Country: Japan
Organisation Name: NPO Japan Halal Association
Started in the Year: 2010
Position: Chairperson
Website: www.jhalal.com
Personal Introduction:
I am a mother of 3 children, a reverted Muslim 17 years ago by reading the Quran.
Professional Introduction:
Lived in several countries and have successful business in the past, currently the founder and chair the JHA since 2010.
Interview Questions:
What inspired you to start your initiative in the Halal industry?
I lived in Malaysia and Dubai for a total of 10 years as a Muslim revert. And I struggled at first when I came back to Japan as a Muslim and lived among non Muslim family and environment. Especially getting Halal meat and finding a space for prayer when we go out were challenging. Then I thought, now we don’t have them, so create them! A few years after, there was a trend of industry started asking for Halal certification and such opportunities like Olympic game flew in, and we just went with the flow. It was like a Kamikaze of the Halal industry in Japan.
What were the challenges you had to overcome in the initial stages of starting your organisation?
We started as a Non-profit organization and give lecturers on Halal and Halal management systems, Muslim hospitality etc. as well as Halal certification. The challenge was that in Japan, at one point in time, there were so many people who started Halal certification one after another and different HCBs requires different Halal standard, industry and governments are confused. We had to overcome this by giving enough explanation through our training programs and seminars.
Another thing we found it is difficult to find the right personnel for the job, Sharia auditors who have experience in Halal certification, Technical and qualified Muslim auditors of the field. Halal certification quality differs according to these personnel. To have the good team of auditors, we must work very hard.
What is the most important thing you feel anyone needs to do to build a successful career in the Islamic Economy?
| We must always aim to be the best and ahead of others in what we do. First, we have to focus on the quality of the work, sincerity to our Deen and the society. Allah loves those who are useful to others. |
In a non Muslim country like Japan, unlike a Muslim-majority country. We must have good benefit through the Islamic economy to both non-Muslims and Muslims to be able to sustain the industry. It cannot be just one-sided, and we are like a intermediator who has to take the balance of both parties. We must always aim to be the best and ahead of others in what we do. First, we have to focus on the quality of the work, sincerity to our Deen and the society. Allah loves those who are useful to others. Not to hesitate to serve others. Second, we must motivate ourselves to reach the goal. Third, we must review ourselves from time to time and set further goal when you reach one.
What were the most important learning experiences you would like to share?
Halal Industry is not only about the economy, it is our sustainable future in Japan where Muslims lives as a minority and co-exist among non-Muslim. So that Adab (Good and nice behaviour/ characteristics) of Muslims is the key to taking the balance to live among non-Muslim. Islam teaches all of these and we just follow the guidance.
What advice would you give aspiring leaders in the Islamic Economy?
| We must have good benefit through the Islamic economy to both non-Muslims and Muslims to be able to sustain the industry. |
Islam is the inspiration and it is perfect. Always find a clue from it. This may sounds very abstract to some people but if you look in detail of what you do, it is very clear. I know only a little about Islam but I know what makes me happy is when my heart is filled with the love of Allah. This is the secret to success. Halal industry/ economy is still a new stage, and it is not established well enough especially when we involve those non-Muslim countries. The Halal certification itself is still in the process of development. There are plenty of areas that need to be cultivated, amended, organized and re-structured. Government and non-government must take hand in hand to fulfill the task Allah has ordained on us the responsibility on each of us, we just need to fulfill it at the best of our ability. It is hard to accomplish but with the grace of Allah, I believe that we can achieve the goal by thanking Allah for giving us the task, ability and opportunity to fulfil our Deen.
