by Madgellan Haneeva
The Halal industry is at its infancy, particularly the Thoyib aspects of Halal certification which is still developmental at best.
The Thoyib part, which is half of the Halalan Thoyiban equation, includes everything else other than the main ingredients of the final product. These encompasses the effects of production on the environment, the sources of capital or business funding, the rights of the workers, the rights of the animal, the effects of electrocuted animal before slaughter, even the ethics of the business operator.
While the Halal standards is moving to a universal paradigm by synthesising the Halal and Thoyib qualities through Islamic Fiqh, Islamic Science, and the conscious role of the vicegerents of God, we discovered a whole range of Halal products being created for the benefit of the Halal industry itself.
Though the Thoyib quality is a bit lax, the end product is definitely Halal and deserves the global Halal industry’s attention. Such products include Halal gloves, aprons, boots and even jacket for use within the Halal industry itself. They are made of either Halal rubber or Halal leather, and are mainly certified Halal by JAKIM.
Product Value
Raven's Halal boots
These Halal industrial apparels should add more value to various Halal-oriented companies, such as Halal logistics, Halal pharmaceuticals, Halal food manufacturer and even to Halal hub operators. For crucial operations such as the Halal hub (where the totality of Halal should be the main concern), the operators should never use pig leather gloves or animal leather aprons which are not certified Halal to handle the foods for Muslims and Jews.
Beside adding more value for Halal-oriented companies, Halal apparel are also a real blessing for Muslims who work at science laboratories, students doing experiments at school laboratories, construction workers, as well as for Muslims oil rig workers. For the sake of Thoyib that concerns the right of Muslim workers, oil and gas companies owned by Muslim companies should supply its Muslim staffs with Halal apparel – from gloves to boots. It is a freedom to choose Halal for Muslim workers.
These products covers a whole range of usage and functions. Halal leather gloves for example, are made for wielders, construction workers, seaport workers, logistic handlers, truck drivers and so on. There are even stylish Halal-certified leather gloves for bikers and sports car enthusiasts. In fact, the Sultans and Kings of many Islamic nations would love to wear sports glove made from pure Halal leather if they are of high quality with great design.
The Producers
Raven Tactical Wear Ltd, a private company from the UK which has been established to provide high quality footwear and clothing for specialist markets, have produced Halal rubber boots and aprons for the Halal food industry. Made from natural white rubber and fully compliant to Food Industry Standards, the boot received its Halal certification from JAKIM.
A segment on its website titled ‘Why a Halal product?’ relates its Halal production to the Thoyib aspect which concerns eco-friendliness and sustainability. It said “The leather that we use is a full grain luxury leather, the only difference is that it comes from a fully certified ecologically friendly tannery. The lining which is made out of recycled plastic bottles has passed all our testing requirements on resistance to abrasion, tear resistance etc.”
Another company is Sailcott, a global Halal leather supplier and manufacturer. Sailcott’s Halal leather processing plant is also Halal certified by JAKIM and is currently the main global supplier for Halal cow and goat leather catering to the entire range of Halal industry needs, from automobile to the fashion industry.
Sailcott's colorful Halal gloves for industrial workers and bikers.
Sailcott also produces its own Halal leather products such as Halal leather apparel (gloves, apron, boot, jacket, etc.) for industrial and manufacturing use, as well as leather products for bikers (from gloves to jackets and auto seats), Halal leather bags and also accessories such as the Halal leather casing for mobile phones.
In the field of science and pharmaceuticals, there are not many Halal certified rubber glove producers, which means the market is still very much open for those who wish to be the main suppliers of Halal certified rubber gloves for surgical, medical and scientific research industry. Those who are Halal certified for their rubber gloves should benefit from one of the biggest market in the world – the rubber glove market.
In my personal opinion, China has the potential to set up the biggest Halal rubber glove production plant in the world and cater to the entire Halal industry – from pharmaceuticals to Halal hubs.
Beyond Industry – The Lifestyle
Besides industrial use, we are also observing the rise of Halal apparel in fashion and lifestyle segment. Sailcott for example, is reportedly moving into the fashion industry. To complement its Halal leather gloves, jackets and boots for bikers, it is now developing ladies handbag made from 100% Halal leather under its own brand Deena. This is certainly targeted at the Muslimah fashion market worldwide.
Halal, as a name and value, is also fast becoming the current craze among Muslim youth where Halal can be seen printed on indie t-shirts, bags, even kitchen aprons. One such company is Zazzle, which produces the Halal Apron series. Designed by Ummah Apparel, the apron design is a tribute to Halal industry fashion. Halal, beside it’s industrial value, is fast becoming a fashion statement.
Zazzle's Halal Master Chef apron and 100% Halal indie T-shirt
While we continue to be amazed at how Halal is growing from its industrial infant stage to a more intellectual creative stage, now becoming the statement of universal lifestyle, we should never forget the Thoyib aspects of Halal. In the Qur’an, Halal and Thoyib is put together in one verse, side by side, giving it a holistic universal value as a way to live, to do business and to create, be it products or services.
Thus Halal certifiers need to include Thoyib in their certification – not as part of Islamic jurisprudence – but as part of Thoyib rating system. Therefore a Halal leather processing plant whose waste management system does not endanger the environment should get maximum Thoyib rating stars. Halal consumers shall perceive this as an added value to their Halal products and services, and prefer this over the other non Halal-certified.
While there are still room for improvements in the application of Halal standards and certification, for now we must be content and look forward to Halal as being a universal ethical fashion statement through the Halal industry.
Contact the Halal SMEs:
Raven Tactical Wear
Email: sales@raventacticalwear.com
Trade Enquiries Email: info@raventacticalwear.com
Sailcott
Email: info@sailcott.com
Trade Enquiries Email: shaifull.naim@sailcott.com, shahron@sailcott.com
Zazzle
Website: www.zazzle.com
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