Omarah - The Halal Journey

18/05/2026

1. The info graphic presents a compelling but sobering portrait of halal trade dynamics within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2022. A rigorous reading of the data reveals a fundamental structural vulnerability: OIC member states remain net importers across the three most critical halal economy segments food (-USD 97.3 billion), pharmaceuticals (-USD 41.2 billion), and cosmetics (-USD 8.4 billion). Only in fashion does the bloc register a surplus of USD 87.6 billion, an outlier sustained largely by low-cost textile manufacturing in South and Southeast Asia. Cumulatively, the trade deficit across these four sectors approaches USD 59.3 billion, signalling a dangerous dependency on non-OIC suppliers for essential halal goods.

2. The list of top exporters to OIC markets in 2022 is instructive: (USD 32.1 billion), (USD 31.6 billion), (USD 26.0 billion), and the (USD 23.7 billion) collectively account for nearly 43% of all imports. Critically, only five of the top 20 suppliers , , , , and are OIC members themselves. This asymmetry exposes the bloc's limited productive capacity and underscores the under realisation of intra-OIC trade potential, which remains a persistent policy concern. Total OIC imports of halal related products amounted to USD 407.8 billion in 2023, with 72% comprising food imports alone a figure that contextualises the food trade deficit shown in the info graphic as a systemic, not cyclical, problem.

3. The top imported categories wheat and meslin (Egypt), medicaments ( ), sugar (Indonesia), palm oil ( ), and maize ( ) span staple foodstuffs and essential medicines. This composition reflects the OIC's collective vulnerability in agricultural self-sufficiency and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The reliance on basic commodities such as rice (Iran), soybeans (Egypt), and oilcake (Indonesia) further highlights agrarian underdevelopment within member states, particularly in sub-Saharan and .

4. Despite these structural weaknesses, the overall halal economy is expanding rapidly. The global halal market was valued at approximately USD 7.36 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly USD 10.89 trillion by 2028, driven by demographic expansion, rising incomes, digitalisation, and increasing demand for ethical and sustainable products. Muslim consumer spending across key economy sectors rose to USD 2.4 trillion in 2023, with the world's Muslim population surpassing 2 billion and 540+ million youth projected by 2030 a demographic shift fueling long-term demand.

5. OIC economies collectively expanded by an estimated 3.6% in 2024 versus a global average of 3.1%, and the OIC's share of global foreign direct investment inflows reached a record high, reflecting growing investor confidence. However, OIC imports of halal related products are set to grow at an 8.3% to USD 608.4 billion by 2028 meaning the import bill will continue rising unless domestic productive capacity scales commensurately.

6. Bridging the halal trade gap requires three parallel interventions: accelerating intra-OIC halal certification harmonisation through ; channelling financing towards pharmaceutical and agri-food manufacturing in deficit heavy members; and leveraging emerging opportunities in blockchain enabled halal supply chain traceability and AI driven product personalisation to reduce friction in regional trade. Malaysia and the UAE consistently top ranked in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator offer replicable governance models for lagging member states.

References:

DinarStandard (2025). State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/25. Retrieved on July 7, 2025 from https://www.dinarstandard.com/insights/sgier-2024-25

SESRIC (2021). OIC Halal Industry Report (PDF). Retrieved fromhttps://sesricdiag.blob.core.windows.net/sesric-site-blob/files/article/794.pdf

SESRIC (2025). OIC Economic Outlook 2025. Retrieved on November 1, 2025 from https://www.sesric.org/publications-detail.php?id=609

SESRIC (2026). Halal Industry in OIC Member Countries. Retrieved on March 17, 2026 from https://www.sesric.org/publications-detail.php?id=617

11/05/2026

1. The infographic drawn from the OIC Halal Economy Trade & Investment Index reveals a clear three tier leadership structure among member states. The claims the top rank across all six sectors Halal Food, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Modest Clothing, Travel, and Media & Recreation underscoring its role as the most comprehensively developed halal economy in the bloc. Türkiye and trail closely in second and third position respectively, each demonstrating sectoral strengths: Malaysia excels in Halal Food and Cosmetics, while shows comparative strength in Modest Clothing and Travel. Notably, ranks 4th overall but achieves a strong 2nd position in Pharmaceuticals, reflecting its sustained investment in domestic healthcare and biotech value chains.

2. A critical concern embedded in the data is the OIC's persistent structural trade deficit in halal products. Total OIC imports reached US$403.5 billion, driven overwhelmingly by Halal Food at 73.46% (US$296.7 billion), followed by Halal Pharmaceuticals at 12.06% (US$48.7 billion). Against this, total OIC exports stood at only US$344.3 billion, yielding a net trade deficit of US$59.3 billion. The export composition is markedly skewed toward Halal Food (57.86%, US$199.2 billion) and Modest Clothing (37.14%, US$127.9 billion), with Halal Cosmetics constituting a mere 2.83% signalling a critical underdevelopment in high value pharmaceutical exports across member states.

3. While the report notes a 26.1% improvement from the previous deficit period, the gap remains economically significant. OIC imports of halal related products declined 1.8% to US$407.75 billion in 2023, partly due to food sector contraction following wheat price corrections post the – conflict and currency devaluation pressures, yet the market is projected to rebound to US$608.36 billion by 2028.

4. Muslim consumer spending across key halal economy sectors reached US$2.43 trillion in 2023, with projections to rise to US$3.36 trillion by 2028 a trajectory that amplifies the urgency for OIC nations to close the export competitiveness gap, particularly in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. A structural shift toward intra-OIC trade is gaining momentum, as majority nations prioritise economic self-reliance and regional supply chains, a strategy that could reduce import dependency visible in this data.

5. With over 80% of global halal consumption concentrated in OIC countries, the sector holds significant strategic importance for economic diversification, trade integration, and employment generation. The low intra-OIC import share (27%) highlighted in the infographic exposes a supply side capacity deficit OIC members import largely from non-OIC sources despite commanding the bulk of global halal demand.

6. The data affirms that while UAE, Türkiye, and Malaysia provide a strong institutional anchor for the OIC halal economy, systemic reform is needed to elevate pharmaceutical and high-tech halal exports, deepen intra-OIC trade linkages, and reduce structural import reliance particularly in food and pharmaceutical sectors.

References:

Circle H International (2025). Global Islamic Economy 2024/25 Analysis. Retrieved on July 21, 2025 from https://circlehinternational.org/the-global-islamic-economy-2024-25-from-geopolitical-crisis-to-ethical-catalyst/

DinarStandard (2025). State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/25. Retrieved on July 7, 2025 from https://www.dinarstandard.com/insights/sgier-2024-25

SESRIC (2024). OIC Economic Outlook 2024. Retrieved on November 1, 2024 from https://www.sesric.org/publications-detail.php?id=590

SESRIC (2026). Halal Industry in OIC Member Countries. Retrieved on March 17, 2026 from https://www.sesric.org/publications-detail.php?id=617

Zawya (2025). SGIE Report 2024/25 Release Coverage. Retrieved on July 21, 2025 from https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/research-and-studies/state-of-the-global-islamic-economy-report-2024-25-released-bo1pzhzt

04/05/2026

1. The infographic encapsulates a compelling macroeconomic narrative: the economy within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation ( ) member countries is no longer a niche market but a structurally significant engine of global trade and investment. With consumer spending across halal economy sectors recorded at US$1.9 trillion in 2023 and projected to reach US$2.5 trillion by 2027 representing a compounded annual growth rate ( ) of 6.5% the data signals robust and diversified sectoral momentum that warrants serious policy and investment attention.

2. Muslim consumer spending across six real economy halal and lifestyle sectors reached US$2.43 trillion in 2023, with projections pointing to US$3.36 trillion by 2028. This affirms the OIC focused data in the infographic and underscores the accelerating trajectory of halal demand globally.

3. Halal Food remains the dominant pillar of this ecosystem, commanding US$1,239.5 billion nearly half of total OIC halal sector spending growing at a 6.2% CAGR. This reflects both the scale of Muslim population growth and improving household incomes across OIC nations. The world's Muslim population surpassed 2 billion in 2023, with over 540 million Muslim youth projected by 2030, fuelling sustained long-term demand for halal goods and services.

4. Modest Clothing emerges as the second largest sector at US$277.9 billion, but critically, it registers the highest CAGR at 6.8% among all sectors shown, driven by the convergence of faith-based fashion with global ethical consumerism trends. Halal Cosmetics, while smaller in absolute size at US$58.0 billion, commands the sharpest growth rate of 11.8% a reflection of surging demand for certified personal care products in both OIC and non-OIC markets.

5. Halal Travel (US$109.8 billion, 6.2% CAGR) and Halal Media & Recreation (US$158.5 billion, 6.2% CAGR) are also gaining strategic relevance, reflecting the expanding definition of the halal lifestyle economy beyond food. Halal Pharmaceuticals at US$75.2 billion with a 6.4% CAGR is particularly significant given post-pandemic health awareness and the critical need for OIC nations to develop sovereign pharmaceutical supply chains.

6. Despite its rapid growth, the Halal industry continues to face structural challenges, including fragmented regulatory frameworks, inconsistent certification and accreditation systems, limited technological adoption, and restricted access to Halal-compliant financing. These constraints represent the critical gap between growth potential and realised economic value.

7. A structural shift toward intra OIC trade and investment is gaining momentum, as Muslim-majority nations prioritise economic self-reliance, regional supply chains, and halal industry development with , the , , and leading this transition through strategic policy alignment and targeted halal investments.

8. From a macroeconomic standpoint, the 79% share of global Muslim consumer spend concentrated within OIC countries presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Policymakers must urgently address standardisation gaps, invest in digital halal assurance infrastructure, and deepen intra OIC trade linkages to capture value that currently leaks to non-OIC suppliers. The share of intra-OIC trade in total foreign trade dipped slightly from 19.27% in 2022 to 19.16% in 2023, a signal that coordination efforts have yet to translate into sustained trade deepening.

9. In conclusion, the halal economy represents one of the most structurally durable growth narratives available to OIC member states. The imperative now is to convert sectoral momentum into coordinated policy, investment frameworks, and cross-border standards that transform the halal economy from a demographic inevitability into a deliberate development strategy.

References:

Salaam Gateway (2025). The Global Islamic Economy 2024/25 Overview: Muslim consumer market size and trajectory. Retrieved on July 7, 2025 from https://salaamgateway.com/story/the-global-islamic-economy-202425-overview-muslim-consumer-market-size-and-trajectory

SESRIC (2024). OIC Economic Outlook 2024. Retrieved on November 1, 2024 from https://www.sesric.org/publications-detail.php?id=590

SESRIC (2026). Halal Industry in OIC Member Countries. Retrieved on March 17, 2026 from https://www.sesric.org/publications-detail.php?id=617

Zawya (2024). State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/25 Released. Retrieved on July 21, 2025 from https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/research-and-studies/state-of-the-global-islamic-economy-report-2024-25-released-bo1pzhzt

29/04/2026

SCALABILITY OF HALAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS FOR GLOBAL SUPPLY NETWORKS

1. The economy has grown into one of the world's most expansive consumer markets. The global halal food segment was valued at US$1.43 trillion in 2023 and is forecast to reach US$1.94 trillion by 2028, driven by a population exceeding 2 billion and rising disposable incomes, particularly among younger demographics. This rapid expansion has placed unprecedented pressure on certification programs to scale effectively across complex, multinational supply networks a challenge that goes far beyond issuing compliance documents.

2. A persistent barrier to scalability is the lack of standardized, mutually recognized certification frameworks across jurisdictions. Hundreds of halal certification bodies operate globally, many of which lack mutual recognition, resulting in duplicated audits, escalating compliance costs, and delays in cross-border trade. 's , for instance, applies rigorous theological criteria that differ substantially from or certification frameworks, leading to disputes in product acceptance. For multinational franchises and supply chain operators, this divergence creates significant inefficiencies each market may require a separate certification process, inflating timelines and operational costs.

3. One of the most promising solutions emerging is the systematic use of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), which function analogously to a franchising model for halal standards. facilitate trade by enabling the acceptance of halal certifications issued by recognized foreign bodies, creating pathways for certified products to cross borders without redundant re-certification. Indonesia's progress in this area illustrates the potential at scale: at the 2024 Halal 20 ( ) Forum, 's signed 52 new MRAs with foreign halal certification bodies from 24 countries, bringing its total to 92 MRAs a milestone described as a strategic step in strengthening the global halal ecosystem.

4. Under this system, products certified by recognized Overseas Halal Institutions with completed MRAs no longer need to undergo the local certification process but only need to register through Indonesia's system improving both processing speed and trade flow. This model reflects the "franchise standard" principle: a central authority sets the baseline, and recognized partners operate within that framework globally.

5. Scalability demands that certification extend beyond the product to encompass the entire supply chain. Indonesia became the first country to legally mandate halal certification for logistics providers handling halal food products, signalling a decisive shift from product only certification toward supply chain-based certification requiring warehousing, transportation, and distribution networks to comply as well. This holistic approach, while demanding, strengthens system wide integrity.

6. Consistent compliance across global networks increasingly depends on digital infrastructure. 's smart contracts can automate halal certification by encoding halal parameters for automatic verification and alerts, while powered systems can analyse slaughter procedures for Shariah compliance and predict non-compliance patterns for early intervention. Proposals such as adopting blockchain for traceability, enhancing sustainability practices, and forming international partnerships have emerged as key strategies for meeting diverse regulatory requirements while building consumer trust and operational efficiency.

7. Modern halal governance must be both technologically informed and ethically grounded, as the halal ecosystem's sustainability depends on its ability to harmonize ethical requirements with international supply chain efficiency. The global halal food certification market, valued at approximately USD4.8 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD8.2 billion by 2033 growth underpinned by the continuous development of harmonized halal standards and mutual recognition agreements that facilitate international trade.

8. Scaling halal certification for global supply networks is ultimately a governance challenge as much as a logistical one. Franchising standards through MRAs, mandating supply chain level compliance, and deploying digital traceability tools together form the architecture for a consistent, credible, and globally scalable halal certification ecosystem.

References:

Azizah, H. N., Ramadhan, M. A., Utami, T. F., Hidayati, N., & Casim, R. M. (2025). Mutual recognition agreements: A gateway to global opportunities or a pathway of challenges in Indonesian economics for halal agri-food sector. Halal Studies and Society, 2(1), 21-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29244/hass.2.1.21-24

BPJPH (2024). "H20 2024 Closed, Producing 52 MRAs to Communiqué on Strengthening the Global Halal Ecosystem. Retrieved on October 18, 2024 from https://bpjph.halal.go.id/en/detail/h20-2024-closed-producing-52-mr-as-to-communique-on-strengthening-the-global-halal-ecosystem

Ellahi, R. M., Wood, L. C., & A. Bekhit, A. E. (2026). A multi-layer Industry 4.0 framework for ensuring halal integrity in NZ meat supply chains. Food Control, 182 (2026) 111880. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2025.111880

Farrelly Mitchell (2025). "Halal Logistics in the Food Industry: An In-Depth Analysis. Retrieved on March 5, 2025 from https://farrellymitchell.com/food-beverage-supply-chain/halal-logistics/

Hussain, M. (2025). Strengthening global halal supply chains through shariah-compliant governance and digital traceability: Challenges and strategic opportunities in a globalized economy. Journal of Islamic Finance and Economic Studies, 1(2), 89-99. DOI: https://doi.org/10.64268/jifes.v1i2.37

Manthovani, E., Afandi, F. A., Susyanti, S., Indrasti, D., Indriyani, L., Permatasari, G., & Khankasikam, N. (2025). Halal industry as Indonesia’s new economic engine: The role of Mutual Recognition Agreements. Halal Studies and Society, 2(3), 11-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29244/hass.2.3.11-16

Muhamed, A. A., Zakariah, H., Mat Halif, M., Abd Rahim, N. N., & Abu Bakar, M. Z. (2025). Strategic innovations in halal frozen food supply chains: Enhancing compliance, sustainability, and global market competitiveness. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 9(6), 4290-4294. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.906000324

Othman, H., & Ibrahim, I. (2025). Halal certification by globalization: packaging variance, enhancing efficiency and lowering compliance barriers. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS). 9(14), 110-125. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.914MG009

Tajul Urus, N. S., Azzis, N., Roslan, E.S., & Syed Noor Affendi, S. N. Y. (2025). Global recognition of halal certification: A fundamental, innovative, and international paradigm for ensuring integrity and enhancing competitiveness in the global halal industry. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(9). DOI: https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v15-i9/26470

Mutual Recognition Agreements: A Gateway to Global Opportunities or A Pathway of Challenges in Indonesian Economics for Halal Agri-Food Sector Authors Hasnaa Nur Azizah Faculty of Economics and Management, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia Muhammad Arief Ramadhan Faculty of Animal Sciences, IP...

22/04/2026

SOCIAL MEDIA, MISINFORMATION AND HALAL PANIC:
MANAGING REPUTATION IN REAL TIME

1. In the digital age, a single viral post can unravel years of brand trust in hours. For businesses operating in the space, the threat is uniquely compounded: products are not merely commercial goods but carry deep religious, cultural, and ethical significance. When misinformation strikes whether a fabricated claim about non-halal ingredients or an unfounded conspiracy theory it can ignite what practitioners now call "halal panic," a rapid, emotionally charged consumer response amplified by social media algorithms that structurally favour controversy and virality over verified facts.

2. Viral non-compliance cases such as the chocolates controversy and the rice wine chicken rice incident in Malaysia erode consumer confidence because misinformation often spreads faster than corrective statements. Algorithmic amplification of these cases demonstrates that halal trust is no longer mediated solely by religious authorities, but also by the virality of digital discourse. This shift fundamentally changes how halal brands must approach reputation management.

3. A 2024 Halal Food Foundation survey found that 58% of U.S. consumers, including 72% of , express doubts about the authenticity of halal labels, citing concerns over fraud, cross-contamination, and unclear certification processes. The emotional stakes are high: for Muslim consumers, consuming non-halal food is not merely an inconvenience but a violation of sincere religious principal making trust recovery considerably harder than in other food categories.

4. Research consistently shows that misleading messages disseminated across social media platforms outpace official communications, resulting in reduced trust and exacerbating anxiety, stress, and fear among affected populations. In the halal context, this dynamic is especially dangerous. A 2023 post on X (formerly ) falsely claiming halal meat was linked to unsanitary practices gained significant traction despite being debunked, illustrating how scandals fuel misinformation that can taint entire industries not just the offending brand.

5. Compounding this is the Islamophobic dimension of certain halal controversies. Research finds a strong and consistent association between reliance on social media as a primary news source and increased support for anti-Muslim policies, as platforms' peer-to-peer structures expose users to unregulated, false, and prejudicial content. Halal brands must therefore navigate not just product misinformation, but a broader landscape of religiously charged narratives.

6. Effective crisis response in the halal sector requires a multi layered strategy executed with speed and transparency. Situational Crisis Communication Theory emphasizes the need to prioritize public safety through two approaches: providing clear instructions on how to protect against harm and addressing psychological well-being including disseminating accurate information to prevent misinformation-driven panic.

7. In practice, this means brands must activate rapid response protocols the moment a false claim surfaces: publish factual rebuttals across all platforms, engage certified halal authorities to co-sign official statements, and avoid corporate silence which consumers invariably interpret as guilt. A 2023 rumour about halal meat was effectively debunked through a joint statement from certifiers and brands shared widely on social media, successfully restoring consumer confidence.

8. Crisis response alone is insufficient. Sustained consumer education is the most durable defence against halal panic. Research consistently highlights the need for halal awareness through education and transparent disclosure of production processes. Education must adapt to algorithmic realities brands should produce behind the scenes production content that simultaneously informs and counters misinformation, making halal marketing serve a dual role: promoting products and educating consumers.

9. Technology amplifies this effort. Startups like use codes on packaging, letting consumers scan and confirm a product's halal status from farm to table and a 2024 Food Dive survey found that 70% of U.S. consumers are more likely to buy transparent products, making traceability a powerful trust-building tool.

10. The brands that emerge strongest from halal crises are those that treat every controversy however unjust as an opportunity to deepen consumer literacy, demonstrate supply chain integrity, and reinforce why halal standards serve not just religious communities, but all consumers who value ethical, traceable food.

References:

Hilberts, S., Govers, M., Petelos, E., & Evers, S. (2025). The impact of misinformation on social media in the context of natural disasters: Narrative review. JMIR Infodemiology, 5: e70413. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/70413

Hyphen (2025). Halal Food Fraud Reports to Food Standards Agency Surge. Retrieved on December 16, 2025 from https://hyphenonline.com/2025/12/16/halal-food-fraud-fsa-reports-meat/

Jamaludin, M. A. Rosli, N. L. I & Ibrahim, M. I. (2025). Halal digital trust and misinformation management. Journal of Halal Science and Management Research, 1(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.24191/jhsmr.v1i1.8991

Lajevardi, N., Oskooii, K. A. R., & Walker, H. (2022). Hate, amplified? Social media news consumption and support for anti-Muslim policies. Journal Public Policy, 42(4), 656-683. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0143814x22000083

Song, T., Yu, P., Yecies, B., Ke, J., Yu, H. (2025). Social media crisis communication and public engagement during COVID-19 analyzing public health and news media organizations' tweeting strategies. Scientific Reports,15(1):18082. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-90759-w

The Halal Times (2025). Addressing Consumer Skepticism in the USA Halal Food Market. Retrieved on May 16, 2025 from https://www.halaltimes.com/addressing-consumer-skepticism-in-the-usa-halal-food-market/

The Halal Times (2025). The Impact of Food Scandals on the US Halal Food Industry. Retrieved on May 21, 2025 from https://www.halaltimes.com/the-impact-of-food-scandals-on-the-us-halal-food-industry/

15/04/2026

DERIVED PRODUCTS, CBD AND COMPLIANCE

1. The rapid expansion of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabis derived products into mainstream wellness, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics markets has created a complex intersection between modern science, secular regulation, and religious law. For majority countries and Muslim consumers globally, the central question is deceptively simple are these products halal? The answer, as both scholars and regulators have found, is far from straightforward.

2. At the heart of the debate lies the distinction between two primary compounds: tetrahydrocannabinol ( ) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary active component of cannabis, responsible for the psychoactive "high" and much of its harmful effects, while is well-tolerated, non-intoxicating, and has low abuse potential. Islamic jurisprudence has long established that intoxication is the determinative factor in prohibition. The said, "Every intoxicant is like wine and every intoxicant is forbidden," meaning any use of cannabis that makes a user intoxicated is prohibited in Islam.

3. This principle establishes the framework but not the conclusion, because CBD itself does not intoxicate which is precisely where the scholarly disagreement begins.

4. The halal status of CBD has never been definitively described, yet the potential of CBD in daily life is increasing, making it important to determine its halal status. Most contemporary Islamic scholars have adopted a cautious conditional approach. Many scholars consider CBD halal if it is non-intoxicating and free of THC, while others emphasize the importance of halal certified sources; these diverse opinions underscore the need for Muslim consumers to verify the halal status of specific CBD products.

5. The issue of trace THC complicates matters further. When CBD purity exceeds 99% and THC falls below 1%, CBD can block the psychotic activities of THC, meaning THC is physically present but biochemically inactive; such a mixture may be considered halal when limited to cosmetic and medical purposes. The Fiqh Council of North has similarly concluded that if THC and CBD products of the cannabis plant do not intoxicate a user when consumed in large amounts, they are permissible to use in Islam for medical purposes only.

6. Product formulation also matters. CBD gummies can be halal or haram depending on whether they contain pork gelatine or non-halal beef gelatine; CBD oil is most likely to be halal as it is generally made using vegan, plant-based oils, though consumers should check for traces of alcohol from the manufacturing process.

7. The secular regulatory landscape is equally fragmented. A scoping review of East and Southeast Asia reveals a fragmented landscape: Thailand has legalised medical cannabis through a controlled system, permits only CBD products with negligible THC, while , , and the maintain strict prohibition with severe penalties.

8. Malaysia presents a particularly instructive case. As of December 2025, has no legal medical cannabis program for consumer use, and even products labelled as "THC-free" or "legal CBD" are prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Act. Yet reform discussions are ongoing. For Malaysia, a cautious, incremental policy reform guided by scientific evidence is recommended, with adopting a regulated CBD only framework offering a low-risk entry point that balances therapeutic potential with strict controls.

9. On the halal certification side, Malaysia leads global Islamic economy rankings, with JAKIM's halal certification now at a mature stage and well accepted in international markets yet has no established framework specifically addressing CBD products, leaving manufacturers and consumers in limbo.

10. The convergence of these two ambiguities religious and regulatory demands coordinated responses. Halal certification bodies must engage with the biochemical nuances of cannabis derivatives, while legislators in Muslim majority countries need frameworks that distinguish psychoactive cannabis from therapeutic, non-intoxicating CBD. Until both catch up, Muslim consumers navigating CBD products must rely on product transparency, third party lab verification, and scholarly guidance an unsatisfying but necessary interim reality.

References:

Alzeer, J., Hadeed, K. A., Basar, H., Al-Razem, F., Abdel-Wahhab, M. A., Alhamdan, Y. (2021). Cannabis and its permissibility status. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 6(6), 451-456. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0017

Fiqh Council of North America (2021). On the Use of Ma*****na. Retrieved on October 6, 2021 from https://fiqhcouncil.org/on-the-use-of-marijuana/

Ghiabi, M., Maarefvand, M., Bahari, H., Alavi, Z. (2018). Islam and cannabis: Legalisation and religious debate in Iran. International Journal of Drug Policy, 56, 121-127. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.03.009

Hassan, F., & Md Zin, R. (2025). Medical cannabis regulation in east and southeast Asia: A scoping review and policy insights for Malaysia. Journal of Pharmacy, 5(2), 316-329. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31436/jop.v5i2.398

IlmGate (2022). Islamic Ruling on Medical Ma*****na, THC & CBD. Retrieved on January 13, 2022 from https://www.ilmgate.org/islamic-ruling-on-medical-marijuana-thc-cbd/

Syed Ismail al-Qudsy, S. H., Abdul Khalek, A., Zainuddin, M. (2025). Governing halal in Malaysia: Innovation towards customer interests and satisfaction. In: Idris, R., Tareq, M.A., Pehin Dato Musa, S.F., Sumardi, W.H. (eds) The Halal Industry in Asia. Springer, Singapore. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-0393-0_12

Cannabis has been used and misused to treat many disorders. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most important components of cannabis an...