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Introduction:
The present topic is both relevant and economically strategic to us Filipinos because of three things : 1. Food Security and Safety wherein our food supply can be protected from pests as well as the assurance that it will conform to International food and safety standards , second; 2. The Economic integration of the Southeast Asian economies to compete with the other regional markets, and thirdly; 3. The significance of the Philippine halal Industry both as an export resource and income generating mechanism for the Philippines. Considering that the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos is mandated to lead in the development of the Halal industry, it is our primary concern to assist Philippine businesses to be Halal Compliant in order to be able to compete in both the Regional and Global Markets. In line with this allow us to share three primary guiding concepts that may help us in understanding the importance of Halal both from a Philosophical and strategic perspective.
Concept of Mizan :
The Quran primarily highlights that Allah created all things in Balance (al-Mizan) , plants and animals complement each other creating an ecosystem wherein one is dependent on the other for ecological balance. The Quran castigates man for his mishandling of the delicate balance therein : Corruption has appeared on earth and at sea of what the hands of man have wrought; in order that God may make them taste the consequences of their actions; so they might return (that is : so that may return back to God) Suratul Rum (30:41) What is unique in this ayah is that it presupposes that man indeed would in time cause corruption of the earth both physically and spiritually. Many verses in the Holy Quran subsequently refer that the earth was created with a divine purpose and was created in a balance and that such a balance must be maintained as a divine mandate. Among these ayahs, most notable are the following ayahs as God says in the Holy Quran:
Significance of Urban Pest Management and Food Safety and Quality System in Halal A discussion by Secretary Mehol K. Sadain and Yusuf Morales,PhD
And also:
"Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of mankind; but most of mankind know not" (Ghafir, 40:57)
And
Significance of Urban Pest Management and Food Safety and Quality System in Halal A discussion by Secretary Mehol K. Sadain and Yusuf Morales,PhD
" There shall be for you on earth a habitation and provision for a time (Al-Baqara, 2:36)
And
"He it is Who hath made the earth subservient unto you, so walk in the paths thereof and eat of His providence " (Al-Mulk, 67:15)
The earth is made subservient to human beings, and she provides for them and benefits them. However, this subservience must be contextualized in the light of what has already been said about everything in nature being created by God, being full of the presence of His Qualities, being in constant praise and glorification of God, and being aware of God. The earth being made subservient to man does not mean that man is free to do all that he pleases without care, or that he is free to upset the balance of nature.
Significance of Urban Pest Management and Food Safety and Quality System in Halal A discussion by Secretary Mehol K. Sadain and Yusuf Morales,PhD The second context is the process of preparation of food such of which food should be both wholesome and pure,halal wa thayyib. One may look at the mode of production of food from the assembly line to the transportation and sale. Although the preparation may be technically free from porcine or prohibited (haram materials) there may be issues such as the method of slaughter (inhumane treatment of animals), or contamination of feeds with porcine materials, or the contamination of these materials during the processing/preservation/canning of the food. The Quran refers to this concept in the following ayats :
Oh, ye messengers! Eat of the good things {tayyibat} and do righteous deeds. Surely, I know what you do." (Quran 23:51). Oh believers! Eat what We have provided for you of lawful and good things, and give thanks for Allah's favour, if it is He whom you serve. (Quran 2:172; 16:114).
The word 'Thayyib', translated as 'good', 'pure', 'wholesome', etc. and means pure both in the physical and the moral sense. The third context are ancillary issues in the production process such as how the commodity is sold (is there interest for goods sold), the treatment of the personnel involved in the production process. Even though the process of food production is considered halal, if personnel involved in the process are treated inhumanely then he product is consider haram as well, since the product is a result of injustice it cannot be treated as Halal. These are the three contexts in the business of Halal. One must also understand that the halal industry is not limited to the food industry; it may involve pharmaceuticals, dress, finance and other aspects of a Muslims life particular in the transactional aspect (Muammalah) wherein one transacts business through the sale of commodities. As such any business is subject to a condition wherein it may be deemed Halal (permissible) or haram sale. This in a way shows the numerous opportunities for us to engage in the Philippine Halal Industry which is yet to be fully developed. We in the national Commission on Muslim Filipinos welcome Philippine Businesses to participate in the Philippine Halal Industry which is earmarked and seen as one of the potential earners for the country.
4 National Urban pest Control Conference September 27,2013
Significance of Urban Pest Management and Food Safety and Quality System in Halal A discussion by Secretary Mehol K. Sadain and Yusuf Morales,PhD