Role of Islamic (Fiqh) Experts in Halal Certification | NHASA Australia

Have you ever wondered how businesses ensure their products fully comply with Halal standards? A key part of the process is the involvement of Islamic (Fiqh) experts, who provide guidance based on Shariah principles. These experts evaluate ingredients, production processes, and operational practices to ensure compliance with Islamic law. Their role is not only technical but also advisory, helping companies navigate complex regulations and maintain credibility with Muslim consumers. In Australia, working with a knowledgeable Fiqh expert ensures that Halal certification is accurate, reliable, and widely accepted in both local and international markets.

Who Is an Islamic (Fiqh) Expert?

An Islamic (Fiqh) expert is a professional trained in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) who specializes in interpreting Shariah law for practical applications in business and industry. They understand the rules governing Halal and Haram products, including ingredients, processing methods, and handling requirements. In the context of certification, these experts act as auditors, advisors, and decision-makers, providing authoritative guidance to ensure compliance. Their expertise bridges the gap between religious law and modern business practices, enabling companies to produce, store, and distribute products that meet international Halal standards.

Also Read: Benefits of Halal Certification for Pharmaceutical Companies

Responsibilities of a Fiqh Expert in Halal Certification

Fiqh experts have a broad set of responsibilities in the Halal certification process. These include:

1. Evaluating Ingredients: Assess all raw materials and additives to ensure they are Halal-compliant, including animal-derived products, enzymes, and processing aids.
2. Reviewing Production Processes: Ensure that manufacturing, handling, and storage procedures comply with Shariah law, and that no contamination occurs.
3. Providing Compliance Guidance: Advise businesses on improving processes, documentation, and supplier management to meet Halal requirements.
4. Monitoring Suppliers: Verify that ingredient suppliers adhere to Halal standards and maintain accurate certifications for all sourced materials.
5. Conducting Training: Educate staff on Halal principles, handling procedures, and compliance practices to ensure operational adherence.
6. Auditing Facilities: Perform regular on-site audits to confirm compliance and provide corrective recommendations if necessary.
7. Document Review: Check SOPs, production flowcharts, and ingredient records to ensure all documentation aligns with Halal standards.
8. Consulting on Product Development: Guide new product formulation and process modifications to ensure ongoing Halal compliance.
9. Resolving Certification Disputes: Act as an authority in clarifying issues related to Halal compliance or ingredient disputes during audits or inspections.

Helpful for you: Why Halal Certification is Important for Businesses

Role of the Islamic (Fiqh) Expert in the Halal Certification Process

1. Assessing Ingredient Compliance

Fiqh experts carefully evaluate all raw materials, including additives and animal-derived products. They ensure nothing prohibited is used, and any doubtful ingredients are identified and resolved. This step prevents audit failures and reinforces consumer trust.

2. Reviewing Manufacturing Processes

Experts examine the entire production line to confirm Halal compliance. They ensure proper segregation, hygiene, and handling protocols are followed consistently. This review safeguards product integrity and certification reliability.

3. Verifying Storage and Handling Practices

Storage conditions, handling practices, and transportation methods are checked to avoid contamination. Experts ensure that Halal and non-Halal items are never mixed. Proper handling increases both safety and consumer confidence.

4. Conducting Supplier Assessments

Suppliers are audited to verify ingredient authenticity and Halal compliance. Fiqh experts ensure that documentation from suppliers is accurate and reliable. This step strengthens supply chain transparency and reduces risk.

5. Approving Certification Applications

Experts review all submitted applications, including documentation and process details. They determine whether the business meets all Halal requirements before certification is granted. This ensures authority and credibility in certification.

Must Read: How to Get Halal Certification in Australia

6. Monitoring Corrective Actions

If auditors identify non-compliance issues, Fiqh experts guide businesses in corrective actions. They validate that the changes meet Shariah principles. Timely corrections prevent delays and ensure successful approval.

7. Training and Capacity Building

Experts provide training sessions for staff, management, and suppliers. They explain Halal principles and operational requirements. Educated teams minimize mistakes and strengthen compliance culture.

8. Continuous Compliance Monitoring

After certification, experts periodically monitor operations to ensure ongoing compliance. They identify emerging risks and recommend preventive measures. Continuous oversight maintains certificate validity and consumer trust.

9. Product Formulation Guidance

For new products, Fiqh experts advise on Halal-compliant formulations and alternatives to prohibited ingredients. This ensures innovation without compromising Halal integrity. Businesses can expand product lines confidently.

10. Resolving Disputes or Uncertainties

Experts act as final arbiters in resolving disputes about ingredient status or compliance interpretations. Their guidance prevents confusion and ensures that Halal standards are consistently applied. This role reinforces certification authority.

Challenges Faced by Fiqh Experts in Certification

1. Complex Ingredient Supply Chains: Modern supply chains are global and intricate, making ingredient verification challenging. Fiqh experts must trace and validate every component to ensure compliance.
2. Rapid Product Innovation: Continuous new product development can outpace existing Halal guidelines. Experts must constantly update interpretations and recommendations.
3. Cross-Contamination Risks: Ensuring strict segregation in multi-product facilities can be difficult. Experts must provide detailed process oversight to prevent contamination.
4. Staff Training Limitations: Educating large or high-turnover teams on Halal compliance is challenging. Experts need to implement repeatable and scalable training programs.
5. Documentation Accuracy: Verifying extensive records, SOPs, and supplier certificates can be time-consuming. Experts must maintain high standards to prevent errors during audits.

How NHASA Can Help You

NHASA provides professional Halal certification services in Australia and supports businesses throughout the certification journey. Our team works closely with Fiqh experts to ensure your ingredients, processes, and documentation meet Halal standards. We assist with training, audits, and compliance monitoring, making the process smooth and predictable. With NHASA’s support, businesses can confidently achieve certification, reduce errors, and maintain long-term credibility in both local and international markets.

Conclusion

Islamic (Fiqh) experts play a critical role in the Halal certification process by ensuring that businesses adhere to Shariah law. From assessing ingredients to auditing processes and training staff, their guidance guarantees credibility and consumer trust. Although challenges exist, including complex supply chains and rapid product innovation, working with experienced Fiqh experts and trusted certification providers like NHASA makes the process efficient and reliable. Ultimately, their expertise helps businesses maintain ethical standards, gain market access, and strengthen brand reputation.

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