|
JURIDICAL PRESSING
Islamic jurisprudence has historically demonstrated flexibility in addressing complex biotechnological challenges, permitting the use of doubtful or impure substances in medical treatments under the doctrines of istihalah( transformation) and darurah( necessity).
These exemptions have enabled access to life-saving vaccines, drugs, and devices even when fully halal alternatives were unavailable. However, persistent reliance on these juristic concessions risks placing the Muslim world in a cycle of dependency, perpetually positioning it as a consumer rather than an innovator in the global biomedical sector.
Islamic legal principles, such as istihalah and darurah, have historically allowed Muslim societies to accept grey-area biotechnologies, including porcine-derived vaccines and alcoholbased solvents in medicine, under urgent circumstances.
However, to avoid being trapped in a state of " permanent emergency ", it is recommended that such fatwa approvals be issued with sunset clauses( e. g., five years), compelling local research and development( R & D) to find halal alternatives within a defined timeframe.
In parallel, the higher objective of Sharia namely hifz al-nafs( preservation of life) under maqasid al-shari ' ah, justifies the use of doubtful products only when there are no halal substitutes available. Yet this allowance should expire once halal solutions are developed and validated.
To prevent complacency, the principle of sadd al-dhara ' i( blocking the means to harm) can be applied by tying continued concessions to measurable R & D milestones, such as the development of slaughter-origin cell banks or plant-based substrates for vaccine production.
|
requiring companies to spend a portion of their revenue( e. g., five per cent) on certified R & D activities.
This ensures financial support drives long-term capacity building, not just basic certification. Such a policy approach not only benefits the economy but also supports Shariah objectives( maqaṣid al-shariah) by promoting public welfare, ethical production, and shared prosperity.
Academia, meanwhile, holds the key to long-term sustainability of halal innovation. Priority actions include fast-tracking the development of slaughter-origin primary cell banks, which isssential for halal vaccine production, and publishing open-access protocols for cell line handling, bio-
|
the next 10 years can shift the halal ecosystem from a reactive certification approach to proactive innovation.
As the Quran reminds us,“ Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”( Quran, Al-Radd, 13:11)
This verse underscores the moral urgency of moving beyond juristic dependence to technological leadership. The momentum is here, the time to“ make the hay” is now.
SEIZE THE HARVEST
Those who“ gather the halal harvest” today, while regulatory clarity, ethical purpose, and technological capability are aligned, will not only secure firstmover advantages and capture market
|
“ Indeed Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” |
||
MAKING HAY |
|||||
|
To grow a truly competitive and ethical halal industry, all stakeholders must act together. Investors can accelerate this momentum by supporting early-stage ventures that are building halal-friendly solutions in high-growth areas such as contract manufacturing, cosmeceuticals, and single-use medical supplies.
Backing these start-ups not only gives investors a chance at firstmover advantage, but also aligns with growing ESG( Environmental, Social, Governance) trends. For example, funding halal-certified biologics or slaughter-origin cells substrate can meet rising healthcare demands in Muslim-majority countries while also appealing to both Islamic and ethical finance.
Policymakers also have a critical role in shaping this ecosystem. Rather than offering general incentives, governments can tie tax breaks or grants to meaningful Halal innovation, such as
|
reactor systems, and non-enzymatic processing alternatives.
Open sharing of validated halal R & D tools can broaden access to adoption among smaller manufacturers in OIC nations who may lack resources to develop or purchase proprietary systems.
Moreover, collaborations between Islamic universities, research institutes, and halal certification bodies can foster interdisciplinary programs in halal biotechnology, combining Islamic jurisprudence with cutting-edge biomedical research.
Each stakeholder has a unique, timesensitive role to play in the evolution of the halal economy. Whether through reformulation, investment, regulation, or research, coordinated action over
|
share, but also play a central role in advancing global health outcomes grounded in Islamic values.
Delay, however, carries a cost. The opportunity to lead in shaping the future of halal pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical devices may still exist tomorrow. Still, the competitive edge, the moral authority, and the global influence will likely have shifted to more agile players. In short, the field will remain, but the sunlight may no longer be ours to work under.
This is not just a market opportunity; it is a moment of moral and strategic responsibility. The ummah has the intellectual tradition, ethical foundation, and economic momentum to lead. But leadership requires action before the window closes.-
|