| HALAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Al-ISTIHALAH

Article Summary

Consumers particularly Muslims are more selective in choosing food products which are guaranteed “halal” and “toyyiban” (wholesomeness), free from of any element of doubt. There is sizable issue on halal and haram in food production in our society. For instance, animals being fed with filth, the use of steam from the burnt filth, the spiritual cleansing of dead skin and etc. Some of the issues can be solved by turning to alternative instrument, for example al-Istihalah.

AL-ISTIHALAH:

Consumers particularly Muslims are more selective in choosing food products which are guaranteed “halal” and “toyyiban” (wholesomeness), free from of any element of doubt. There is sizable issue on halal and haram in food production in our society. For instance, animals being fed with filth, the use of steam from the burnt filth, the spiritual cleansing of dead skin and etc. Some of the issues can be solved by turning to alternative instrument, for example al-Istihalah.

Istihalah can be defined as transformation or conversion of material which involves changes in its composition and properties. According to Nazih Hammad, the author of “al-Mawad al-Muharramah wa al-Nafisah fi al-Ghiza’ wa al-Dawa’ bayna al-Nazariyyah wa al-Tatbiq”, Istihalah refers to the transformation of filth (najs) or haram materials to another form which is different from the original material either in the name, criteria (smell, taste and color) and nature.

Figure 1 shows the flow chart of Istihalah which compose of three main element, (i). Raw materials, (ii). Conversion agent, and (iii). Finished product. The conversion process occurs as aresult of the interaction between raw material and the conversion agent, either naturally or artificially. In this process, the raw materials will undergo changes which generate finished products that are different in composition or physical characteristics.

CATEGORY

DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLE

Istihalah Sahihah

(Accepted Istihalah)

A changing process from halal materials mixed with halal or haram conversion agent which results in halal finished products

1.Fish reared into the wild

2.Pig fell into the sea which eventually changed into salt

3. Plant fertilized with najs until it produces fruits

Istihalah Fasidah

(Damaged Istihalah

A mixing process of halal or haram materials with halal or haram conversion agents which results in haram finished products

1.Grapes which are fermented and results in khamr

2.Halal animals being fed with filth

3.Cake that being baked using apple wine as one of its ingredients for better flavours and taste.

Istihalah Mulghah

(Unaccepted Istihalah)

A changing process from haram raw materials mixed with haram conversion agents which results in haram finished products.

1.Pigs fed with filth and the status remains haram.

 

By :

Mohd Aizat Jamaludin (Research Officer)

 

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