As a Halaal certifying authority, SANHA’s mandate is to assess whether products and production processes comply with the requirements of Islamic dietary law. Recent public commentary, including an open letter calling for the termination of Halaal certification of Africa Spice based on views and affiliations attributed to individuals associated with the company, has highlighted the need to clarify the scope and limits of this mandate.

Halaal certification is an independent third-party attestation that a product complies with the dietary requirements of the Sharī‘ah. This process involves a thorough assessment of ingredients, processing aids, manufacturing procedures, cross-contamination risks, traceability systems and ongoing audits. In essence, certification constitutes a formal testimony (shahādah) regarding the Halaal status of a product.

The open letter refers to Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) in dismissive terms. It is therefore important to clarify that fiqh represents the disciplined body of juristic knowledge through which the practical rulings of the Sharī‘ah are derived. Just as the obligation of prayer is established in the Qur’ān and Ahādīth, while its method and detailed rulings are explained through fiqh, so too are the laws governing Halaal and Haraam consumption clarified through juristic tradition.

Islamic jurisprudence has historically distinguished between the permissibility of a transaction and broader political or moral disagreements with those involved in that transaction. Classical jurists record that the Prophet ﷺ himself engaged in lawful commercial dealings with non-Muslims. It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ purchased goods from Jewish traders and that at the time of his passing his armour remained pledged as security with a Jewish merchant in Madinah. These precedents illustrate an important juristic principle: the permissibility of food and commercial transactions is determined by the nature of the product and the transaction itself, not by the personal affiliations or political views of those involved.

It is important to emphasise that Halaal certification does not constitute a political endorsement, nor does it signify approval or disapproval of a company’s ownership, management or the personal views of its directors. Certification simply confirms that the product and its production process meet established Shar‘i dietary requirements.

The personal beliefs, political positions or external affiliations of individuals associated with a company do not form part of the technical criteria through which Halaal certification is assessed.

SANHA’s role is also advisory in nature. Our certification serves as a guidance mechanism that enables Muslim consumers to make informed decisions in accordance with their religious obligations and their personal accountability before the Almighty. Halaal certification thus determines the permissibility of the product itself, while broader ethical, political or economic considerations remain matters of personal conscience and individual choice.

The Companion of the Prophet ﷺ, Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him), reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Seeking Halaal is a duty upon every Muslim.” Accordingly, SANHA does not prescribe the course of action consumers should take, whether in relation to purchasing choices, boycotts or other forms of personal expression. Thus, individuals choose in accordance with their own convictions, whether or not to support particular companies. The ultimate choice always rests with the individual.

Companies seek Halaal certification primarily because of demand from their customers. It follows logically that if such demand did not exist, there would be little incentive for companies to pursue certification. The Halaal mark therefore functions as a tool of transparency, assisting consumers who wish to exercise their freedom of choice.

For nearly three decades, SANHA has served the Muslim community through a certification system grounded in Islamic jurisprudence, professional integrity and impartial oversight. The credibility of Halaal assurance depends on strict independence and objectivity. These requirements are reinforced through international accreditation frameworks under which SANHA undergoes regular external audits.

If certification were to be granted or withdrawn on the basis of political considerations, personal affiliations or external pressure, the integrity and reliability of the Halaal certification process itself would be compromised. Maintaining principled independence is therefore essential to preserving public confidence.

Furthermore, SANHA operates within the legal framework of the Republic of South Africa, whose Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, ethnicity, race, colour, creed, gender and other protected grounds. As an organisation committed to ethical conduct and lawful practice, SANHA must ensure that its processes remain fair, objective and non-discriminatory.

SANHA also recognises the deep concern and anguish felt by many people across the world regarding the immense human suffering and tragic loss of innocent lives in Palestine. Such suffering profoundly troubles the conscience of humanity and evokes strong emotions across communities. However, the role of a Halaal certifying body is not to adjudicate political disputes or international conflicts, but to ensure that Muslim consumers are able to identify products that comply with the dietary injunctions of their faith. Consumers retain the full and unquestionable right to exercise their purchasing choices in accordance with their own convictions.

In fulfilling this responsibility, SANHA must ensure that the Halaal certification process remains principled, consistent and grounded in established Shar‘i standards, rather than influenced by political pressures or shifting public sentiment.

SANHA remains steadfast in its commitment to serve the Muslim community with integrity, transparency and adherence to the principles of the Sharī‘ah. Our certification decisions will continue to be guided solely by established Halaal standards, Shar‘i principles and objective compliance requirements.