HIPS 1001 : 2021

This standard serves as the fundamental basis for HIPS1001:(A-G) – Halal Environments (Halal Manufacturers, Slaughterhouses, Restaurants, Distributors, Kitchens, and Grocery stores)

It has been developed in a sequential manner comprising of the following key integral components.

a) Definitions: Technical explanations of terminologies.

b) Classifications: Grouped terms and entities for classification purposes.

c) Principles: Explains the interactions of classified entities.

d) Rules: Guidelines that explain how engagement may manifest.

This standard provides guidance and direction to individuals operating without the defined scope, and is not intended to explain methods of compliance. Rather, it details objectives that must be deterministically met. It has been developed with “performance” in mind, with a focus on functionality and object orientation. It is non prescriptive and inclusive.

The information contained in this document is for educational and informational purposes only. The possessor of this information is responsible for how they choose to utilize this content and the U.S. Department of Halal Standards assumes no liability for the use or misuse of the information contained herein. We are an organization that stand upon the trust of the halal conscientious public, and it is important that their trust never be jeopardized. As a standards agency, these standards are a means of protecting the halal conscious consumer, and improving the halal industry as a whole. We cannot guarantee that individuals certified according to these standards will abide by the specified guidelines.

The U.S. Department of Halal Standards reserves the right to decommission any entity citing this standard for purposes not intended. The USDHS also reserves the right to denounce any entity claiming accreditation without factually being compliant. Legal action will be carried out against violators of our policies.

Any information offered herein is solely owned by the U.S. Department of Halal Standards, and is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States. This includes all content, computer code, presentation and any audio or video recordings.

The materials may not be copied or distributed, electronically or otherwise, in whole or in part, without the express prior written consent and permission of the USDHS.

1.1. Basic Terminology

حلال (Halal): The term “halal” is an Arabic word meaning an action permissible to engage in, or an object, whose’ utility is permissible. Halal products are those products permitted for the Muslim consumer.

حرام (Haram): The term “haram” is an Arabic word meaning an action impermissible to engage in, or an object, whose’ utility is impermissible. Haram products are those not permitted for the Muslim consumer. 

1.2. Scriptural Principles

In Islamic law, all ordinary actions (acts of non-worship) are considered Halal, or permissible to perform, unless and until an evidence points to the contrary. “الأصل في العادات إباحة” - “The default (ruling) regarding ordinary actions is “Permitted”. In contradistinction, all acts of worship are considered haram, or impermissible to perform, unless and until an evidence points to the contrary.

1.3. Halal & Haram Detailed

1.3.1. Halal

Actions such as walking, running, speaking are by default ordinary acts, which do not necessarily have a religious connotation. The consumption of food, depending upon the particular food in consideration, consuming of water, vegetables, and grains are by default halal, however, 

1.3.2. Haram – (Agreed)

The following is a comprehensive list of those things considered non-halal:

a) Human derived ingredients

b) Pork

c) Donkey (excluding the Onager)

d) Animals with fangs or talons (Carnivorous) (Excluding Hyena and Fox)

e) Animals not slaughtered according to Islamic ritual rites 

f) Carrion

g) All forms of filth (Najasa)  

h) Insects (other than locusts)

i) Animals fed with more than 50% of their diet of 1.3.2 a) – 1.3.2 h) without being fed on a pure halal diet for a stipulated number of days (The Jallaalah)

j) Any intoxicants 

k) Anything hazardous or harmful to the body (such as cigarettes, or poisons)

l) Anything processed, made, produced, manufactured, and/or stored using utensils, equipment, and/or machinery in contact with any of the above that have not been cleansed according to standards which remove contaminants

1.3.3. Haram – (Not Agreed Upon)

The following are also considered non-halal, and contaminants according to some perspectives:

a) Hyena

b) Fox

c) Shellfish 

1.4. Classification

Actions related to this subject matter may be segregated into 3 main categories:

a) Consumption

b) Transaction

c) Utilization

1.4.1. Consumption

The matters of consumption are divided into 3 main topics:

1.4.1.1. That which is permissible to consume by default – (حلال بالأصل – Halal bil Asli)

e.g. Sugar, Salt, Vegetables, etc…

Foods that are lawful to consume upon their essence. Anything that has not been expressly prohibited via the word of the Quran, or the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in practice or principle, is considered as permissible to consume. This includes animals that come from the ocean, sugar, most vegetation, salt, etc. Prohibited consumables are derived either from express prohibitions, or via a Qiyas (Analogical deductive) link. No additional intervention is required for its permissibility.

1.4.1.2. That which may be permissible or prohibited to consume conditionally (مشبوه – Mashbuh)

e.g. Beef, Lamb, Goat, etc…

Mashbuh items are categorically permissible or prohibited to consume according to the shar’i conditions that are present. If the proper conditions are not maintained, then the consumption of it is prohibited.

1.4.1.3. That which is impermissible to consume (حرام - Haram)

e.g. Pork, Alcohol, etc…

Prohibited consumables are generally proscribed in the authentic text of the Quran or the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). They may be mentioned either specifically or generally. 

1.4.2. Transaction

a) The permissibility to purchase, or sell any product relies mainly upon the permission or prohibition of its consumption. Any food items that are not permitted to consume are absolutely haram to transact. This includes both sales and distribution, whether to a Muslim or a non-Muslim, since the prohibition applies to the Muslim seller their self. This does not include hazardous substances, such as dangerous chemicals, pottery, or sharp metals. The permission to transact these items is not affected because they are not considered to be consumables to begin with. 

b) According to some schools of thought, any items considered to be najas (filth), are also impermissible to transact. The majority of Muslims, however, adopt the Hanafi position on this matter, which states that its impermissibility is tied to the benefit of its utility. If it carries a benefit, then it remains permissible to transact, even if its consumption is not.

c) The exception to these rules is generally granted for products that bare health and medicinal value, whilst the recipient is necessarily in need, or the life of the user is in danger. This is a general rule that applies, even if the consumable is pork. In other words, the preservation of life (حفظ الحياء) is an Islamic principle that overrides the general ruling. 

1.4.3. Utilization in detail

a) The permission to utilize a substance, whether that be as a tool, applying it to one’s body, or other than oneself is directly related to the permission or prohibition of its consumption, as in the previous section. In Islamic law, any prohibited thing that is haram to consume and transact, is also absolutely haram to utilize in any way. 

b) Therefore, anything that is impermissible to consume, it is also impermissible to drink of its milk, and even utilize it to ride.