RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS IN ISLAM (RISIS)
HALAL EXCELLENCE IN THE HOLISTIC ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES INTRODUCTION
Since its inception in 1996, Halal has been the core sector focussed by Research Institute of Standards in Islam (RISIS). Halal dynamism has enabled various areas to be developed to best meet Muslim consumer demands and to suit their confidence vis-à-vis food industry that has been the nucleus in the Halal regime.
While honouring the role of Halal certification bodies globally, RISIS poised to delve into an area that encapsulate the overall Halal and deemed-Halal trade activities which commands to an estimated USD46.1T* annually since 2013.
It is undeniable that Halal has attracted every facet of trade in which those industries have, in one way or another attempted to adopt every which way possible to promote their offerings as Halal or acceptable by Muslims all over.
This scenario has created humongous doubts among Muslims as the deemed Halal sector has not been regulated accordingly. In Malaysia contexts, the Trade Description Act 2011 have managed to curb such activities and no parties are not allowed portray uncertified products and services as Halal.
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THE WAY FORWARD
Given that, RISIS sees the need to address the deemed halal players as they too have some role in contributing to Halal trade figures to form a portion of the USD46.1
RISIS has developed a comprehensive and achievable Muslim Friendly Halal Excellence protocol to welcome any party into a community-based platform as part of an effort to regularize and promote the players into a full-fledged Halal player providing Halal Assurance and pave their way towards Halal Excellence.
As this endorsement concerns Muslims, as consumers, as well as personnel in the organization, it this therefore important for the organization to observe these requirements:
a) The organization shall maintain that they are an equal opportunity employer and does not monger racism, religious oppression and discrimination.
b) The organization shall not issue and/or publish any matters that will create uneasiness and unrest among the Muslim community.
c) All Muslim personnel shall be allowed to
: Perform their obligatory prayers at prescribed times
: Adjust their working hours during fasting months.
: Take adequate number of days leave to perform their Haj and Umrah
d) The organization shall provide adequate space for prayers or preferably a comfortable and suitable mussola with basic facilities.
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Corporate Commitment
1) The organization shall register their pledge in supporting Islamic finance instruments.
2) Islamic finance instruments which include namely Islamic banking and takaful shall be adopted where applicable and available
3) This requirement is not applicable to organization that has already subscribe to such instruments or facilities.
4) The organization shall pledge to allocate job positions wherever possible in the managerial and other stated division to eligible Muslims.
5) The organization shall comply and obey to all regulatory requirements by the authorities.
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RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS IN ISLAM (RISIS) ENDORSEMENT SCOPE
As the global authorized body for the MuFHE, RISIS continuously conduct research, develop standards and protocols, education and awareness towards global goodness in attaining integrity among the main stakeholders in the ecosystem namely: a) Industry players b)Regulators c) Academia d) Consumers
We believe only integrity will ensure healthy trade practices among mankind.
While Halal remains the essence and ultimate guidance for Muslims in sourcing their daily products and services, complementing tools that will provide organizations to manage their products and services in a more ethical and just manner in maintaining the Halal integrity of products is desirable.
All organizations are eligible to participate in MuFHE provided that they are NOT involved in manufacturing of non-permissible or related products, eg liquor and pork, gambling and gaming, pornography and related activities.
Other organizations which offer deemed Halal products and services that is products and services that bare out of the Halal certification schemes and scopes so that they too can have the privilege to work along and benefit in the Shariah-based guidance thus offering Holistic & Ethical environment.
MUFHE TRACEABILITY, RATE AND RANK PROGRAM
This program spells the nucleus of Holistic Ethical practices. Capabilities of organization towards their compliance on Halal lies on certain degrees of commitment due to various factors.
From consumers perspective, there aren’t any concrete means to build absolute confidence towards Halal products or services. Even if they are certified Halal. There will always be unseen factors that may disrupt the Halal chain. Only the Creator will know the degree of absolute Halal. Therefore, there lies plenty of space for improvement given the adoption of various methods and technology available to determine players commitment towards Halal.
The adoption of traceability and rank and rate regime is inevitable for players in Halal to boost their customers confidence in Halal.
Rank and rate mechanism is in no way belittling each other or creating competitive edge among players but empowering preference level of consumers. Traceability will play a big part in the rank and rate as customers are able to access the flow of products in the supply chain as a demonstration of transparency and sincerity.
HALAL EXCELLENCE
As all Halal certification regimes spells out basic requirements for aspiring organizations to earn their Halal certificates, RISIS on the other hand see the need to appreciate, respect and reward those entities that are willing to pursue the extra mile to garner even more satisfaction, confidence and comfort in other forms, particularly of CSR nature.
We believe in moving forward in tandem with the Muslim community and create a more Muslim Friendly ecosystem towards a more harmonious and well-balanced society globally.
Excellence has no boundaries, thus room for improvements is never “between the 4 walls”. RISIS is open to endorse any form of innovations, inventions, technology advancements, spiritual incentives etc in pursuit of Halal Excellence.