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

Abstract

Alcohol is a well-known term to majority of people. It is considered to be synonymous to intoxicant (al-khamr), which is strictly prohibited in Islam. However, this perception appears to be misleading as alcohol was also used as common ingredients in halal industry. This study aims to decipher the issues of halal products with reference to regulations in Brunei Darussalam. The three objectives are: firstly, is to determine the meaning of khamr, alcohol and ethanol and also their application in halal industry. Secondly, is to find out the issues pertaining to 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 survey, and also previous findings as secondary source. Major findings revealed two important points on the issue of halal product containing alcohol. First of all, according to the analysis of survey conducted on the issue of alcohol from 165 respondents, found that Muslim consumers in Brunei Darussalam are found to have an excellent knowledge on the basic rulings of alcohol and khamr. However, they are found lacking in terms of the application of naturally produced and synthetic alcohol in 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 halal industry. From further analysis, it can be deduced the source for this issue are due to: 1) the methodology in issuing fatwa, and 2) scientific-related reasons. To solve these issues, some suggestions are proposed which mainly involve on the intensification in spreading awareness on halal issues to the public masses in Brunei Darussalam.