The Application of Al-Wara’ (Abstinence) in the Halal Supply Management: A Spiritual Approach

Abstract

AbstractThe Halal Supply Chain Management (HSCM) is relatively new in terms of its implementation in Malaysia. In previous literature, there are many frameworks and models that describe how the Halal Supply Chain Management should be implemented, of which the most common idea is that halal integrity is kept intact within the whole supply chain system and operation—from the raw material to the finished product. Malaysia plays an important role in spearheading the halal certification system where by offering a specific standard for the halal supply chain; MS 2400:2019. The standard is developed to cater for the three main elements of the halal supply chain which are (i) logistics, (ii) warehousing and (iii) retailing. This system is essential for achieving a complete chain of halal products; however, there is a lack of emphasis on the operational part of the supply chain that needs to be halal-compliant as well. Since the operational management of the supply chain requires decision making, priorities are ranked and the best decisions are taken in the bid to achieve management goals. One of the ways of designing decision making for the halal supply chain management is based on al-wara’ (abstinence). Thus, this paper presents the concept of al-wara’ and how al-wara’ can be implemented within the halal supply chain management. To achieve this, data were analyzed through a literature study and a qualitative approach analysis was conducted. Based on the findings, al-wara’ is potentially becoming one of the main drivers for the decision-making process within the supply chain. The system is complete, where it does not rely heavily on a set of written standard operating procedures (SOP), but more on spiritual awareness so as to sustain and achieve the true objectives of the halal supply chain management.KeywordsAbstinenceSpiritualHalal integrityHalal managementSupply chain