We recently learned the critical issue in their country from ABDUL RAHMAN T. LINZAG, the President of Islamic Dawah Council of the Philippines (IDCP) Halal Institution.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) / Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) in the Philippines used to accredit only products without Halal requirements, but now with a new law, in addition to their previous mandate, it is tasked with accrediting Halal certification bodies.

How is it possible for an institution that does not have Islamic foundations to evaluate the teachings of Islam?  Accreditation is an important and not to be taken lightly issue.  It is not an issue for non-Muslims to make decisions as they wish.

Moreover, the IDCP Institution have filed another petition with the Supreme Court against their government through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) / Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), but the new law was enacted by Congress, approved by the president, and now being enforced by the DTI / PAB.  Not based on the Quran and Sunnah, but completely based on ISO rules, they would even inform Halal producers or manufacturing companies, all non-Muslims, about the Halal requirements under the sharia-based procedure.

A “Halal” certification system where both the producer and the certifier are non-Muslim!

Again, we clearly and unequivocally declare: “Non-Muslims cannot interfere with Muslims’ Halal!”

It is unacceptable for a Muslim to even consult a non-Muslim about Halal and Haram.  Our Muslim brothers and sisters in all parts of the world can easily realize that the judgments of those who act like this will not be reliable.  Muslims have responsibilities to Allah, and Allah (SWT) has determined all the necessary rules and regulations.  As Muslims, we know very well what is Halal or Haram in the light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH).  There is no need for non-Muslims to teach us these.

As the Presidency of the World Halal Council, we declare that we stand by the IDCP Halal institution and condemn this shameful mistake made by non-Muslims.

May Allah save my dear brother Abdul Rahman T. LINZAG and his team from this dire situation in the Philippines.