Center for Islamic Civilization preps for grand opening

Source: Center of Islamic Civilization website. Image of the centre.

Unique in the region, the Center for Islamic Civilization, whose opening is planned soon, is both a declaration of identity and an invitation to the world to see how the crossroads of Central Asia contributed to the formation of world civilisation. 

Conceived by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017, the new cultural landmark of Tashkent has a mission to preserve, study, and share the intellectual and artistic heritage of Islamic civilization. During his most recent visit to the site, President Mirziyoyev reviewed the finishing touches and said: "This centre will serve our people for centuries, and each of its patterns will go down in history."  

President Mirziyoyev has also described the project as a cultural and spiritual initiative: "Through the Center for Islamic Civilization, we want to show that our sacred religion is a religion of goodness, humanism, and enlightenment." 

Speaking in September 2025 at the UN General Assembly, the president noted that by consistently pursuing a policy of tolerance in society, Uzbekistan will actively continue its efforts to study the ideas of Islamic enlightenment and promote them worldwide. He also announced that the Center for Islamic Civilization will soon open.

The Center for Islamic Civilization is located in the historic heart of Tashkent, next to the iconic Hazrati Imam. The US$200 M three-storey building measures 145 m by 115 m. 

The building's centrepiece is the Uthman Quran – one of the world's oldest Quranic manuscripts. The significance of the manuscript is reflected by its inclusion in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, a global initiative to preserve and promote heritage and artifacts of global significance. Displayed in an octagonal hall beneath the building's 65m high central dome, it will set the tone for the entire museum – as a place of faith, scholarship, and enlightenment.

Four thematic galleries will surround this core: 

- Pre-Islamic Heritage: from Khwarezm and Bactria to Sogdiana and Chach (6th century BC), exploring urbanisation, metallurgy, and Zoroastrian traditions.

- The First Renaissance (8th–13th centuries): This space captures the golden age when outstanding and inspiring scholars such as al-Khwarizmi, al-Fergani, Ibn Sina, and al-Biruni transformed mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Their discoveries have helped future generations worldwide. 

Artifacts such as Abu Rayhan al-Biruni's globe are being reconstructed at the complex. "We know that Abu Rayhan (al-Biruni) once made a globe, but it has not survived to our time. However, the coordinates of this globe have been preserved in his works. Together with our international partners, we have now reconstructed this globe. In his writings, (he) provided the coordinates of 600 cities of his time and we have managed to include 150 of them in this reconstruction. Thus, we have been able to recreate the globe of Abu Rayhan Beruni, which was previously considered lost," disclosed the VP of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Professor Bahrom Abduhalimov.

This gallery also reflects the role of hadith studies and Islamic theology in the development of the spiritual and intellectual life of the region. It was during this period that Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmidhi, and other outstanding muhaddiths collected and systematised authentic hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad, laying the foundation of Islamic legal and ethical thought. 

Theologians and thinkers such as al-Maturidi developed kalam (عِلْمُ الْكَلَامِ), rational theology, harmoniously combining faith and reason. Their works contributed to the formation of a mature theological school that deeply influenced Islamic thought and remains relevant to this day. 

- The Second Renaissance (15th century): The subsequent Timurid era comes alive in a gallery recreating Ulugh Beg's observatory. Scholars and philosophers who made great discoveries in the history of civilisations are honoured. Digital projections will emphasise Samarkand's status as the intellectual capital of the Muslim world. 

- Modern New Uzbekistan is the foundation of a new Renaissance, combining heritage, the visionary reform programme of President Mirziyoyev, and a new strategic course for Uzbekistan, showcasing education, interfaith dialogue, and sustainable development. Here, history meets innovation, reflecting Uzbekistan's pioneering vision of a human-centred future.

The opening of the Center this autumn (roughly Q3-Q4) will mark the culmination of Uzbekistan's repatriation programme. This summer, fragments of 9th-century Kufic Qurans, Timurid ceramics, and original manuscripts by Ibn Sina and al-Biruni were returned from private European collections. Indian daggers, jade handles, rare Sogdian fabrics—which now form the largest collection of their kind in the world—as well as the largest collection of Central Asian coins globally, were also returned. This includes 21 fragments of fabric in various sizes, four complete caftans, and silver vessels crafted by Sogdian masters.

In May, a lost collection of Seljuk jewelry that was up for auction at Christie's was recovered from London. It included 35 items — rings, earrings, bracelets, chains and clasps. They will be displayed alongside Rumi's "Masnavi" miniatures, as well as personal clothing and weapons of the Baburids. Among them is Babur's own mantle, adorned with calligraphic inscriptions of Quranic verses.

"This step demonstrates the President's commitment to his words and promises, his consistent dedication to investing effort and attention in the development of education, science, and culture, creating new opportunities for international dialogue and cooperation," Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director-General of the Center said. 

"This is a priceless contribution to the preservation and study of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage, which will inspire our people for centuries." 

The main museum covers about 15,000 sqm. The Center for Islamic Civilization will further house a research centre, library, restoration laboratories and a digital archive of 25,000 storage units, allowing scholars to conduct new research. 

A children's museum — the first in the region — will additionally bring history to life through "living portraits" of great thinkers. The portraits will be interactive, and able to answer visitors' questions.

Firdavs added: "The Center for Islamic Civilization (CIC) places Uzbekistan alongside the world's greatest cultural institutions. Like the Louvre in Paris, it will become a national symbol of pride and identity. Like the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, it will combine a museum and a major research complex. And like the Arab World Institute in Paris, it will present Islamic civilization as a dynamic force of creativity and dialogue. 

"But the CIC will be unique: it combines a museum, science, and innovative technologies, a library, and educational centers in a single space created in the heart of the Islamic world. It will inspire a new generation of researchers, scientists, and thinkers."  

Sara Noshadi, Head of the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan shared that she has visited the Center several times, since 2022. "Seeing the tremendous progress and the pace of development over this period has brought me great joy," she said.

"It is truly gratifying to witness the Center entering a new phase of its activity, with new directions being opened. I believe this initiative represents an exceptional effort in Uzbekistan to integrate science, culture, and religious heritage."

2020 applications open for ISEAS-MUIS Masters Scholarship

ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and Muis – Islamic Religious Council of Singapore invite applications for the inaugural ISEAS-MUIS Masters Scholarship.

Established with a grant from Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis), this scholarship will be available for three years and funds a Masters student for a year. The scholarship seeks to deepen the pool of local scholars with the capacity and training to conduct rigorous academic research in order to build up academic capability and research knowledge into the development of Islam in Southeast Asia and its long-term effects on the Singapore Muslim community.

Candidates may study political science, sociology, anthropology, cultural geography and Islamic studies, but other subjects may be eligible. Successful candidates will serve a one-year bond with ISEAS following the completion of their studies.

Criteria include:

Singapore citizens;
A good honours degree (or professional qualifications of equivalent standing) in a relevant subject;
A consistently good academic record and
Availability to take up courses and/or carry out research on the political, social, cultural, or economic development of Islam in Southeast Asia.

Terms:

• The scholarship is tenable for one year at local or overseas reputable universities
• Covers tuition and other compulsory fees
• There is a monthly maintenance allowance
• Book allowance
• Conference/fieldwork allowance
• Medical insurance
• Return airfare (if applicable)

Candidates who have already obtained university admission for 2020 and meet the above requirements are also eligible to apply.

Details:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, full CV, two letters of reference, educational certificates and transcripts, a research proposal or a statement of purpose in pursuing the MA degree, and a passport-sized photograph.

The deadline is 20 March 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Applications should be sent to:

Head, Administration
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace
Singapore 119614
Tel No: +65 6778 0955

Submit an online application

Call for Melbourne students to participate in Islamophobia research

Dulwich Centre Foundation, in partnership with the ICV – Islamic Council of Victoria, Australia, are conducting a project with university students on Islamophobia.

This project will enable Muslim students from across universities in Melbourne to share their experiences and responses to all forms of Islamophobia so as to create a resource to assist other students. There will be two parts:

Sharing stories between Muslim students 

In this part of the project Muslim students will have a chance to speak together about the ways they are trying to respond to Islamophobia when they face it and how they try to support each other in these situations.

With permission, these stories and ideas will be turned into a draft collective document. No names will be used and all contributors will be able to give feedback on the draft before it is finalised. Once it is finalised, this document will be shared with students of other universities.

The aim is to provide ideas, support, care and inspiration between Muslim students. This document will also be shared with non-Muslim students in part two.

Sharing stories with and between non-Muslim students 

The Muslim students involved in part one will be asked about any non-Muslim students/friends whom they know also care about Islamophobia and other forms of hostility. These non-Muslims will make up a second group.

The collective document from Part One will be shared with this second non-Muslim group. This second group will then be invited to share their stories of how they are trying to prevent Islamophobia and/or other forms of hostility. These stories will be turned into a second collective document which will then be used to encourage others – Muslim and non-Muslim.

The resources created from this project will be shared internationally in various places where other Muslims having experienced Islamophobia.

The organisations are looking for 24 students across all universities, with 18 being Muslim and six non-Muslim, between the ages of 18 to 24, with a 50:50 gender balance.

There will be four groups of six interviewees each with two 90-minute sessions, all of which are to be strictly confidential and anonymous. Interviews will take place between mid-to-late June at the ICV Spencer St HQ.

Details:

This project will be organised by Dulwich Centre Foundation and facilitated by Dr Mehmet Dinc. Express an interest to participate via email admin at icv.org.au by 31 May 2019.

Explore:

Read about previous projects by the foundation

Moderate growth forecast for the global Islamic finance market

The Global Islamic Finance Market Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2018 - 2024) report by Mordor Intelligence is now available on ResearchAndMarkets.com.

The global Islamic finance market is growing moderately, because of strong investments in the halal sector, infrastructure, and sukuk, especially through online availability of all products and services, said the research firm.

According to Mordor Intelligence, Islamic banking is commonly seen to have two advantages over conventional banking. The first is a perception that Islamic banks are bound to a higher moral standard. They will not take on irresponsible amounts of risk or pay outsize bonuses to their top bankers. The second is that earnings come from identifiable assets, not opaque combinations of derivatives and securities. Because Islamic banks cannot make money through interest, they rely on ties to tangible assets, such as real estate and equity, charging 'rent' instead of interest.

Across its three main sectors - banking, capital markets and takaful - the Islamic finance market has an estimated worth of US$2.05 trillion in 2017, marking 8.3% growth in assets in US$ terms. Global sukuk surged by a record 25.6% to close at US$399.9 billion at the end of 2017 on the back of strong sovereign and multilateral issues in key Islamic finance markets, including debut entries into the sovereign sukuk market by KSA.

Islamic banking is the largest sector in the Islamic finance industry, contributing to 71%, or US$1.72 trillion, to the market. Commercial banking remains the main contributor to the sector's growth.

There were 505 Islamic banks in 2017, including 207 Islamic banking windows. However, the number of players is not necessarily indicative of the size of the industry in terms of assets. Islamic finance's second-largest market, KSA, has 16 Islamic banks, including windows, which is fewer than the geographically-smaller markets of Malaysia and the UAE.

With the growing popularity of mobile banking, particularly among younger people according to PwC's 2018 Digital Banking Consumer Survey, a growing number of digital-only, or 'disruptor banks' with no physical branches, have emerged. Islamic banks are also catching up with the launching of digital-only subsidiaries, such as Gulf International Bank's Meem in Bahrain and KSA.

Shari'ah-compliant assets represent a significant portion of total banking assets in the GCC. In the GCC, the market share of Islamic banking has crossed the 25% threshold, which suggests that Islamic banks have become systemically important in these countries.

The global Islamic finance market is fragmented with a large number of players trying to grab a chunk of the developing market. In Asia, it is growing moderately with many local players and some big players. However, the GCC is a highly competitive market, with many international players. Al-Rajhi Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Kuwait House Finance are among the major players present in the region.


Companies mentioned in the report include:

• Dubai Islamic Bank
• National Commercial Bank Saudi Arabia
• Bank Mellat Iran
• Bank Melli Iran
• Kuwait Finance House
• Bank Saderat Iran
• Malayan Bank Berhad (Maybank) Malaysia
• Bank Maskan Iran
• Qatar Islamic Bank
• Alinma Bank Saudi Arabia

Details:

Buy the report (February 2019)

Brill launches three journals on religious studies

Brill launched three new titles on religious studies in its suite of review journals, Brill Research Perspectives, in September. The first issues are planned for 2019 and will be available online and in print.

Brill Research Perspectives in Religion and Education, edited by Stephen G. Parker, focuses on a dynamic and increasingly important area of work, intersecting the fields of theology and religious studies, and drawing upon the foundation disciplines and methodologies of philosophy, sociology, psychology and history of education. It is particularly focused upon religious education as variously conceived in different domestic, religious, educational, social and national contexts.

Brill Research Perspectives in Religion and Politics, edited by Jocelyne Cesari, is focused on research that addresses contemporary debates on religion and politics in a particular national or regional context or in a comparative way across religions or political contexts.

Brill Research Perspectives in Religion and Psychology, edited by Ralph W. Hood, Jr, presents extended articles on theory and the integration of empirical data that bridge the gap between humanities studies and those of psychological science. It provides up-to-date information on the diversity of approaches and methods that psychologists are applying to illuminate the wide range of phenomena that either define or are associated with religion in individual cultures and globally.

Brill Research Perspectives provides researchers with the opportunity to give an account of the most recent scholarship and to define and direct the agenda for future research. They combine the verification of peer review, the high usage of reference works, and the pedagogy of textbooks. Designed for research communities in the humanities, international law, and social sciences, these journals distil the literature in a specific field into a more digestible format while linking to the primary sources.

Details:

For more information contact Laura Morris, Acquisitions Editor at Brill, at morris at brill.com.

KFCRIS work to be available on the Kindle

The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) has co-signed an agreement with Amazon to post its books and research on the Amazon Kindle e-reader platform, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The Kindle application is available on mobile devices such as iPad, iPhone, Android devices.

KFCRIS Secretary General Dr Saud Al-Sarhan said this agreement reflects KFCRIS' keenness to spread the cultural, literary and scientific heritage of Islam and the Arab world.

KFCRIS was established to continue the mission of the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz (1906-1975) in transmitting knowledge between KSA and the rest of the world. The centre serves as a platform for research bringing together researchers and institutions to preserve, publish, and produce scholastic work, particularly about the contributions and roles of Muslim societies in the humanities, the social sciences, literature, the and arts – historically, as well as today.

Global halal food market to reach US$739.59 billion by 2025

Source: Grand View Research. Global halal food and beverage market revenue by product, 2016. 

The global halal food market is forecast to reach US$739.59 billion by 2025, says Grand View Research. The boost is from a growing Muslim population and substantially increased expenditure on food and beverage. 

According to the consultancy, the concept of "halal" has transformed into universal conception that covers the entire concept of fresh, clean, and healthier production as well as services of food. "This is completely contradictory to the traditional notion, which was restricted to only slaughtering of animals according to Islamic law or merely free from swine and alcohol," the company notes. "It is no more a mere religious obligation but has moved beyond that to become a standard of choice for both Muslims and non-Muslims*."

Demand is driven by a "large, diverse, and educated" consumer base of approximately 1.7 million predominantly young Muslims globally, which is growing at nearly double the rate of the world population, Grand View said. The total Islamic population is expected to increase from 23% today to around 30% of the total world population by 2030. 

The Asia Pacific and the Middle East and African regions are the top two regions contributing to the growth of the global market. The Middle East and Africa is home to over 327 million Muslims, Grand View said, while the overall average fertility proportion of Muslims in the Asia Pacific was three offspring per woman in 2012 to 2017 period - higher when compared to the region’s total average fertility rate of two children.

Source: Grand View Research. Indonesia halal food and beverage market by product, 2014 to 2025.

A major bilateral initiative to highlight is a collaboration between Abu Dhabi, UAE and South Korea, which has allowed South Korea to gain further access to the global halal food market. Korea agreed to adopt UAE halal certification standards in 2015. The UAE's halal national mark was introduced in 2014.

According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy, the Muslim consumer spending across halal food and lifestyle in 2014 was reported to be worth US$1.8 trillion and anticipated to increase to US$2.6 trillion by 2020. 

Meat and alternatives were the largest product segment in 2016 with a net market worth of over US$590 billion globally. According to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), meat products is the preferred diet of Muslims. "The Islamic population in addition to the religious value is fascinated by several central doctrines such as to protect the forthcoming generation, to preserve life, to maintain integrity and self-respect. Moreover, respect for the welfare of animals, health consciousness and a degree of acculturation are also some of the vital influencers in the growth of the halal meat and meat products market," Grand View said.

On the flip side, the international halal standardisation industry is confusing, Grand View added. Certification bodies include government-owned and linked enterprises, independent halal certification bodies (HCBs), private organisations, national standards agencies, regional bodies such as the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), European Commission and international establishments including the OIC and the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC).

"The primary concern for the manufacturers is to determine the specific standard that is likely to offer them the best possible access to a target market. Also, these companies have to constantly update various certifications to optimise the trade process at several instances where these become mandatory for exports. Nevertheless, leading organisations for halal standardisation and accreditation have been taking steps to harmonise the standards," Grand View said.

Food safety and traceability has also become a major concern, Grand View said. "It is highly expected that every stakeholder must be fully accountable and responsible for procuring, handling, manufacturing, and quality control of halal foods," the company stated. 

Key findings from the report include:

• The global halal foods industry was valued at US$436.8 billion in 2016 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% over the next eight years

• Milk and milk products such as processed milk, cheese, and yogurt are expected to be one of the primary product segments driving growth for the global industry

• Beverages such as carbonated drinks, packaged juice, and sweeteners with halal certification are expected to witness substantial demand over the forecast period. The segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.9% in Turkey.

• Asia Pacific was the leading consumer region in 2016. Around 63% of the global Muslim population resides here. Indonesia and Malaysia together accounted for over 55% of the regional demand in 2016.

• Major companies actively operating in the global halal food industry include Nestlé, Glanbia Cheese and Kellogg's**

• Companies have been trying to strengthen consumer trust with several marketing campaigns trying to be transparent about their production process of packaged halal foods

Explore:

Buy the Halal Food and Beverage Market Size Report By Product (Meat & Alternatives, Milk & Milk Products, Fruits & Vegetables, Grain Products), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025 report from ReportBuyer (published February 2018)

Read Nestle's halal certification FAQ

*This view is often mentioned in forecasts about the halal market. This author has never encountered such views among non-Muslims. There is indeed a shift towards clean and healthy eating and a corresponding focus on the food chain. However, non-Muslims are looking for foods which satisfy the criteria for clean and healthy eating and it does not matter to them if the foods are halal or not. They are not seeking out halal foods to satisfy their preference for clean and healthy eating. Nor do they feel that the halal label means that the food is cleaner or healthier.

 **Glanbia announced halal certification in 2012. Kellogg's has dropped halal certification as of 2017. 

First issue of Journal of the Institute for Islamic Research can be ordered on Amazon Prime

Source: Yaqeen Institute. The Journal of the Institute for
Islamic Research is now available for order on Amazon
Prime.

Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research has announced that the first-ever Journal of the Institute for Islamic Research is now available on Amazon Prime. The academic-grade publication offers peer-reviewed research articles that deal with the contemporary issues of Islam today.

The publishers aim to:

• Provide a physical, accessible resource for the general public
• Create an opportunity for researchers and academics to connect with Muslims of all occupations and backgrounds
• Tackle the most controversial questions posed to Muslims with evidence
• Maintain academic integrity and relevancy in educating the public, and
• Inspire readers to contribute positively to society.

The Journal of the Institute for Islamic Research is a part of the initiative by Yaqeen Institute to reclaim the narrative on Islam and to make high-quality, academic-grade, peer-reviewed research publications and articles the source of authentic information about Islam and the issues Muslims face today.

Details:

The inaugural issue of this journal includes the following articles:
Stoning and Handcutting—Understanding the Hudud and the Shari’ah in Islam by Dr Jonathan Brown
The Myth of an Antisemitic Genocide in Muslim Scripture by Dr Nazir Khan
Playing the Taqiyya Card: Evading Intelligent Debate by Calling all Muslims Liars by Sheikh Omar Suleiman
Islam is not the Cause of Honor Killings. It’s part of the Solution by Dr Brown
Modern Pathways to Doubt in Islam by Youssef Chouhoud
Clinicians, Imams, and the Whisperings of Satan by Najwa Awad
How the Prophet (s) Rose above Enmity and Insult by Sheikh Mohammad Elshinawy and Sheikh Omar
The Structure of Scientific Productivity in Islamic Civilization: Orientalists’ Fables by Asadullah Ali
Islam and the Secular Age: Between Certainty and Uncertainty by Khalil Abdurrashid
Overcoming Pessimism with Faith by Roohi Tahir

Order a copy

KSA halal food and beverage market to have a CAGR of over 9% through to 2023

The KSA halal food and beverage market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 9%, in value terms, from 2018 to 2023, says TechSci Research.

Source: TechSci Research. KSA halal food and beverage market by size, region and value, 2013 to 2023 (forecast). The west region includes Tabuk, Madinah and Makkah, while the Central region is home to Qassim and Riyadh, capital of KSA.

Increasing demand for packaged halal foods among non-Muslims*, strong import and export regulation and policies regarding halal food and beverages and increasing Muslim population in the country will spur further growth of the halal food and beverage market in the country, the consultancy said.
 
Major players operating in the KSA halal food and beverages market include Al Islami Foods, Amana Foods, One Foods Holdings, Khazan Meat Factory, Al Kabeer Group, Albatha, Midamar, Prairie Halal Foods, JM Foods, AL RAWDAH, Nestlé Dubai Manufacturing and Agthia.

Explore:

Buy the Saudi Arabia Halal Food & Beverages Market By Product Type (Bakery, Candy & Chocolate, Meat Products, Beverages), By Product Type (Bakery, Candy & Chocolate, Meat Products, Beverages), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013 – 2023 report (December 2017)

*This view is often mentioned in forecasts about the halal market. This author has never encountered such views among non-Muslims. There is indeed a shift towards clean and healthy eating and a corresponding focus on the food chain. However, non-Muslims are looking for foods which satisfy the criteria for clean and healthy eating and it does not matter to them if the foods are halal or not. They are not seeking out halal foods to satisfy their preference for clean and healthy eating. Nor do they feel that the halal label means that the food is cleaner or healthier.

UAE halal food and beverage market to surpass US$5.5 billion by 2022

The UAE Halal Food & Beverages Market By Product Type (Meat Products, Beverages, Bakery, Candy & Chocolate), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online & Others), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012-2022 report, published February 2018 by TechSci Research, has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

According to the report, the UAE halal food and beverage market is expected to surpass US$5.5 billion by 2022.

Increasing Muslim population, rising per capita income and growing e-commerce are among the major factors boosting demand for halal food products in the UAE. Rising acceptance for halal food among non-Muslims, stringent import and export regulations and policies regarding halal food and beverages, and rising standards of food quality are further anticipated to spur growth in this market during the forecast period.

Some of the major players operating in UAE halal food and beverage market include Al Islami Foods, Amana Foods, One Foods Holdings, Khazan Meat Factory, Al Kabeer Group ME, Albatha, Midamar, Prairie Halal Foods, JM Foods, Al Rawdah, Nestlé Dubai Manufacturing, Agthia, Americana Group, and Aujan Industries Company.

Asia Pacific region dominates in halal food demand

The global halal food market is anticipated to reach US$2.55 trillion by 2024, driven by the rising demand for the consumption of halal meat. The growing awareness of halal food and its positioning as hygienic and healthy food among both Muslim and non-Muslim* community is expected to drive the demand over the forecast period, Hexa Research has said.

The leading markets are Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, which have a considerable concentration of the around 1.8 billion global Muslim population as of 2015. The Asia Pacific region has the highest market share in terms of revenue (US$594 billion) and is projected to maintain its dominance in the market over the forecast period (2014-2024), the consultancy said. A growing Muslim population, especially in India and Indonesia, and the more awareness among consumers in the region from countries such as Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines are expected to drive the market over the forecast period.

The absence of a uniform halal standard across countries makes it challenging for vendors to get their products halal-certified. Hexa Research says there is a need for oversight on the halal food industry considering the halal meat scandals in Europe and North America regions.

Processed food & beverages dominated the market, contributing US$836.6 billion in 2016. This segment is expected to maintain its leading position over the forecast period as well. The food & beverage segment is followed by the baked products segments and confectionery segments. Over the forecast period, baked goods are expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% with an increasing demand for ready-to-eat and packaged products such as cookies, doughnuts, savoury pastries, pretzels, biscuits and cakes. 

Some of the leading players operating in the halal food market are Al Islami Foods, QL Foods, Saffron Road Food, Dagang Halal, Janan Meat, Kawan Foods, Cargill, Prima Agri-Products, Nestle and Cleone Foods. Over the past few years, fast food chains such as KFC and McDonald's have started providing halal certified products to widen their customer base, Hexa Research said.

Hexa Research also put the global halal market at 1.8 billion Muslims as of 2015, and said halal demand has gone beyond consumable products to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and service sector components such as marketing, logistics, and packaging.

Source: Hexa Research. Global halal food revenue, by end use, 2014-2024, in US$ billion.

Details:

Buy the Hexa Research Halal Food Market Size and Forecast, By Application (Processed Food & Beverages, Bakery Products and Confectionary**), and Trend Analysis, 2014 - 2024 report. 

*This is often repeated but non-Muslims typically express no interest in whether there is halal certification for a product because it is more hygienic or healthier. They will buy a product because it is positioned that way irrespective of whether it is halal. They are interested however in whether there was cruelty to animals involved and may buy a halal product because it has not been tested on animals.

**sic