Bridging the Gap: From Islamic Scholarship to Halal Industry Leadership

Fadhli Rahman Abas

doi:10.55265/halalreviews.v5i1.144

Authors

Fadhli Rahman Abas Director, Halal Advisory and Research Institute Selangor (HARIS), Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS), Bandar Seri Putra, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55265/halalreviews.v5i1.144

Keywords:

Halal Industry, Halal Governance, Knowledge Integration, Shariah Compliance, Interdiscipinary Education

Abstract

This study examines the critical gap between Islamic scholarship and Halal industry leadership, emphasizing the need for an integrated knowledge ecosystem to ensure effective governance and sustainable development of the global Halal industry. While Islamic scholars provide authoritative guidance on Shariah principles, industry practitioners operate within complex environments shaped by technological advancement, market demands, and regulatory frameworks. This divergence has resulted in challenges related to standardization, compliance, and the practical application of religious rulings. The paper analyzes the conceptual foundations of Islamic scholarship, industry practices, and leadership roles, highlighting differences in knowledge orientation, decision-making approaches, and operational priorities. It further explores key challenges arising from this gap, including inconsistencies in Halal certification, limited interdisciplinary collaboration, and tensions between ethical considerations and commercial objectives. Through an examination of knowledge transfer mechanisms and collaborative initiatives, particularly within the Malaysian context, the study demonstrates the importance of integrating academic expertise with industry practices. It also emphasizes the need for scholars to engage with contemporary disciplines such as science, technology, and global trade to remain relevant in modern Halal governance. The findings suggest that bridging this gap requires the development of interdisciplinary education, collaborative research platforms, and globally harmonized standards. The study concludes that fostering a new generation of professionals equipped with both Shariah knowledge and technical expertise is essential for building a cohesive, ethical, and future-ready Halal ecosystem.

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