What Is Halal
and why it matters globally.
Halal is an Arabic word meaning “permissible” or “lawful” under Islamic law. While often associated with food—particularly meat prepared according to specific guidelines—halal extends far beyond the dinner plate. It encompasses a wide range of products and services, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, finance, tourism, and other lifestyle choices. For a product to be considered halal, it must be free from any component that is forbidden (haram), and it must be produced, processed, and stored using equipment that has been cleansed according to Islamic principles.
Overview
In food, halal certification ensures that animals are slaughtered humanely, with the name of God invoked, and that the product is free from alcohol, pork, and other prohibited substances. But halal also reflects broader values: ethical sourcing, cleanliness, transparency, and respect for life.
The global halal industry has grown into a multi-trillion-dollar market, driven by the rising Muslim population—expected to reach 2.2 billion by 2030—and increasing demand from non-Muslim consumers who associate halal with quality, safety, and ethical standards. Halal-certified products are now found in mainstream supermarkets, airports, and restaurants around the world.
Beyond food, the halal economy includes sectors like modest fashion, halal tourism, Islamic finance, and personal care. Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the UAE are leading the charge, while non-Muslim-majority nations such as Australia, the UK, and the US are expanding their halal offerings to meet global demand.
In this landscape, trusted certification bodies like HAQ play a vital role in setting benchmarks and ensuring consistency. For businesses, halal certification is more than a religious label—it’s a gateway to new markets, stronger consumer trust, and a reputation for integrity.
Halal in the Food Industry
In food, halal certification ensures that animals are slaughtered humanely, with the name of God invoked, and that the product is free from alcohol, pork, and other prohibited substances. But halal also reflects broader values: ethical sourcing, cleanliness, transparency, and respect for life.
Halal in the Cosmetics Industry
Halal cosmetics ensure products are free from alcohol, animal-derived ingredients, and unethical practices, following strict Sharia guidelines. Certified halal skincare, makeup, and personal care items undergo rigorous inspection—from sourcing to packaging—to guarantee purity, transparency, and cruelty-free standards. Trusted halal certification boosts consumer confidence and expands market reach across global markets.
Halal in the Pharmaceuticals Industry
Halal pharmaceuticals guarantee products free from pork-derived excipients, alcohol, and other prohibited substances, following Sharia-compliant manufacturing processes. Rigorous halal certification oversees every stage—from sourcing and formulation to packaging—ensuring quality control, product safety, transparent supply chains, and regulatory compliance. Trusted halal pharma builds consumer confidence, unlocks global markets, and advances welfare.
Halal in the Financial Market
Halal finance adheres to Sharia principles, avoiding interest (riba), excessive risk (gharar), and unethical industries. Sharia-compliant financial products include sukuk, takaful, and Islamic banking accounts. Rigorous certification ensures transparent operations, sustainable ethical investments, and innovative profit-sharing models. Halal finance attracts socially conscious investors and unlocks diverse global Islamic capital markets.
Halal in the Tourism Industry
Halal tourism caters to Muslim travellers by offering prayer facilities, halal-certified dining, and alcohol-free accommodations. Ensuring Sharia-compliant services enhances guest comfort, cultural respect. Certified halal-friendly destinations attract a growing global market, boost local economies, and foster cross-cultural understanding, positioning destinations as welcoming, reliable, and globally competitive with hassle-free, frictionless experiences.