Shariah and the Halal Industry

This book expounds the rules of shariah relating to lawful and unlawful in food and beverages, and how they are manifested in halal industry practices and markets. In addition to a concise presentation of the scholastic treatment of the rules of halal and its opposite, the haram in shariah, the book also familiarizes the reader with how they were formed and what are the basic tools by which the rules of shariah may be adjusted through fresh interpretation (i.e., ijtihad) so that they may respond to new developments. Part I, “Shariah Perspectives,” occupies about two-thirds of the book, whereas the other two parts cover halal developments in Malaysia and a select number of other countries. There is also a review of the roles of culture and what may be customarily considered as harmful and unclean, as well as a brief history of meat eating.