Halal and haram are Islamic concepts that apply to human actions in their interactions among themselves and with other species in the natural world. Halal refers to what is permissible and lawful to consume, use, or engage in accordance with the Islamic Shari’ah. When applied to minerals, plants, or animals, it refers to what is permissible to eat, drink or use such as cosmetics therein in accordance with the Islamic law. Its antonym is haram, referring to what is impermissible or unlawful. The Qur’an states: “O mankind! Eat of what is on earth, Lawful (halalan) and good (tayyiban); and do not follow the footsteps of the evil one, for he is to you an avowed enemy” (2:168).
Tayyib literally means “good” and “pure.” It is an adjective that is often attached to halal to explicate the purity and hygienic dimension of halal, not to add any attribute which is not already embedded in halal. When used in the cosmetics context to describe halal, it means any good thing typically expected from the cosmetics, particularly nutrition, hygiene, healthiness, and wholesomeness.
Halal Certified products are to be free of any forbidden or Najis material according to the Islamic rules. Halal products can’t be prepared, processed or manufactured by using material contaminated with najis. The equipments have to be separated from products which don’t have the above conditions or from material that are considered as Najis according to the Islamic rules during their preparation, treatment, packaging, storage and transportation. The term of Halal label or its equivalent has to be legibly written on products (Codex Alimentarius)
Cosmetics have been used since prehistoric times. Over the years, cosmetics have been developed in many different formulations and forms whether as powder, liquid, gel, or cream. These different formulations and forms have been used for a host of topical uses.
The division of cosmetics into halal and haram is based on the benefit or harm the object has on human health. For example, it is haram to consume anything that is injurious or harmful to one’s health or that which precipitates one’s death on the basis of the Qur’anic injunction that: “and do not kill yourself; indeed, Allah is ever Merciful to you.” (4:29); “And make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction” (2:195).
The increasing awareness among both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers regarding halal cosmetic products has attracted the attention of cosmetic manufacturers. Although different consumers have different beliefs about the product, their buying intention is the same, that is, they look for products that are trusted and safe.
As Muslim consumers are concerned with ensuring that the products, they consume or use are halal, both retailers and manufacturers of cosmetic products should play an important role in providing consumers with products that conform to their religious beliefs. Therefore, it is imperative for the retailers and manufacturers to be aware and to be equipped with the knowledge on halal and haram.
I have been in South Korea in the first Korea Halal Expo on 6-9 August as a guest.
We saw once again during our journey that Halal certification activities of applied by faithfully Muslims as beginner and totally non-governmental organizations have accepted by communities. When this acceptance from communities has recognized by some non-Muslim organization, they started to interfere with Muslims Halal certification works, which are absolutely religious issue and belong to Muslims. This interference is unacceptable. So Muslim Ummah must be aware of this kind of interference.
The issue that we are proud of is that Muslim population of 135000 people in 55 million South Korean populations always remembers and memorializes with respect the name of Sheikh Zubeyr. Referring his name with respect in publication journals of Korean Islamic Federation, books, videos, and articles show the good position he achieved.
We were very glad to see the companies’ interest to the first Korea Halal Exhibition. In this context, we would like to mention importance of finalize the ongoing process about single Cosmetic Halal Standards, which doesn’t allow any harmful raw materials in cosmetics production.
