Halal and The Risk Society

Abstract

In the process of modernization, many Muslims have come to consume industrially produced products. According to Beck, this is a process that unwittingly creates risks, and risks related to Halal are included in those risks. Discussion on Halal is about cultural risks, which arise later than environmental and health risks as Beck brought up. This is because the Muslim population entered the process of modernization later than in developed countries such as Europe and the United States in general. The base of industrial technologies related to food have been established without any awareness of Halal and have had to interpret, create regulations, build systems, and make choices for Halal. Furthermore, in the process of creating new technologies, the risk of violating Halal is further increased. Surrounded by shubhah, Muslims are having to assume responsibility for halal and make choices amid uncertainty in modern society. As consumers, Muslims will have to confront this situation through transnational solidarity and by joining the risks of halal with other risks also created by modernity. Science is a cog in the wheel of industrial progress. In order to address the issue of Halal in a risky society, it is essential to provide information and risk communication to Muslim consumers, in addition to providing alternative technologies suitable for Halal.