Saudi grand mufti praises MWL’s control of halal meat imports

By Muhammed Al-Sulami – Arab News

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s grand mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, who is also the head of the Supreme Council of Scholars, praised the efforts of the Muslim World League (MWL) to unify Muslims, advocate for their cause and protect them, making sure that everyone is aware of the league’s blessed efforts and great achievements.

Al-Asheikh said: “The Muslim World League is performing its role to impose the Islamic halal slaughter, by making sure animals are slaughtered according to the halal standards and trusted mechanisms.”

MWL reaffirmed its commitment to applying the highest standards of halal slaughter. When issuing halal certificates, MWL adheres to regulations and standards set by the GCC Standardization Organization.

MWL recently suspended several abattoirs and slaughter companies around the world for violating the rules of halal slaughter.

A royal decree gave the MWL sole responsibly for issuing halal certificates, in recognition of its international-relations expertise in coordinating and cooperating with local and international bodies, and having met Shariah requirements for producing, manufacturing and marketing halal products.

The Supreme Council of Scholars issued a fatwa through the Ifta permanent committee, presided over by Al-Asheikh, stating that the only authority responsible for imported slaughtered halal products is the MWL, as it represents the older Islamic organization working in the field of halal and foods and has an expertise of more than 30 years as well as partners, centers and offices around the world.

The MWL works on finalizing the largest center for halal in the world, as part of its headquarters in Makkah.

The center’s functions include supervising slaughter and the production of halal goods, and issuing certificates, directly or through its offices and representatives abroad, according to the halal certification mechanism and international standards.

The center also issues certificates for selling halal goods, provides technical and Islamic consultancy services and introduces businesses to halal food.