded up. The café can only fit 15 patrons in one sitting – no wonder the sign also said: Eat in or take-away. Although it is not very convenient for those who drive (because there are no parking bays), it is very easily accessible for those on foot, as the nearest London Underground Station is the renowned Piccadilly Circus, and this café is only five minutes walking distance from Piccadilly Circus, and 10 minutes’ walk from London Chinatown. Located
in the hotspot for tourists, it is not surprising that the food at Corniche is a tad bit pricey. A chicken shawarma cost £4.20, but, the trick is, if you take-away, the price drops to £3.50. So order take-away if you’re running a little low in cash. Although Corniche is only a small café, it opens seven days a week from morning to 5pm in the evening, and it offers good wholesome food, especially for those on the go. For Muslim tourists, be sure to grab a quick bite to eat at this no frills café if you’re in the area.
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Book Title: Oscar Wilde and the Ring of Death Author: Gyles Brandreth Publisher: John Murray (1 May 2008) | ISBN-10: 0719569508 | ISBN-13: 978-0719569500
Oscar Wilde and the Ring of Death is a historical murder mystery that features Oscar Wilde, the detective, and friend Arthur Conan Doyle. This book is the second of three Oscar Wilde murder mystery series by Gyles Brandreth. This book is about Oscar Wilde, who at that time was enjoying the success of his play, Lady Windermere’s Fan, and celebrating by having a dinner party with various friends where he came up with a game called “Murder” that question: “Who would you kill if you had no chance of being caught?” The game is to be played by first writing the names of their “victims” on pieces of papers and then choosing them one by one. Oscar Wilde and his friends who include Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Sherard, the narrator of the novel, played the game. All of the named “victims’” die one after another, and Oscar Wilde and his friends start to investigate. Oscar Wilde and the Ring of Death is a uniquely written novel; the way Brandreth makes Oscar Wilde a character of this book is amazing, with the characters
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very well researched. In this book filled with mystery and historical elements, Brandreth have absolutely created an entertaining read that is not to be missed.
Book Title: Three Cups of Tea Author: Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin Publisher: Penguin Books | ISBN-10: 0143038257 | ISBN-13: 978-0143038252
Three Cups of Tea is a novel written by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin based on true events. Mortenson, a climber, tells the true story of his efforts in building schools in Pakistan. Failing to summit the K2 in Pakistan, he promised to build a school in a small village named Korphe. The success of building the Korphe School led to the development of many other schools. Although the story starts at a slow pace, it becomes more interesting as the actions started picking up. This book reminds us how amazing what a person can do to make a difference; in this case, Mortenson definitely made a difference. Three Cups of Tea is an informative and inspirational story, and it is definitely recommended for those who are interested in expanding their knowledge on Central Asia, too.
• TEXAN Corned Beef is a product of Namibia. Juicy and slightly spicy in texture and flavour, it is not as salty as most corned beef products. TEXAN Corned Beef can be served with bread, or cooked as corned beef hash stew; and it is flavourful enough to be eaten on its own!
Movie Title: Lion of the Desert Genre: Classic Producer / Director: Mustapha Al-Akkad Review by Robert Frangie (imdb.com)
“Lion of the Desert” stars Anthony Quinn as the real-life Bedouin Leader, Omar Mukhtar, who fights with pride and courage, rage and anger against Mussolini’s invading troops in the Libyan Desert. Quinn (strong, confident, and never broken) plays the charismatic Islamic Libyan fighter who commits himself to a lifetime war against Italian Colonialism: “We have stood against you for 20 years and with the help of God we will stay with you till your end!” Enraged by the 20-year war carried on by Bedouin patriots opposing the Italian occupation, the arrogant Mussolini (Rod Steiger) – the first of Europe’s fascist dictators – orders his new military governor, the ruthless Rodolfo Graziani (Oliver Reed), to crush and silence the Bedouin rebellion by “whatever means” and capture their great leader Omar Mukhtar, who is forced to face his conviction and the power of Italy at its glorious height. The film is based on the life of a brave resistance leader, a teacher of the Quran by profession. Omar Mukhtar is a cunning warrior who masterminded the Libyan resistance. He stood against tyranny and oppression, and with the fire of his wisdom, he rallied his countrymen to liberation. The film depicts the cruelty of Graziani’s cowardly acts: the massive killing rampage in Kufra. We watch the invaders attacking the poor village with war-planes, tanks, cannons and machineguns, but we also see a fascinating portrayal of the heroic Libyan forces fighting the mighty Italian artillery with old rusted rifles, giving their life for their land and their convictions. Syrian director, Mustapha Al-Akkad, captures the horrific methods of the Italian army holding the helpless population in concentration camps; isolating the warriors from their families; setting fire to their fields; closing their wells; raping their women; destroying their homes; controlling the country by hanging old men and women; shooting innocent civilians, and especially the capture of the ‘Old Lion’, a natural fighter against ‘educated’ officers. With great special effects, excellent action sequences, and with the splendour of the Sahara Desert, Mustapha’s motion picture combines history with spectacle to create a moving drama of heroism and commitment.
• Sito Oxygen Demineralised Oxygenated Bottled Water is a smooth and refreshing drinking water that contains no added chemicals, no electro-chemical augmentation, no added salts and no hydrogen peroxides. The special process enables the stabilised oxygen to linger for extended periods of time even if the bottle cap is left open. Sito Oxygen Demineralised Oxygenated Bottled Water provides benefits which include expelling toxins from the body, slowing down ageing process, enhancing immune system, increasing blood oxygen levels, neutralising free radicals, decreasing tiredness and many more – all in one small package! The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Hassan Massoudy One of the most iconic Arabic calligraphers in the world
‘There is enough room on earth for everyone’
‘Anxiety and fear’
‘Generosity is giving more than you can’
Pride. The Indian Muslim diaspora in South East Asia. The Indian Muslims play a major role in the Halal food business especially throughout the South East Asian region where many have opened 24-hour restaurants. There is high demand for Halal meat and other ingredients from these restaurants, especially for goat meat and spices, which contributes to the increasing demand for Halal supplies. The human resource for Indian Muslim foodservice businesses comes from all parts of India, creating employment opportunities.
Photo & text by Mark Pierto
Embroidered shoes hanging attractively from a wooden panel at the Old Souk in Dubai. From all walks of life, Muslimah (Muslim women) are fast to appreciate, learn, and experience the culture of their sisters in other parts of the world. Fashion, apart from food, is on top of the list that contribute to the rise of Muslimah purchasing power. The Muslimah are major consumers in the global Halal market. Photo & text by Anna Rosa Lumena
Born in 1944 in Najef, South of Iraq, Hassan Massoudy grew up amid the scalding heat of the desert, in a traditional Iraqi society characterised by strong religious beliefs, a high sense of solidarity and a keenness for festive gatherings. As a teenager in this town where all images were prohibited, he fulfilled his passion for art by making drawings and calligraphies while investing all his energy to get paper and pigments. In 1961, he left for Baghdad and started working as an apprentice for various calligraphers. He visited exhibitions of modern art which fascinated him and from then on, started to dream of studying art. He eventually left Iraq for France in 1969 and studied at Ecole des Beaux-Arts of Paris where he first worked on figurative painting. To pay for his studies, he was doing headlines in calligraphy for Arabic magazines. Over the years, calligraphy progressively got into his figurative painting and eventually took its place. In 1972, he created the show “Arabesque” with the actor, Guy Jacquet, joined a few years later by the musician, Fawzy Al Aiedy. “Arabesque” was a public performance combining music and poetry together with calligraphies being performed and projected on a large screen. They did many performances across France and Europe over a period of thirteen years. To better express himself, he broke from the tradition of using black ink in Arabic calligraphy and introduced other colours particularly on his work on large size paper. While creating new pieces, he put together another show focusing on improvisations called “Calligraphie d’ombre et de lumière” or “Calligraphy of light and shade” where calligraphies were created in front of the very eyes of the spectators; black letters contrasting with light. In 1995, he was involved in the design of the stage set for the ballet “Selim”, and ten years later, he created the show “Metaphor” – a harmony of music, dance and calligraphy – with a choreographer, three dancers and four musicians. Creations from Hassan Massoudy are a subtle mix of present and past, oriental and occidental art, tradition and modernity. He perpetuates tradition while breaking from it. Over the years he has purified and simplified the lines in his drawings. The words and phrases he draws come from poets and writers from all over the world or sometimes simply from popular wisdom. All his work is strongly inspired by humanistic interest. The emotion that one may feel looking at his calligraphies comes from the movement of the lines, their lightness, their transparency, the balance between black, white, emptiness and fullness, the concrete and the abstract. From his training as a calligrapher in Iraq, Hassan Massoudy has kept the noble spirit of the craftsman who creates or invents his own tools and prepares his own ink. For more information on the artist, visit: http://pagesperso-orange.fr/hassan.massoudy/english.htm
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Photo extracted from www.amirawan.co.uk.
A path in the middle of a rice field in Jiaosi, Yilan County, East Taiwan, portrays a glimmer of hope. This path allows farmers to walk through the fields for harvesting or planting – essential in light of the fluctuating staple food security issues around the world. Perhaps one major concern is the depleting inventories of food such as rice in many countries causing the rise of staple food prices. Photo & text by Anna Rosa Lumena
Amir Awan Amir Awan is a British song-writer, composer and singer, who was born in North London, England. He was born a Muslim, therefore, Islam is considered very important in his life. During his childhood, Amir spent a few years learning the art of reciting the Quran, Tajweed, at Safar Academy and was offered a post in teaching Tajweed at the academy soon after he graduated. When he enrolled at University College London (UCL) to do a Mathematics degree, Amir started reciting the Quran for various Islamic functions across the United Kingdom. With his love for Islam, Amir aims to correct the stereotypical image of Islam by the media, using music that revolutionises nasyeed with a hint of pop, rap, soul and R&B tunes as a medium to get his message across in a fun and contemporary manner. Equipped with lyrical and vocal talents, Amir shares his passion for music, composed to mainly focus on spiritual reflection as well as political issues of the world. Having studied at several distinguished vocal colleges in the UK, including the Institute of Contemporary Music and Performance (ICMP), Amir’s flair for singing developed as he went along; proven true at the many events/ festivals throughout England where he performed, and the many different songs he has composed such as “Don’t You Worry My Sisters”, “My Beloved Parents”, “Battle of Uhud” and many others. Amir Awan is a rising star to look out for, and will be performing at the DeenFest at The Alexandra Palace in London on 6th December 2009. The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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Muslim Siamese from south of Kedah working at a Siamese seafood restaurant. Most of them are youngsters and are talented in cooking. Since the 80’s, Siamese seafood restaurants became a trend in Malaysia. Their hot and spicy cuisine are well received by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Photo & text by Mark Pierto
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Halal and Health The Halal Journal spoke to a representative from a consulting company in Canada whose primary focus is in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and natural health products in terms of development, the testing of new health products, combined with regulatory requirements and quality assurance requirements, to assist companies in achieving their development goals in a holistic approach. Selma Djukic, President of White Owl Global Services Ltd shares her perspective on Halal and the pharmaceutical industry.
What are the challenges or issues you have faced with regards to Halal in your line of work? Predominantly and primarily, it is the lack of some sort of uniform standard. In terms of understanding the Halal concept, there are multiple kinds of interpretations on the varying degrees of what is allowed and what is impermissible. Therefore, it will really help to have something that is uniformed, or at least some basic minimum level of uniformity for people to work off, because that will bring both people who are of the Muslim faith and who are not of the Muslim faith to a common starting ground, which is probably one of the biggest challenges. From that, you can then branch into having the requirements of materials that are Halal or ethical, in accordance to a minimum set of guidelines, followed by the labelling of those products. Different types of products have different labelling requirements depending on which areas or regions in the world the products are exported to, so that would need to be overcome, and that kind of ties in on how to market those products. It is easy enough to market something that is clearly indicated on the label, but if the government does not allow you to put a Halal label on a generic pharmaceutical product, for example, you need to now start to be really innovative on how you are going to get the word out there, that you are making a generic Halal pharmaceutical, without breaking the law in terms of labelling requirements. What are the critical control points in a Halal pharmaceutical production line? There are different kinds of branches when dealing with pharmaceuticals. One of which is the raw materials: the source, and how it is processed or manufactured are key control points. Tied in with that is the “Halalness�, which kind of encompasses the regular industry standard; so you first have to overcome the industry requirements, and then on top of that satisfy the Halal requirements. That is with regards to the raw materials. The industry itself has other areas that nobody has looked at. For example clinical trials for new medications, or generic medications, where there is a whole science around that and there are many standards around that. I am not sure if anybody has even looked at that aspect of Halal pharmaceuticals because the focus has been predominantly on production, or development and production. So there is that whole area that has not The Halal Journal | Nov+Dec 2009 |
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even been looked at, and yet in the development of a new drug, constitutes a majority of the cost. So that is one of the hurdles that are not even being discussed at this point. What do you think is the solution to this? There is not going to be an easy solution, but I think forums like the World Halal Forum and others that involve discussions on Halal and science, for example, are critical because that is where you are getting people from all over the world who are exposed to their own countries’ regulations, methodologies or ways of doing things. However, there needs to be a healthy but critical exchange of ideas. While we can kind of applaud where we are right now or where certain companies are right now (in the Halal industry), I think we really need to come together, and we definitely need to bring the trio: industry players tied in with academia and sitting down with religious scholars in really hashing out and brainstorming ways in which we can accelerate this process and aligning the ethical requirements of Halal with a traditional pharmaceutical or biotechnology or natural health standards. The academics and scientists in these discussions are really critical because they will give the scientific rationale which adds to buy-ins in terms of the industry as a whole. So, the discussion is neutralised by bringing in scientific expertise, but you also need the industry players there because they are on the ground and at the same time, you cannot do it in the absence of religious scholars. However, the secondary part to that is
when you now go to implement this; everybody is working off the same page again. So when people go to audit for Halal, for example, my hope is that the religious scholars are well versed with the industry norms; they will at least have had some kind of exposure or they have links whereby industry people can go with them, and so you accelerate that process. All this through exposure from the forums, conferences or discussions held. Do you have anything else to add? I think one of the areas I would like to highlight is that people are using natural health products to enter the Halal industry, and the natural health products industry is interesting because it is going through its own re-evaluation from a non-Halal perspective. It will be interesting to see how natural health products on a global scale kind of determine themselves from a regulatory or regulation perspective, and then to see how Halal can sort of interface with that. But it is an interesting area, that people are using as a means to enter the market in a quicker way, although it is an area that could potentially be misused, and I think that one thing we really need to remind ourselves and people who are putting this label claim for Halal natural health products is that although it is an easier way to market, it should not be the lowest common denominator; it should not be skirting issues in order to get something into the market. It will be an interesting area to watch; to see how it unfolds.
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