With current trends in the halal industry , organisations and companies need to be aware that Muslim consumers want to know the source of materials procured and the manufacturing processes .

Therefore , organisations and companies should have a basic grasp and understanding of the Muslim market before venturing into the halal ecosystem . However , many lack the knowledge or know-how to achieve this .

The International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ) recently wrote a book to provide the necessary knowledge and solutions to all things halal and toyyiban within the industry .

A culmination of works and articles written by the authors of IIUM , this book was proudly named al-Basirah : An Insight into Halal Business and Lifestyle .

Revon Media is the publisher of the book .

A GUIDING LIGHT TO HALAL AND TOYYIBAN

As businesses and companies continue to join that halal business landscape , these new faces must have a guide to follow to navigate the ever-growing halal industry . al-Basirah is the culmination of research and writing efforts of the International Institute for Halal Research and Training ( INHART ) academics , students and other halal contributors .

The works and articles published within this book were contributed by 42 authors , half of whom were academics in INHART , and the rest were from other halal sectors .

“ It is a collection of articles written for the public audience , particularly those who are working in the halal industry and those who are related to the halal ecosystem ,” said IIUM , INHART Professor and al-Basirah Editor , Prof Dr Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun Hashim .

“ These articles were written from various perspectives within the halal ecosystem that aim to be thought-provoking and to provide the best practices and potential solutions for the industry .”

In essence , al-Basirah is a platform for sharing knowledge and giving back from academia to the community .

Yumi added : “ As halal is diverse , we were guided by established and emerging sectors related to it .

“ Nevertheless , the gist of al-Basirah is the insights that these articles shared would lead one towards a prosperous and fulfilling halal lifestyle , aligning their business and personal lives with the principle of Islam .”

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ) Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz remarked the insightful book went beyond mere pages .

“ It offers valuable perspectives , strategic tactics , and real-world examples that serve as a guiding source for entrepreneurs , business

proprietors and exporters aspiring towards professional success ,” said Mohd Mustafa .

“ The perspective presented in this book underscores the significance of upholding halal principles while excelling in the international business arena .”

Duopharma Biotech Berhad Group Managing Director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar offered his praises for the launch of al-Bashirah .

“ The practice of consuming halal products is translated from the verses of the Quran and observed by Muslims ,” he said .

“ Halal , the Arabic word that broadly translates to ‘ lawful ’ and ‘ permissible ’, has been incorporated into industry standards .

“ For the pharmaceutical industry , the reference halal standard is MS2424 , developed by the Department of Standards Malaysia .

“ Applying halal standards and assurance through halal certification for pharmaceuticals is not just about engaging Muslim consumers ’ trust and confidence but also about heightening product legitimacy .”

Executive Director and Country Head of Islamic Banking , UOB Malaysia Mohd Fhauzi Muridan said the halal industry had been enjoying phenomenal growth because of the country ’ s well-developed and adequately regulated Islamic finance landscape .

“ The launch of al-Basirah is a good initiative that provides an avenue for knowledge sharing of ethical businesses practices and key insights in operating a halal business from perspectives of key strategic industries including Islamic finance , food and beverage , pharmaceuticals and tourism ,” said Mohd Fhauzi .

AN IDEA MADE IN WRITING

The idea of publishing halal articles and halal ideas was mooted among the academics at INHART .

Yumi stated that one of their first articles ,

INHART members ( authors ).

Prof Dr Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun Hashim

Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz

Leonard Ariff

Mohd Fhauzi Muridan

“ Your F & B is halal , but is it toyyib ,” was published in the March / April 2020 edition of @ Halal newspaper .

Since the first article was published , INHART had around 40 pieces that soon followed . Hence , these published articles , along with several additional contributions , would quickly pave the way for the creation of al-Basirah .

“ Embracing the spirit of Malaysia MADANI , the book begins with the SCRIPT-powered halal industry ; a MADANI roadmap where we put in suggestions on how the values of MADANI can be incorporated into the halal industry and halal ecosystem towards a sustainable and holistic future ,” Yumi added .

The following chapters in al-Basirah included the best practices and solutions in management , business , entrepreneurship , finances , pharmaceuticals and health within the halal industry and ecosystem .

Yumi , along with her colleagues from IIUM and INHART - Dr Anis Najiha Ahmad , Dr Nurhidayu Al-Saari and Dr Nurhusna Samsudin - were encouraged and supported by the Founding Director of INHART , Prof Dr Hamzah Mohd Salleh , who was also Yumi ’ s mentor , to pursue this noble endeavour further . Yumi and Anis collected and collated the articles and research of the 42 authors to make al-Basirah a reality . al-Basirah was officially launched on Sept 14 during MIHAS 2023 . The ceremony was officiated by all the strategic partners of al-Basirah - INHART from the IIUM , MATRADE , UOB Islamic Bank , Duopharma Biotech Berhad and Revon Media Sdn Bhd .

Following the launch , Yumi stated that al- Basirah would be the first of a series of books .

“ We have started working on translating al-Basirah into Malay and Arabic ,” she said .

“ We also plan for the next series of al- Basirah to be completed within three years , collecting articles and research that appear in the @ Halal newspaper . Therefore , we will continue to contribute to the @ Halal newspaper .”

Yumi added they were working on another book to act as teaching materials for academic programmes related to halal . It will be another collaboration with Revon Media .

“ The book will benefit particularly the students who will later be the competent halal talents for the halal industry and ecosystem .” –