Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force within the Islamic economy, driving innovation across sectors from finance and food to tourism and education. 

By enhancing Shariah compliance, improving accessibility, and enabling personalized services, the technology is reshaping how the Islamic economy operates, while preserving its ethical foundations.

More broadly, the technology’s potential economic impact is substantial - AI could contribute up to $320 billion to the Middle East's economy by 2030, according to PwC.  

“The synergy between AI and the Islamic economy is immense,” says Badr Saidi, quality manager and technical auditor at Halal Consulting S.L., a Spain-based halal certification body.  

“By leveraging AI in areas like Shariah compliance, ethical finance, halal supply chains, smart cities, tourism, and education, we can drive sustainable growth while staying true to Islamic ethical principles.”

To succeed, Saidi emphasizes the need for collaboration between AI developers, Islamic scholars, and industry leaders to ensure technological advances align with religious values.

Transforming Islamic finance

AI’s most visible impact is unfolding in Islamic finance, where it is streamlining compliance processes, improving fraud detection, and fostering financial inclusion.

“With AI, Islamic banks and financial companies can better understand their customers - how they invest, what they need, and even their risk tolerance,” says Sara Husain Hammad, innovation and technology project manager at Bahrain-based General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI). 

“This helps create personalized financial products that comply with Islamic guidelines while still being innovative,” she says.

AI-powered tools are already transforming traditional processes. According to Saidi, machine learning algorithms are now automating the verification of financial transactions to ensure they adhere to Shariah law, avoiding elements such as Riba (interest), Gharar (excessive uncertainty), and prohibited investments.

He adds that AI-driven robo-advisors are also curating tailored halal investment portfolios, while predictive analytics are optimizing Sukuk (Islamic bonds) issuance and improving fraud detection in Takaful (Islamic insurance).

Banks across the Muslim world are already deploying AI. Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) is using AI tools to assess the Shariah compliance of companies and financial instruments. Bahrain Islamic Bank has launched a digital platform offering access to more than 1,800 Shariah rulings to help simplify complex regulations and encourage industry collaboration. 

Outside of the GCC, Bank Muamalat Malaysia has partnered with Google Cloud to to deploy generative AI and advanced data analytics to help it evolve into a fully digital Islamic institution. Egypt’s Faisal Islamic Bank has embraced AI to modernize and expand its services.

AI is also helping extend financial services to underserved communities. By analyzing alternative data - such as mobile payment history and social behaviour - AI can help individuals with limited credit histories, including those in rural areas or small business owners, to qualify for financing. This supports Islamic finance’s mission of ethical and inclusive banking.

“Combined with Islamic finance’s focus on ethical and community-centered banking, AI can open doors for more people to access financial services in a way that respects their beliefs,” says CIBAFI ‘s Hammad.

Securing the halal supply chain

Beyond finance, AI is shoring up the halal economy by ensuring product traceability, authenticity, and safety. One of the biggest challenges in halal certification is verifying that ingredients and production processes comply with Islamic dietary laws. 

“AI can assist in several ways, including in ingredient label analysis. AI-powered Natural Language Processing (NLP) can scan product ingredient lists and detect potential non-halal components like gelatin, alcohol, or animal-based enzymes,” says Saidi.

AI-powered blockchain platforms now provide end-to-end tracking of halal products, from source to shelf, while computer vision systems monitor production lines for contamination, he adds. Image recognition tools are detecting fraudulent halal logos, and IoT sensors help safeguard halal-certified goods during transportation and storage.

AI is also playing a crucial role in laboratory testing. Advanced spectroscopy and chemical analysis, supported by AI, can identify traces of non-halal substances in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals with high accuracy. Meanwhile, AI-driven analytics are helping businesses forecast demand for halal products, ensuring better inventory management and reduced waste.

However, standardization remains a challenge. According to Saidi, differing certification criteria across countries make it difficult to create a universal AI model, and smaller enterprises may struggle with the costs of adopting these technologies.

Enhancing Muslim-friendly travel

The Muslim-friendly travel market is another area where AI is making strides. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023/24, AI is enabling personalized travel experiences and improving customer service with virtual assistants and predictive analytics.

“Platforms can now generate customized itineraries for Muslim travelers, factoring in prayer times, halal food, nearby mosques, and Muslim-friendly accommodations,” says Saidi.

The Saudi Tourism Authority is pioneering AI-powered services, having recently launched "Sara," a virtual tour guide offering real-time travel advice. The authority has also partnered with Visa to create a Tourism Data Lab to analyze visitor behaviour and spending trends.

Facilitating Islamic education

AI’s role in Islamic education is growing rapidly. NLP models can help scholars and students in deepening their understanding of Quranic and Hadith texts, while AI-based edtech solutions can offer personalized Islamic education and smart learning platforms for different age groups, according to Saidi.

Innovators are developing AI-powered Islamic chatbots, voice assistants, and digital Da’wah tools to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Startups are already making an impact. Pakistan’s Xeven Solutions recently launched Shahada GPT, offering Quranic translations, Hadith explanations, and halal guidance. Similarly, India-based QuranGPT answers religious queries. 

“The primary motivation behind developing QuranGPT was to bridge the gap between religion and modern individuals,” says Raihan Khan, an AI applications engineer and creator of QuranGPT. 

“Nowadays, people don’t want to spend hours flipping through books to find an answer or determine if something aligns with the teachings of the Holy Quran. QuranGPT simplifies this process by providing instant responses in natural language.”

However, combining AI with religious guidance carries significant risks. Without human oversight, AI can easily misinterpret Islamic teachings, spread misinformation, and inadvertently cause harm.

“While AI has the potential to enhance various aspects of the Islamic economy, its intersection with religion must be approached with extreme caution,” Khan warns.

“The biggest concerns lie in the inherent biases of AI models, the risk of misinformation, and the challenge of ensuring religious authenticity. Without strict monitoring, AI could do more harm than good in this space,” he adds.

Limited adoption

Despite AI's promise, adoption in the Islamic economy remains in its early stages. Most Islamic tech startups have yet to fully embrace AI, focusing instead on basic automation rather than sophisticated, AI-driven innovation.

“As of now, AI’s role in fostering innovation in the Islamic economy - particularly in tech startups or digital finance - is minimal,” says Khan. “While AI has the potential to enhance areas like Islamic banking, halal certification, and ethical investment screening, most Islamic tech startups have yet to fully explore or implement AI-driven solutions.”

There was a palpable silence at the end of a premier screening of the documentary ‘Before 1770’ held late last year, punctuated only by distant sobs and the ruffling of tissue packets emanating from the audience of largely Muslim Australians.  

The reason why the feature documentary - showcased in multiple screenings across the country - evoked such an impassioned response was because it represented the connection Australia and its First Nations people held with the Muslim world.  

This deep connection, starting sometime in the mid-1600s, lasted for centuries until 1907 when the last ‘Perahu’ (sailing boat) from Makassar visited Arnhem land in Northern Australia. 

The reason why it resonated strongly with Muslim Australians, was because it was an untold story omitted from Australian history books; a tale intricately linking them with Australia’s First Nations people and their legacy. 

Before White colonisation, Muslim Bugis and Makassar traders would sail with the monsoon winds via the Flores and Savu seas, arriving on the shores of Northern Australia in places like the Kimberley and Arnhem Land to meet First Nations trading partners like the Yolŋu people.  

They would trade in trepang, a type of sea cucumber which was a delicacy and an aphrodisiac they would sell to lucrative Chinese markets. While their motivations for visiting Australia might have been for trepang, this was all part of wider regional trade patterns which connected Arab, Indian and Chinese markets via the Malay Archipelago.

These same Bugis seafaring traders would find themselves immersed in mercantile activity in historic port cities dotted across the Indian ocean like Aden, Muscat, and even as far as Zanzibar.  

Australia for them, was just part of an ancient maritime silk road that swapped out camels for Perahu sailing boats that covered vast distances with monsoonal winds. 

Fast forward a hundred years or so with the rise of the modern global Islamic economy, the vibrant Australian Muslim community like the Bugis before them, are rekindling historic linkages with the Muslim world through trade, halal food and Islamic finance.  

Australia is a melting point of a vibrant and dynamic Muslim population base comprising more than 70 different ethnicities. Nearly a million Muslims - more than half under the age of 25 -reside in growth areas in all the major cities and help create robust networks for business and investment opportunities.  

Halal food is now an AU$2 billion industry that helps serve the local Muslim community as well as major export markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Over 70% of Australian abattoirs are now reported to be halal certified.  

Muslim students from around the world are fostering long-lasting linkages with Australia. More than 30,000 students from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan and over 15,000 from the GCC are enrolled across universities and higher education institutes in the country. The Brunei government sends hundreds of students on scholarships to Australian universities each year. 

Education services with Muslim-majority countries amount to nearly AU$4 billion annually, generating revenue as well as creating investment opportunities across several quarters, including student accommodation, migration and employment, and halal food services. 

Lastly, Islamic finance is perhaps an untapped gold mine for Australia, having remained under the radar of Islamic investors worldwide for decades. For enterprising investors, Australia emerges as an unexpected yet compelling destination for Islamic investment. 

For select Islamic investors, Australia is not a distant continent, rather a destination that is geo-strategically situated on the fringes of vibrant Southeast Asian economies and one that offers a unique combination of a well-regulated market alongside growth opportunities for Islamic-conscious capital. 

The recently signed Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is the first Free Trade Agreement between Australia and a Middle Eastern country, facilitating investments in local projects. Shariah-compliant real estate investment has gained ground too, with institutions such as the National Australia Bank (NAB) offering Islamic products, enabling Muslims to finance their projects.

This unique offering has facilitated numerous partnerships between Islamic investors from the GCC and Southeast Asia and the vibrant and entrepreneurial Muslim business community in Australia. 

Shariah-compliant fixed-income solutions is another area of opportunity with Australia one of the rare AAA rated countries in the world according to Moody's, S&P and Fitch. There is a slew of ASX100 companies that are investment grade and above, offering a huge opportunity for Islamic fixed-income products or Sukuk bonds. 

With ongoing tariffs and geopolitical realities, perhaps Australia is not as far away as one might believe. With its growing young and dynamic Muslim community, Australia offers a combination of economic stability, diverse investment sectors, and financial governance. Throw delicious halal food in the mix and we have a sweet spot of opportunities. 

Perhaps now is the time for Islamic investors to set their sails Down Under. 
 
Dr Imran Lum is the head of Islamic finance at a major Australian bank. He is the host of the ‘Muslim Money’ Podcast and the author of 'A Comparative Study of Riba and Islamic finance in Australia and the UK (Routledge)'.

The opinions shared here are his own and do not reflect the views of his employer
 

The halal food market in the United Kingdom has grown tremendously over the past several years, reflecting an increase in the country's Muslim consumer base and a rising interest in ethical and healthy eating options.  

The sector in the UK is now worth billions, with projections of continued growth. Major supermarkets and grocery chains, such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda, offer halal-certified products all year round, with expanded offerings around the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid festival.

This seasonal time is currently one of the biggest commercial events in the calendar, reinforcing a commitment to inclusivity and highlighting the economic draw of this space. From a trade standpoint, halal is also showcased at many exhibitions and trade shows in the UK and abroad. 

However, this wasn’t always the case. Halal foods' commercial journey in the UK is one for the books, starting more than two decades ago, from a modest family shop and progressing to find shelf space at a retailer in 2007, as part of the world foods category. The products on offer at the time included halal meat counters, prepacked halal meat, halal chilled products, halal sweets & confectionery. 

It didn’t stop there. Having worked in the space for years, I know that the initial opportunity could create a domino effect across the UK retail landscape and there was much to be done. Being a Muslim, the halal agenda is lived daily, and I, for one, was passionate about driving this market.

This commitment helped me launched the first ever Ramadan and Eid event at a UK retailer in 2008 - lasting 12 weeks. The event provided an opportunity to display halal offerings throughout highly-frequented stores, supported with marketing campaigns. Other retailers followed suit, one of which I supported to launch a similar campaign. The launch of Haribo Halal Sweets and halal Ramadan countdown calendars in the UK were also a few of my endeavours. 

Fast forward to today, the halal food landscape has transformed. The dining out market is booming, with all manner of fare including Mexican, Far Eastern and Malaysian cuisines. Fast-food chains are massively growing, catering to a broader customer base, including non-Muslims. Brands like KFC and Nandos are betting big on halal outlets. Online shopping for halal products is also on the rise, with e-commerce platforms and specialized online retailers offering a gamut of halal products, especially at key times like Ramadan and Eid.

Challenges stymying sector growth
Whilst there are many opportunities for growth and expansion, key challenges such as misconceptions about halal practices and the need for consistent quality checks and certifications remain.

Retailers must navigate these challenges effectively to capitalise on the market's potential, recognising the cultural significance of halal practices and the dietary restrictions of Muslim consumers. This understanding can influence product selection and marketing strategies. 

Supply chain complexities and lack of education are some of the obstacles that hinder the progress of a thriving halal foods ecosystem. 

Supply chain – The halal supply chain is complex, and finding reliable suppliers offering halal-certified products consistently can be difficult. Retailers must ensure that suppliers meet quality standards and offer certifications, which would require ongoing monitoring and auditing. 

Any supermarket or independent shop offering halal products need to establish partnerships with reliable suppliers and manufacturers. This means having the resources but also the knowledge and awareness of different halal certification standards and processes.  

Education - It would be ideal for businesses offering halal products to conduct regular employee training and skilling/reskilling activities, apprising workers of cultural and religious sensitivities around halal practices. Offering customers timely information can help create a conducive shopping experience.

Building trust with the wider Muslim community is also essential. This could include outreach activities such as collaborations with local mosques and community organizations, and conducting community events and workshops to promote halal offerings and facilitate discussions around halal practices.

Understanding the customer - Probing deeper into the customer’s shopping habits would be another route to gaining valuable insights. Conducting regular market research to understand the varying facets of an average consumer’s shopping experience, such as his/her product preferences, purchasing habits, price and religious sensitivities, could help address preferences and concerns.

Facilitating online and in-store feedback to gather customer opinions and suggestions would also allow for adjustments based on consumer needs.

Addressing these challenges is critical for retailers aiming to successfully incorporate halal offerings and cater to a growing and diverse customer base. 

Noor Ali BEM is a UK-based world foods and halal category expert

Featuring some standout innovations, such as the world's first fully halal-brewed beverage, the latest iteration helps the iconic trade show maintain its allure 

You know something has earned its place in the sun when, three decades in, things only seem to be going from strength to strength. 

Gulfood has been a catalyst for the UAE, propelling its stature as a global food hub for several years.  With the previous edition facilitating more than $15 billion in trade deals, all eyes were on how the recently concluded 30th edition would perform. 

With an expansive lineup of over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries spread across 24 halls and 1.3 million square feet, Gulfood 2025 showcased its most comprehensive iteration yet. 

Staying true to its theme of "The Next Frontier in Food," the world's largest annual food and beverage (F&B) trade show combined old with new as it featured leading suppliers and producers, and welcomed first-time national pavilions from Kosovo, Zambia, Mauritius, and Madagascar.

Sustainability initiatives were a recurring theme at Gulfood 2025 - from biodegradable packaging and carbon-neutral olive oils to reforestation projects on cattle farms, exhibitors showcased multifaceted approaches to reduce environmental impact.

Halal beverages: innovations and partnerships  

One of the most talked-about announcements was the launch of Majlis Premium Arabian Ale by Midtown Factory, a Dubai-based beverage production facility.

Majlis Premium Arabian Ale is produced using a proprietary technique that keeps the entire brewing process alcohol-free from start to finish, in line with strict halal guidelines. 

"We are excited to introduce a beverage that caters to the evolving preferences of the global community looking for a refined, alcohol-free, and healthy alternative," said Igor Sergunin, CEO of Midtown Factory. 

Innovative drinks also included Filipino exhibitor Lionheart Farms’ carbonated coconut flower sap drink, which earned a nomination at the Gulfood Innovation Awards. 

Gulfood also witnessed beverage collaborations - LuLu Retail announced plans to introduce Saudi Arabia’s iconic carbonated date beverage, Milaf Cola, across GCC markets and India. UAE-based F&B powerhouse Agthia Group partnered with Reliance Consumer Products to bring Campa Cola to the UAE. 

Halal market continues to grow

As halal-certified products become increasingly mainstream, brands are introducing ranges that maintain religious compliance while appealing to health-conscious consumers.

In the meat category, Tanmiah Food Company showcased its new 'Taste Secrets' line of marinated fresh chicken, which was shortlisted for the awards in the Best Meat & Poultry Product category. 

Meat & Livestock Australia represented Australia's red meat industry under the Aussie Beef & Lamb brand. The brand reaffirmed its strong ties to the Middle East by bringing 100% halal-certified red meat to the region through 34 brands.

Brazil, another perennial leader in the global meat industry, was also present at Gulfood 2025. Multiple Brazilian companies showcasing beef, poultry, and pulses saw brisk foot traffic and reported a high volume of inquiries and new deals.

Estonia returns to the trade show for the 8th consecutive year, with Estonian firm Puljong, renowned for organic, halal-certified broths and stocks, one of the nominees at this year’s awards. 

Eying a larger slice of the global halal market, Malaysia brought 90 companies and four government agencies to this year's Gulfood under the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) leadership. 

New spin on cherished tastes

The trade event also introduced the Food500 Summit this year, where stakeholders including CEOs, policymakers, and investors, convened to discuss pressing challenges around international trade flows, investment strategies, and environmental impacts on agriculture.

One area of discussion was the phenomenon of 'newstalgia,' or a new take on an old and beloved flavor such as the 'Dubai chocolate', Fix Dessert Chocolatier's pistachio-filled chocolate bar.

Hong Kong is steadily accommodating Muslim visitors as it seeks to attract additional travellers from the Middle East and Southeast Asian regions. However, critical gaps need to be addressed before the city can fully establish itself as a Muslim-friendly tourist destination.

Hong Kong has made notable strides in becoming more Muslim-friendly over the past two years, expanding its halal dining options and increasing the availability of prayer facilities throughout the city.

The number of halal-certified restaurants in the city has surged to 142, up from just 63 in 2022. By the end of 2025, the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund (also known as the Board of Trustees, or BOT) aims to certify over 500 halal establishments.

To support this goal, an enhanced halal certification system is being introduced, says Nixie Lam, BOT advisor and a legislative council member from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), the city's largest political party.

“Since July 2024, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in collaboration with BOT and Crescent Rating, has adopted a set of classification, standards, and assessment criteria for halal certification that meet international standards and suit Hong Kong's actual situation, covering restaurants, hotels, attractions, shopping malls, and MICE venues,” Lam tells Salaam Gateway.

Halal dining options in Hong Kong are on the rise, with Middle Eastern, Indian, and Malaysian cuisines now widely available in popular districts like Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wan Chai. Notably, the Islamic Centre Canteen offers the city's only halal Cantonese dishes, while Toast Box became Hong Kong's first halal-certified Singaporean restaurant last August.

“Muslim travellers can easily access information about halal restaurants through the HKTB or halal travel websites. Also, many establishments prominently display the halal certification logo to attract Muslim customers,” says Sharifa Leung, founder of 3 Hani Enterprises, a Hong Kong-based halal consultancy which has guided many businesses, including Toast Box.

Top-tier support 

Hong Kong has intensified efforts to cultivate a Muslim-friendly tourism environment following Chief Executive John Lee’s 2024 Policy Address, where he highlighted the importance of supporting Muslim visitors. Among his proposals were the introduction of Arabic language services in taxis and at the airport, the creation of halal restaurant lists, and the establishment of prayer facilities in hotels. 

HKTB has also compiled a range of travel information and tips for Muslim visitors on its website and has been actively promoting the city in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The focus on providing Arabic signage in taxis and at the airport may be unnecessary, as most Arab travellers can read and speak English, Ilnur Minakhmetov, a Hong Kong-based educator, public advocate, and cultural ambassador tells Salaam Gateway.

“Instead of focusing on Arabic signage, it would be more meaningful to have banners and signs wishing ‘Eid Mubarak’, which I have seen in other places but have yet to encounter during my time here,” he says. “Before suggesting that taxi drivers learn basic phrases in Arabic, shouldn’t we prioritize improving their English skills?” 

Additionally, DAB is organizing a recruitment day to train more Muslim tour guides, equipping them with the language skills needed to better serve tourists and business travelers, according to Lam. 

The political party also plans to propose the introduction of Ramadan food fairs and cultural festivals to raise awareness of Muslim traditions among the wider public.

Organizing markets and light displays during the holy month, particularly in vibrant areas like Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard, would not only attract more Muslim visitors to Hong Kong but also create memorable photo opportunities at night, suggests Minakhmetov. 

Plugging key gaps

Despite growing demand, the number of halal-certified dining establishments still falls short of meeting the needs of the city’s increasing Muslim tourist population, according to Leung. 

Halal-certified restaurants make up a paltry 1.9% of the city's 17,500 eateries, with most located in major metropolitan areas. 

When it comes to hotels, 21 establishments have received the Muslim-friendly Crescent Rating as of October, including international brands like Kowloon Shangri-La and Mira Hong Kong, says Lam. These account for only 6.5% of the city’s 321 hotels. 

Additionally, recreational facilities that prioritize privacy - such as gender-segregated swimming hours - remain relatively uncommon.

“Throughout my 13 years in Hong Kong, I have not encountered prayer mats or Qibla direction indicators in hotel rooms. For instance, during a recent function at the Island Shangri-La Hotel, I had to pray in a corridor where guests regularly passed by,” adds Minakhmetov.

There is much to be done. “Currently, only one halal café can be found at Hong Kong International Airport, and the prayer room is not easily accessible. Furthermore, airport lounges do not offer halal food options. In local hotels, the buffet offerings are not halal, and there is not a single prayer room available. Also, none of the shopping centres have prayer rooms, which is common practice in other regions,” says Minakhmetov.

Despite being one of the world's most visited destinations, Hong Kong may not be the first choice for Muslim visitors, largely due to a lack of convenient prayer facilities and a limited selection of halal cuisine, says Leung. With a Muslim population of around 300,000, the city has only five mosques and 43 prayer rooms, some of which are located at major tourist attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park.

“In Japan's major cities, for example, I found prayer rooms and ablution facilities conveniently located within shopping centers,” says Leung.

“Increasing the availability of wudhu-friendly washrooms in Hong Kong is essential. Some locations provide prayer rooms without ablution facilities, which indicates a lack of understanding of Islamic culture and fails to meet the faith-based needs of Muslim visitors.”

3 Hani Enterprises recently received inquiries from both the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Ocean Park about the installation of ablution facilities. “We see this as a positive step and hope that more tourist attractions and shopping centers will follow suit by offering suitable prayer rooms and ablution facilities,” says Leung.

Viable steps

The Muslim population is projected to increase from 2.12 billion in 2024 to 2.47 billion in 2034, according to the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2024. Given the sizeable opportunity that awaits the city, there is much ground to cover. 

Hong Kong could learn valuable lessons from cities with well-developed Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure, such as Shenzhen in southeastern China and his hometown of Kazan in Russia, adds Minakhmetov. 

He further advocates for the establishment of a dedicated task force to enhance Hong Kong’s appeal to Muslim tourists. The lack of Muslims working in tourism-related government departments means many businesses still don’t fully understand what halal entails or recognise Islam as the world’s fastest-growing religion, he adds. 

Leung shares a similar perspective, noting that the shortage of trained halal auditors and executives in Hong Kong hampers the city’s ability to cater to Muslim visitors effectively.

“At present, not a single Muslim is employed by HKTB or InvestHK,” Minakhmetov points out.

“How can Hong Kong market itself as a Muslim-friendly destination without people who are knowledgeable about Islamic culture, traditions, and lifestyles? This situation needs to change.” 

The Islamic economy has emerged as a powerful force in an ever-evolving global landscape. It is shaped by the principles of Shariah and driven by a quest for inclusive growth, ethical investments, and sustainable development.

Among the nations contributing to this dynamic sector, Malaysia has consistently set the benchmark, securing the top position in The Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI) for ten consecutive years since the report's inception in 2013, surpassing countries with larger export volumes.

2024 marks a momentous occasion for Malaysia as it celebrates the Golden Jubilee of Halal Malaysia, the nation's halal certification registered trademark renowned globally. This milestone signifies 50 years of unwavering dedication and commitment to Halalan Toyyiban (lawful good things), assuring quality and integrity in products for consumers worldwide and upholding the principles of excellence (Itqan) and integrity (Nazaha).

Far from solely focusing on economic gain, this journey has profoundly shaped Malaysia's identity, establishing it as a global leader and trusted voice in halal certification and standards.

Contributions to global halal certification
Halal certification in Malaysia began in 1974 when the monarch and government recognised the need to regulate and ensure the integrity of halal products. This initiative aimed to protect Muslim consumers' rights and provide assurance that the products they consumed adhered to Islamic laws.

Halal Malaysia's journey began not with meat products but with certification for cooking oil made from Malaysian palm oil, highlighting the nation's early understanding of the vast scope and potential of the halal market.

Over the years, the halal certification process has evolved, becoming more rigorous and encompassing a more comprehensive range of products and services. This has established Malaysia as the global leader in halal standards and certification. 

Halal pharmaceuticals: A paradigm shift
Coincidentally, 2024 also marks the 25th year since the first Halal Malaysia certification was issued for vitamins and health supplements manufactured by a local large corporation pharmaceutical manufacturer in Malaysia. This milestone is a testament to Malaysia's pioneering role in the halal pharmaceuticals sector.

The introduction of halal-certified pharmaceuticals, supported by the world’s first ISO-level Halal Pharmaceuticals Standard MS2424, has revolutionised the industry domestically and internationally, aligning it with Halal Malaysia's principles of integrity and excellence.

It is a commendable breakthrough, marking a paradigm shift in mindset since health often falls under the “Dharurah” situation, where halal status is not the primary concern for consumption by Muslims. It also paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible halal market.

The Halal Malaysia journey paved the way for this game-changing mode in the pharmaceutical industry by creating a rigorous and trustworthy certification process that mirrors the stringent requirements of conventional pharmaceutical regulations.

Just as the pharmaceutical industry follows continuous improvement or Kaizen methodologies to enhance product quality and safety, halal certification adds an extra layer of assurance, emphasising purity and compliance with Islamic law. In return, the learnings from “Pharmaceutical Quality by Design” (QbD) led to the conceptualisation of Halal Built-In.

Pharmaceuticals certified with Halal Malaysia provide double assurance for consumers, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Before applying for halal certification, pharmaceutical products must fulfil the registration requirements (GMP-Pharmaceuticals) of and be duly registered with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).

This dual approval process by two authoritative bodies, MOH (for Toyyiban aspects – safe, effective, high quality and hygienically processed) and JAKIM (halal aspects), offers consumers unparalleled peace of mind.

Next 50 Years: A future of continuous excellence
The Golden Jubilee of Halal Malaysia is not just a celebration of past achievements but a resounding commitment to the future that values integrity, excellence, and trust. Malaysia's legacy of halal excellence, built on a foundation of solid governance, stakeholder collaboration, and deep respect for Halalan Toyyiban principles, positions it as a beacon of halal excellence to lead the industry towards a future of sustainable and inclusive growth.

Malaysia recognises the growing importance of sustainability in the global halal market. Therefore, it has endeavoured to incorporate sustainable halal practices throughout the value chain. This includes encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly production methods, responsible ingredient sourcing, and reducing waste and emissions. By championing sustainable halal practices, Malaysia aims to create a more ethical and environmentally responsible halal industry that benefits both people and the planet.

As Malaysia continues to pioneer and innovate relentlessly, underscoring the transformative impact of Malaysia's halal certification, it will undoubtedly shape and inspire the future of the global Islamic economy, benefiting the Ummah and the world at large for decades to come.

Roziatul Akmam Osman is a halal subject matter expert and is the recipient of the Halal Malaysia industry lifetime achievement award