NIHT

The National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT), the internationally acclaimed and accepted local Halaal food certifier, was invited to Russia for a conference, recently. The invitation, on behalf of the Council of Russian Mufties was extended to Moulana A.W. Wookay and Hafez Moorad Booley. They successfully delivered papers on ‘The History of Halaal Certification in South Africa’ and ‘Halaal Certification in a Muslim Minority Country’, respectively. The Council of Russian Mufties have only been certifying since 1996 and are relatively new in the Halaal industry. Hence the invitation to the NIHT who have extensive experience in the Halaal Industry, internationally. With a Muslim population of over 49 million, the Russian Muslims are also a minority within their country. With more and more countries ready to do business with Russia and the economy gaining strength, Halaal globalization is evident in Russia and other East European Countries. The two day Moscow Halaal Conference at the Croycus City Hall saw delegates from over 12 countries deliberating and presenting various papers. Day one was allocated to Halaal finance and Takafol. Day two saw various role players in the Halaal food industry deliver papers on pertinent issues and problem areas. A number of resolutions was tabled and accepted. The Council of Russian Mufties were elated that the NIHT could attend this year since last years conference was not attended due to other commitments. The Chairman of the Council of Russian Mufties, Sheik Ravil Gainutdin (Zaynudeen) warmly welcomed the NIHT delegation and looked forward to co-operation between the two organizations. “The reputation of South Africa’s Halaal Industry was recognized and accepted, hence the invitation to the NIHT who are leaders in their field”, said Mufti Gainutdin. Due to lack of visible Islam during the old Soviet Communist Days, the revival of Islam has been tremendous with many young Russians embracing Islam fervently and eagerly. While Moscow has four Mosques, the Mosques are small and can only hold +/- 800 worshippers, yet for the Friday (Jummah) prayers more than 4000 worshippers attend at each mosque reading their prayers outside in the cold! Sadly the government has been dragging its feet to grant permission for the extension of the Masajids. With this in mind the NIHT has offered to assist in various ways and hope that a reciprocal visit by the Council of Russian Mufties to our country soon, would be a good start. An exchange of ideas and training modules is also envisaged in the not so distant future. The conference was run professionally with many European delegates expressing their surprise. “We have had such a negative concept of Russia and its people, this is an eye opener”, said one delegate from Italy. Notwithstanding the language, culinary, cultural and climatic challenges, it was different and truly educational. “This was really an awesome and fascinating experience how these Muslims have held on to their Islam with all the challenges is really extreme”, said NIHT’s Hafez Moorad Booley. This is just one of the ways of proving that Islam is a Universal way of life. A different way to celebrate South Africa’s acceptance to the BRIC Countries. Download

Author: NIHT Media he 2010 Annual General Meeting of the World Halaal Council (WHC) took place in Istanbul, Turkey between the 29th of September and the 3rd of October 2010. The session began on the 29th of September with an executive committee meeting attended by Hafez Moorad Booley of the National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT) who is an executive member of the World Halaal Council as well. The deliberations of the Excom meeting centered on the upcoming AGM as well as issues relating to membership and new applicantions. A number of technical and Shariah issues were presented as well. The goal of World Halaal Council (WHC) is to establish a unified Halaal standard worldwide. GIMDES, the Turkish hosts of this year’s AGM also hosted their 3rd Annual Halaal Conference on the 30th of September. The conference was well attended and a host of speakers delivered interesting papers on various topics related to Halaal foods and cosmetics. Most notably, the talk on Halaal and genetically modified plants and animals drew much attention from delegates. The paper delivered was by a renowned Turkish scientist Dr Halim Aydin. With the advanced use of cloning and genetic modification of various vegetables, fruits, animals, birds and fish, Shariah (Islamic Law) needs to be considered and attention and prudent investigation of the facts should be undertaken. The cloning of the various species has left Islamic scholar’s seeking Fatwa (edicts) on the permissibility of these animals. Whilst the animals are slaughtered Halaal, cognizance needs to be taken of the origins of these animals. The dilemma being faced is not only a religious one but a moral one as well. The various role players in the World Halaal Council (WHC) must undertake continuous and serious investigation into these matters. The need of establishing a seed bank for developing Islamic countries was also discussed. The AGM of the WHC began on the 1st of October 2010 with delegates being welcomed by the then incumbent president, Brother Lukamul Hakim of Indonesia. Various reports submitted and delivered by different committees of the WHC. These included the Shariah Committee, under the chairmanship of Moulana Abdul Wahab Wookay (SA), membership committee under sister Yasmina Ben-Koubia (Netherlands), the technical committee under Dr Al-Absy (USA). A number of resolutions where presented and deliberated, however, no resolutions were accepted due to various technical and practical difficulties experienced. This year also saw the election of the new Secretary General of the organization, a post that was held by Abdur Rahman Linzag (Philippines) for the last three years. Lukmanul Hakim (Indonesia) was elected as the new Secretary General, with South African Sheik Thaffier Najjaar (SAHUC) elected as Honorary President. A number of organizations that have previously not attended World Halaal Council meetings were attending for the first time this year. These included delegates from India, Pakistan, Spain, Italy, Colombia, Switzerland and France. Delegates from these countries expressed their interest in seeking membership of the organization, making this organization a truly united nation of Muslim certifiers. More than 68 delegates from almost 40 countries were represented in Turkey. One of the highlights of the days spent in the country was a visit to the first Halaal Food and Cosmetic Exhibition to be held in Turkey. A number of Halaal certified Turkish companies proudly exhibited their products. Download

Author: Kharleez Zubin In view of the large scale abuse of the ‘Halaal’ logo by unscrupulous businesses and the absence of regulations to prevent such abuse, laws are being amended to punish the culprits. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim, told Parliament that presently, action cannot be taken against companies or individuals who violated the Halaal logo usage. “Because of the growing demand for Halaal products, many companies and individuals are using Halaal logos unauthorised by Department of Islamic Development (Jakim). However, since Jakim has no enforcement power, the Trade Description Act 1972 under the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry is being amended to haul to court those who abuse the Halaal logo. “With the amendments, ministry officials will be empowered under the law to act against individuals or companies using imitation Halaal logos.” Once the Trade Description Act is amended, Jakim officers will be seconded to the ministry so they can determine if there is an abuse of the Halaal logo. Mashitah, replying to Taib Azamudden Md Taib (Pas–Baling), also said that since the Halaal certification was moved back to Jakim, Halaal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) has no more authority to issue such certificates. HDC is a government-linked company wholly owned by the Ministry of Finance incorporated and tasked to coordinate the overall development of the Halaal industry in Malaysia. On March 18, The Malay Mail front-paged a report that fraudsters, who made millions in a computer-vendor scam several years ago, were cashing in on the thriving Halaal products and services business. The computer-vendor scam group re-surfaced two years ago as the government has been promoting the country as a global Halaal hub. The group had remained on the sidelines since the scam was exposed in 2003. The Paper That Cares learnt that the fraudsters who are known to drive luxury cars with double-digit registration plates cheated at least two individuals. Most of the cars, including a Ferrari, are registered under a company based in Selangor and to a woman from Perak. It is not known how many have been conned or the losses involved as no police reports have been lodged so far. It is believed the victims were afraid to face public embarrassment if they reported to the police that they fell for the scam. Download

Author: NIHT Media ALLAH SUBAHANAHUWATAALA states in the Holy Quraan surah 2 v 168. “O people! Eat what is on earth, Lawful and Good.” Furthermore ALLAH says “Eat of the things which ALLAH has provided for you, Lawful and Good.” (surah 5 – v 88). These are direct orders from ALLAH. The consumption of Halaal Food is a fundamental aspect in any Muslim’s life. We will try to critically evaluate the concerns and scepticism of the Muslim Consumer today. After all, the consumption of Halaal or Haraam has a profound effect on a Muslim’s duahs. Understand, the Muslim consumer is faced with immense difficulty regarding choices in today’s world. The certification of Halaal products no longer refers to meat or ancillary products only, but to a host of other products covering franchise stores, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, ready to eat products, as well as a host of drinks, spices, sauces and condiments. Lately we have also seen a flood of financial, investment and insurance products with the attachment of Sharia or Halaal compliant tags. The Quraan states “O you who believe! Obey ALLAH and his Rasool (SAW) and those charged with AUTHORITY among you.” (surah 4 v 59). It is with this Ayat in mind, that the Muslim consumer needs help, direction and assistance when confronted with the plethora of Halaal products on the shelves of supermarkets and cafe’s confounding the issue is the globalisation of trade. This globalisation of trade allows for products of various countries to be marketed and sold locally and vice versa, without any ramification to religion or culture of that country. With the advancement in Food technology. Food and drink’s are being produced by Bio Technical and Bio Engineering techniques on a mass scale. Specific introduction of special material cultivators, micro organisms into plant and animal products have potential to increase production and enhance the shelve life and manageability of many food products. Hence, the widespread use of emulsifiers, preservatives and food enzymes. It is in these technologically produced foods and drinks, that not only the source of origin, but the processors of manufacture need to be analyzed and reviewed by the Jurists to determine the acceptance (Halaalness) of these products for Muslim consumption, that is why there is a definite need to have Halaal Certification. Take the mundane product like the manufacture of BREAD; its easy to say what can be Haraam, Dubious or objectionable in BREAD and other so-called basic products. But take a closer look. In the old days we knew BREAD to be made from flour, water, yeast and salt (4) four ingredients, fast forward to today and look at the ingredients of your favourite bread. Flour, water, yeast, salt, sugar, soya, hydrolyzed fat, emulsifiers, minerals, preservatives, flour improver, vitamins, calcium proponate, phosphates, zinc oxide and sodium diacetate, more than 16 ingredients. What does this mean to us, the layman. Thanks to our countries labelling laws, ingredients such as emulsifiers, colourants and preservatives need not be specified individually. In other words while the ingredients list would state emulsifiers, it could be from as many as eighty (80) emulsifiers used simultaneously or individually, the same with preservatives and colourants. This obviously leaves us with a dilemma, since some emulsifiers, preservatives or colourants could be derived from a plant or an animal source. As Halaal consumers our main concern would be animal derivatives. The same for vegetarians and people following the Hindu religion where the consumption of animals are forbidden. Take for example a few well known emulsifiers, preservatives or colourants, used in the manufacture of food stuffs today. LECITHIN – could be from an animal or vegetable source. GLYCERINE – could be from an animal or vegetable source. COCHINEAL – obtained from insects. SHELLAC – obtained from insects. L-CYSTEINE – used as flour improver – could be made from HUMAN HAIR or Feathers. PHOSPHATE – could be mineral or from animal bones. MONO-DI-GLYCERIDE – process needs to be evaluated. FUSEL OIL – flavour enhancer derived from cognac brandy. This list is just but a few of problematic ingredients used in the food manufacturing industry today. Ever wondered how does the bread of today still feels fresher three days later?? Say thanks to an ingredient called Polyoxyl 40 stereate. These issues cover just the ingredients only. Without wanting to alarm the consumer, cognisance must still be taken of the baking process. What about the greasing process used on the baking tins. Are they Halaal?? The greasing used on the baking pans to prevent the bread from sticking, could be from an animal or vegetable source. We need to ensure the product for greasing is Halaal (vegetable source). Lets take it one step further, the bread will need a glaze on top, maybe a little egg is used to glaze the bread, thats fine, but wait, what about the brush used to apply the glaze to the bread. It could be made from 100% bristles which means it is made from pork hair, thereby rendering the use of the brush Haraam and unusable by many faiths including Islam. Makes you think doesn’t it. These are issues being faced by Muslims concerning a basic necessity item in today’s structured world, BREAD. You will now understand the need for Halaal certification and the challenges facing the NIHT and the Muslim Ummah at large. This article has not been written as an ALARMIST or an apocalyptic piece of sensational journalism, but rather as a tool to educate, equip, understand and critically analyze the challenges facing us as the Muslim Ummah. The good work being undertaken by organizations like the NIHT can only auger well for the Muslim Ummah. One can now understand the research undertaken both theologically and scientifically, over and above the inspections and the checks and balances implemented by the NIHT, before an article or product is pronounced Halaal. So the next time you see a product bearing the Halaal logo of the NIHT, think of the process, before enjoying it with full confidence. In

Author: NIHT Media The National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT) attended the World Halaal Council meeting in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. The proceedings officially began on the 9th of November 2009 with a programme attended by Chinese government officials. Hafez Moorad Booley of the NIHT recited the opening Qiraat and the chairman of the Shandong Islamic Association did the welcome. Shandong province has a Muslim population of 600 000 and stressed that the province is rich in resources. The Vice-Governor of the province, the Honourable Wong Sung then addressed the gathering and in his talk emphasised the importance attributed to Halaal certification that has become a world standard of hygiene and quality. Brother Abdur Rahman Linzag, the secretary-general thanked the Shandong Islamic Association for professionally hosting the World Halaal Council AGM. He also thanked the more than seventy participants from thirty-seven different countries. He stressed the importance of unity and maintenance of Halaal standards since Halaal has become an international brand. The second day of the meeting saw deliberations on a paper delivered by Dr Al-Absy from the United States of America. He dealt with issues that were pertinent to the Halaal certification of ingredients used in the manufacture of processed foods. The election of the President of the WHC and executive members as well as members of the different committee’s of the organization also took place on the 10th of November 2009. The National Independent Halaal Trust was truly humbled and excited at the prospect of being elected to the executive of the World Halaal Council. It is indeed a mark of confidence when your fellow peers from Halaal certifying organisations world-wide have confidence and vote for you to represent them on the World Halaal Council executive committee. It also augurs well and is partly a recognition that the standards of Halaal certification displayed by the National Independent Halaal Trust is world class and is recognised as such. Hafez Moorad Booley was re-elected to the executive committee while Moulana Abdul Wahab Wookay was elected to the Shariah committee, a committee that guides the organization in terms of Islamic requirements for certification. Download

Author: Doctor Moulana Ismail Jaffer Halaal and Haraam have been clearly defined by the Holy Qur’aan as well as the Ahadith of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. It is mentioned in the Holy Qur’aan: “It is He who created for you all that is in the Earth.” (Surah 2: Verse 29) This verse refers to the general permissibility of all natural products of the earth. These things have also been created for the benefit of man. It is also stated: “O you who believe! Eat from the good things, which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is (indeed) Him that you worship.” (Surah 2: Verse 172) In another verse it is stated: “He has only forbidden these to you, carrion, blood and the flesh of swine and the flesh of animals slaughtered by invoking a name other than Allah. But whoever is forced to eat (by necessity) neither desiring (it) nor transgressing (its limits), there is no sin upon him. Indeed Allah is the Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful.”(Surah 2: Verse 173) Similarly there are numerous other Aayaat that guide us in terms of what is permissible for consumption. However, we live in a world where numerous advances have been made with regards to food technology and hitherto unknown ingredients are being used in food manufacture. The Ummah is now faced with a dilemma and much guidance is sought in terms of what is permissible or prohibited for consumption. Doubt has arisen regarding the validity of certain foods and food ingredients and the following Hadith is extremely pertinent to the discussion Al-Nu’man Ibn Bashir (RA) narrates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) saying: “The Lawful (Halaal) is explicit and the Unlawful (Haraam) is explicit, between these is the doubtful which many persons do not know. Therefore be cautious of the doubtful.” It absolves him of his Deen (Religion) and dignity. One, who indulges in doubtful matters, has certainly indulged in the unlawful (Haraam). It is like a shepherd who guards his flock within the surroundings and urges it to graze within it. Alas, for every ruler there is a sanctuary and the sanctuary of Allah is His inviolable. Alas, in the body is a piece of flesh, when it is sound then the entire body is sound. When it is impaired then the entire body is unsound. Be cautious, it is the heart. (Agreed upon) Muhammad ibn Allaan Bakri in his book Daleelul Faliheen gives the interpretation of this Hadith as follows: (On the authority of Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir) In the section on compliance of the Tradition (Sunnah). [He narrates, I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW): “The lawful (halaal) is explicit”] meaning: What He made lawful (Halaal), its lawfulness is evident; as the text mentions its lawfulness or the source of its origin may be deduced from a part of it. As mentioned by the Almighty: “He has created for you all that is on the earth” (Q2:29). The “Law” is for advantage / benefit. We learnt from it, the basis of its permissibility other than the evidence to the contrary. (And unlawful is explicit) meaning: What is apparent of the unlawful by its prohibition. The text mentions about its unlawfulness (prohibition), like abomination, the forbidden, what has restriction or punishment; or from the source of the origin it may be deduced from a part of it. As mentioned by the Almighty: “He has created for you all that is on the earth” (Q2:29). We learnt from it, the basis of its permissibility other than evidence to the contrary. (And unlawful is explicit) meaning: What is made apparent of the unlawful by its prohibition. The text mentions about its unlawfulness (prohibition] like abomination, the forbidden, what has restriction or punishment; or the source of the origin from which it may be deduced. The Prophet (SAW) stated: “All intoxicants are unlawful” (haraam). (And between them) meaning: ‘Between both alternatives’ (Doubtful), for it, occurring between the two sources and its alliance to one of them. For them both to be on the same grounds, it is not permissible to execute the evidence of anyone of them. (Many persons do not know) to contradict the two injunctions. The sentence is an obscure relative clause. It does not say “all the people”, as for research scholars this will not be obscure for them. If there is indecision between lawful (halaal) and unlawful (haraam) or there is no textual evidence and consensus, then a legist formulates an independent legal interpretation. He affiliates it to the one according to legal evidence. If there is no confirmation, it is righteousness to renounce it. The scholars differ in opinion about the obscure referred to in this Hadith (Tradition). It is assumed to be unlawful (haraam) based on His saying: “Whosoever is cautious of the obscure, etc”. They said: “He who does not free himself due to his honour and religion has indulged into unlawful (haraam)’. It is assumed to be lawful (halaal) with evidence from his saying: “It is like the shepherd grazing within his sanctuary.” It implies that it is closely associated with the designated unlawful by its forbiddance. And abstaining is pretty dependent on the group. (Then be cautious of the doubtful) means: One who guards and restrains himself from it. (To absolve) means: Desiring innocence or attaining it (for his religion ….) due to His legal conscience. (His distinction) of the people ‘falling’ into it due to reservation of its prohibitive nature, and if in fact it being ‘doubtful’. It is alleged that the meaning of dignity is the body: that is, the purity of his religion and body. It is alleged to mean the position of praise and criticism among human being, whether it is himself or his predecessors, when it came to his own position in applying to the appropriate situation, and free himself from exonerating of religion and blemish. Then applying knowledge by realization; he means the achieving or desiring his innocence. The

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 06 October 2022 “Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down for you.” There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought” (Al Qur’an 16:69) Narrated ‘Aisha (RA): The Prophet (SAW) used to like sweet edible things and honey.(Sahih Al Bukhari). Honey is composed of more than 200 substances including; carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Honey is used medicinally all around the world. Research has shown that honey has antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Its high fructose makes it one of the most efficient energy sources and can be used as a general tonic to build strength. A 2004 study on diabetic patients proved that honey, as compared to other sweeteners such as dextrose and sucrose, caused a significantly lower rise in plasma glucose levels. Honey also has a low glycaemic index and increases insulin levels, making it safe and beneficial for diabetic patients to use in moderation. Honey has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties which make it ideal for wound healing and is very effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints. Download

Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali Date: 06 October 2022 “Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down for you.” There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought” (Al Qur’an 16:69) Narrated ‘Aisha (RA): The Prophet (SAW) used to like sweet edible things and honey.(Sahih Al Bukhari). Honey is composed of more than 200 substances including; carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Honey is used medicinally all around the world. Research has shown that honey has antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Its high fructose makes it one of the most efficient energy sources and can be used as a general tonic to build strength. A 2004 study on diabetic patients proved that honey, as compared to other sweeteners such as dextrose and sucrose, caused a significantly lower rise in plasma glucose levels. Honey also has a low glycaemic index and increases insulin levels, making it safe and beneficial for diabetic patients to use in moderation. Honey has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties which make it ideal for wound healing and is very effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints. Download