Issues of Halal Products Containing Alcohol with Reference to Regulations in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Alcohol is considered to be synonymous with intoxicant (al-khamr), which is strictly prohibited in Islam. However, this perception appears to be misleading as alcohol was also used as a common ingredient in the halal industry. This study aims to decipher the issues of halal products concerning regulations in Brunei Darussalam. The three objectives are: firstly, is to determine the meaning of khamr, alcohol and ethanol and also their application in the halal industry. Secondly, is to find out the issues about halal products containing alcohol. Thirdly, is to study halal regulation of Brunei Darussalam in matters related to the use of alcohol in products. To achieve the objectives, both qualitative and quantitative methods have been adopted for data collection. Data has been collected using primary data sources such as structured interviews and surveys, and also previous findings from the secondary source. Major findings revealed two important points on the issue of halal products containing alcohol. First of all, the analysis of a survey conducted on the issue of alcohol from 165 respondents, found that Muslim consumers in Brunei Darussalam are found to have a piece of excellent knowledge of the basic rulings of alcohol and khamr. However, they are found lacking in terms of the application of naturally produced and synthetic alcohol in the halal industry. Secondly, it was found there is a lack of global halal regulations among MABIMS countries in terms of determining the usage of alcohol in the halal industry. From further analysis, it can be deduced the source for this issue is due to 1) the methodology in issuing a fatwa, and 2) scientific-related reasons. To solve these issues, some suggestions are proposed which mainly involve the intensification of spreading awareness on halal issues to the public masses in Brunei Darussalam.