Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER
The 20th Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the World Halal Council (WHC), the umbrella organization for accreditation of Halal Certification Institutions worldwide, was held in Durban, South Africa between October 19-24.
WHC holds its congresses in different countries every year. In the last 10 years, we can say Indonesia, China, South Africa, the Philippines and Türkiye. During this time, Türkiye hosted 3 times in a row. GIMDES was represented by Mr. Zafer Gedikli.
The new board of directors was elected at the end of the meeting and consisted of the following names:
President: Thafier NAJJAR
Deputy Chairman: Zafer GEDIKLI
General Secretary: Abdul Rahman T.LINZAG
Assistant General Secretary: Moulana Saeed NAVLAKHI
Treasurer: Naili HASTİKA
Treasurer Assistant: Nadia El MOUELHY
Membership Affairs Chairman Habib GHANIM
Technical Affairs Chairman: Mahmoud TATARI
Shariah Affairs Chairman: Omar SEBEDA
At the end of the meeting, the Closing Speech of WHC Unchanging Chairman (Patron) Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER was read:
Dear Highly Respected WHC Members,
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
I greet you all with the deepest respect and appreciation for your valuable contributions in upholding the
principles of halal and tayyib. I sincerely hope that the recently held presidential elections bring prosperity
and blessings to our community and the entire Ummah. I believe that these elections will further strengthen
our unity and help us achieve our common goals.
We are all aware of the necessity of bringing halal food and products under one single standard, globally
unified. In this regard, as GIMDES, we act with our motto, “One Voice, One Heart.” We firmly believe that
Muslims should move forward with the same determination when it comes to safeguarding halal and tayyib
principles. It is essential to protect and strengthen our unity in order to uphold our common values.
Furthermore, I want to stress the importance of refraining from consuming products that serve the interests
of corrupt forces. By boycotting these products, we take a crucial step in not supporting economies that
promote haram and injustice. Acting with this awareness is both our individual and collective responsibility
as Muslims.
I would also like to highlight the significance of our Darul Halal Madrasa project, which we operate under
GIMDES. Through this educational initiative, we provide access to technical and fiqh knowledge under the
guidance of Islamic sciences to our Muslim brothers and sisters. With the contributions of international guest
scholars, this program is enriched and aims to cultivate more knowledgeable individuals in the field of halal
and tayyib. We encourage you, our dear brothers and sisters, to initiate similar projects in your own countries.
Such initiatives will contribute significantly to empowering the Ummah both spiritually and intellectually.
Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of Karz-ı Hasen. This system, based on interest-free lending,
strengthens solidarity and mutual support within our communities. It is one of the most beautiful ways to
offer financial aid among Muslims and serves as a cornerstone for economic cooperation in line with our
values. It is our duty to spread this principle in order to establish a halal and tayyib economy.
I pray for success in our work, continuity in our unity, and beneficial outcomes for our Ummah. May Allah
grant us the strength to remain steadfast on the right path, within the circle of halal and tayyib.
With prayers and blessings,
Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER
GIMDES President and World Halal Council Patron
