Question:
Non-Muslims in India export meat to Arab countries, using Arabic names for their companies. They do not observe halal principles, and there is even a possibility that dead or diseased animals are slaughtered. Do Arab authorities know about this? If not, why should we not bring it to their attention?
Answer:
Meat exported from India to Arab countries is often labeled “halal” even when it has not been slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines. Videos have shown animals being struck on the head and slaughtered improperly. However, Arab authorities are aware of this. Their primary concern is trade relations, not religious compliance. They may overlook such violations for the sake of business agreements.
When it comes to halal certification, it is important to distinguish between products manufactured within Arab countries and those imported. For locally produced goods, there is some level of oversight. For imported goods, Arab authorities have no direct control over the slaughtering process. They rely on the certification provided by exporting companies, which is often fraudulent.
The entire system of halal certification has become commercialized. Many certificates are issued without genuine verification. For this reason, if you wish to consume meat, it is safer to purchase meat from local sources where you can verify the slaughter method. Avoid imported processed meats that come with halal certificates from countries where you cannot verify the process. Protect yourself by being selective about the meat you consume.