Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
Redefining Halal: The Halal Animal Welfare Society calls for urgent reform of the global halal industry
2025-07-11
Islamic ethics, science, and consumer trust meet in a movement to embed tayyib at every stage of the supply chain.
The Halal Animal Welfare Association (HAWA) is launching a groundbreaking call to action for Muslims worldwide: It is time to reclaim halal—not just as a method of slaughter and cross-contamination prevention, but as a comprehensive system of ethics, purity, and animal dignity.
Founded in 2018 by livestock welfare expert Gemma Ali (MSc, BSc), HAWA calls for a radical change in the way halal is understood and practiced, incorporating the Quran’sTayyipPrinciples—purity, ethics, health—are integrated into every stage of an animal’s life, from birth to slaughter and beyond.
“Halal is not just about the moment of death and the process afterwards, it’s a way of life – for both consumers and animals,” Ali said. “Muslims are required to uphold compassion and ihsan (excellence) in all their dealings. Our food system should reflect this.”
The deepening crisis in the halal industry
Despite growing global demand for halal products, the mainstream halal industry continues to be plagued by serious welfare issues:
Inhumane breeding conditions ignore the basic needs of animals to keep up with supply and demand.
Long-distance live transport with little oversight or accountability when modern alternatives are available to prevent animal suffering.
Non-essential cosmetics that are halal certified but tested on animals – violate ethical science and Islamic teachings on unnecessary harm.
Most halal certification systems focus narrowly on slaughter and cross-contamination on the production line, ignoring the animal's entire journey, which contradicts Islamic ethics and consumer expectations.
“Allah has commanded us to eat Haland something of the character of Tayeb – not just saying his name to the animal when it is slaughtered, but ensuring that its life and treatment are also just, kind, and responsible.”
A growing grassroots movement
HAWA recognises and supports the small but encouraging number of independently run Tayyib farms in the UK and abroad, where farmers are raising animals to high welfare standards in accordance with Islamic principles. However, these independent initiatives alone are not enough:
“We see some inspiring farms doing incredible work – but they are the exception, not the norm. The wider commercial halal industry urgently needs systemic reform. Consumers cannot bear this burden alone.
There are also welfare assurance schemes around welfare audited farms, such as Red Tractor, the RSPCA and the Soil Association – but these require stunning at slaughter, thus excluding halal certifiers and supply chains that wish to maintain a non-stun perspective on religious meat production.
What is HAWA doing?
Halal Animal Welfare Association (HAWA)）A new model is being built, rooted in Islamic ethics, academic research, and practical solutions:
Welfare protection plan– Using a consultative-based approach to help farmers raise animals according to Islamic values and modern welfare science, with awareness of different demographics, finances and climates.
Academic and Community Outreach– Collaborate with academics, regulators, and scientists to influence policy and public understanding.
QR code traceability (coming soon)– Allow consumers to verify an animal’s complete welfare journey from birth to slaughter by using a QR code integrated into the Welfare Assurance Scheme for those who want more detailed information.
“Our research shows that when Islamic ethics are combined with animal welfare science, the results are not only spiritually wholesome but also more sustainable, humane and transparent.”