The Halal Times

09/07/2025

https://www.halaltimes.com/philippines-ranked-among-best-muslim-friendly-destinations/

The Philippines ranks 8th in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index, recognized for its halal-friendly hotels, prayer facilities & Halal food.

09/07/2025

https://www.halaltimes.com/halal-animal-welfare-association-calls-for-urgent-reform-in-the-global-halal-industry/

Halal Animal Welfare Association calls for urgent reform in the global halal industry, highlighting the need for protecting animal welfare.

09/01/2025

Pakistan’s financial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This shift reflects a global trend recognizing the inherent value of diverse perspectives and inclusive practices in driving innovation, fostering stronger communities, and achieving sustainable business success. Leading this charge in Pakistan is Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), a prominent Islamic bank recently recognized for its exceptional commitment to creating a fair and inclusive workplace.

At the prestigious 2025 Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmark (GDEIB) Awards, FBL achieved a remarkable feat, securing 14 awards, solidifying its position as a champion for DEI not just within its organization but also as a leader setting an example for Pakistan’s entire banking sector.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/faysal-bank-wins-2025-global-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-award/

09/01/2025

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) are no longer just buzzwords in boardrooms. In today’s interconnected world, fostering a workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of the communities we serve is not only ethically sound but a strategic imperative. Companies that actively prioritize D&I demonstrably outperform their peers, becoming magnets for top talent and driving innovation to new heights.

This global shift toward inclusive practices is powerfully reflected in the prestigious 2025 Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmark Awards (GDEIB Awards). Held annually, these awards recognize organizations worldwide that are making significant strides in building fair and inclusive workplaces. Let’s delve into the significance of these awards, explore the multifaceted power of D&I, and unpack the inspiring stories of the 2025 winners.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/2025-global-diversity-inclusion-benchmark-awards/

09/01/2025

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent remarks about the Tourism Ministry’s focus on generating revenue for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) have sparked discussions about the country’s ambitious tourism revival plans. His lighthearted jab at Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, playfully suggesting a focus on attracting revenue rather than requesting more funds, highlights the crucial role that boosting Malaysia’s Tourism Revenue plays in this national tourism campaign.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/malaysian-pm-anwar-targets-growth-in-malaysias-tourism-revenue/

09/01/2025

France has once again become the focal point of a contentious debate surrounding secularism (laïcité), security, and the wearing of the hijab, with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau’s recent proposal to ban Muslim mothers from wearing headscarves while accompanying children on school trips. This proposal arrives amid already heightened security concerns and deep-seated societal tensions regarding the role of religion, particularly Islam, in French public life. This renewed focus on a potential hijab ban raises complex questions about individual liberties, national identity, social cohesion, and the delicate balance between security and freedom.

Related: Experts Urge France to Lift ‘Discriminatory’ Hijab Ban in Sports

Laïcité and the Hijab in France
At the heart of this ongoing discussion lies the French concept of laïcité, a distinctive form of secularism that emphasizes a strict separation of church and state. This principle, deeply ingrained in French law and culture, aims to ensure neutrality in public institutions and spaces, preventing the dominance of any single religious influence. Laïcité has led to various restrictions on religious symbols in public schools, where students are prohibited from wearing visible religious attire, including hijabs, kippahs (Jewish skullcaps), large Christian crosses, and other religious symbols. Established in 2004, this ban has been a source of ongoing debate and legal challenges.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/france-interior-minister-proposes-hijab-ban-on-school-trips/

09/01/2025

In a world where technology evolves faster than we can blink, education has entered a golden age of reinvention. The classroom, once confined to brick walls and chalkboards, now lives in the cloud, on screens, and in the hands of learners worldwide. Modern educational technologies are no longer just supplements; they are cornerstones, reshaping how knowledge is shared, absorbed, and applied. What’s driving this transformation? The answer lies in innovative ed-tech tools that are bridging gaps and reimagining education for modern learners.

A New Era of Learning: What’s Changed?
Let’s talk about how things were. Traditional education often followed a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving little room for adaptability or personalization. The modern learner, however, demands flexibility and engagement, and technology is delivering just that. Did you know that by 2023, 70% of global students reported using some form of online learning? This shift is not a coincidence but a response to the evolving needs of students and educators alike.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/educational-technology-reimagined-transformative-tools-for-the-modern-learner/

08/01/2025

The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and within it, a distinct and dynamic ecosystem is emerging: Muslim-centric technology. This burgeoning sector encompasses a wide range of Islamic Apps and digital platforms designed to cater to the specific needs, values, and ethical considerations of the global Muslim community. The story of LaunchGood, a crowdfunding platform, serves as a powerful illustration of the challenges and remarkable opportunities within this space.

Co-founded by Amany Killawi, LaunchGood’s initial struggles to secure reliable payment processing due to discriminatory practices highlight the hurdles Muslim entrepreneurs often face. This experience, however, became a catalyst for innovation, ultimately leading to the creation of a more inclusive and ethically aligned digital world.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/islamic-apps-and-websites-growth-trends-in-2024/

08/01/2025

The Philippines, a vibrant archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is a tapestry woven from diverse cultural threads. From its indigenous roots to the influence of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American traditions, the nation has cultivated a unique and dynamic culinary landscape. Now, a new and exciting chapter is unfolding: the introduction of authentic Arabian dining. AlBarakah, a halal food company, is stepping into this space with a dual mission: to cater to the specific dietary needs of the Filipino Muslim community and to share the rich and diverse flavors of Arabian cuisine with the broader Filipino palate, a nation-renowned for its deep love of food and shared culinary experiences.

A Dream Rooted in Reality
AlBarakah’s story is deeply personal, born from a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by Filipino Muslims in accessing halal food. CEO Ameerah Tamundong, a Filipino Muslim herself, has experienced these difficulties intimately. “My fellow Muslims and I didn’t always have the easiest time adhering to our dietary principles,” she explains. This personal struggle sparked a powerful desire to create a solution, to “eradicate that problem for all our fellow Muslims by providing an easily accessible source for great tasting and healthy halal products.” This personal mission has evolved into a business with significant social impact, addressing a previously underserved and vital segment of the Philippine food market.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/halal-arabian-dining-at-arabian-nights-feast-manila-philippines/

08/01/2025

Have you ever felt stuck between needing a car and staying true to your faith? Imagine owning your dream car without compromising your Islamic values. Yes, it’s possible! Let me show you how you can navigate the modern financial maze and buy a car without paying interest (riba)—because your principles and your should never take a backseat.

You know in a world dominated by credit systems and interest-based financing, Muslims who strive to live in accordance with Islamic principles face a unique challenge: how to make major purchases, such as buying a car, or purchasing a house, without compromising the basic tenets of Islam. The question looms: is it even possible to buy a car without paying riba (interest), which is strictly prohibited in Islam? The answer is a resounding yes—but it requires foresight, patience, and a little bit of creativity.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/how-to-buy-a-car-without-paying-interest-riba/

08/01/2025

The British business landscape is a dynamic and evolving ecosystem, constantly enriched by the contributions of diverse communities. Among these, the Muslim entrepreneurial spirit has emerged as a significant force, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing substantially to the UK economy. The Islam Channel Business Awards, now in its 4th edition in 2025, serves as a powerful testament to this vibrant sector, celebrating the excellence, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive of British Muslim businesses and inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.

Islam Channel: A Platform Empowering Muslim Businesses
The Islam Channel, a leading British broadcaster dedicated to providing diverse and informative Islamic content, takes immense pride in hosting these prestigious awards. Established in 2004, Islam Channel has become a trusted voice within the Muslim community, offering a platform for dialogue, education, and cultural expression. The Business Awards, launched in 2021, have quickly become a hallmark event, recognizing and celebrating the significant contributions of Muslim-owned businesses to the UK economy and society. Beyond simply providing recognition, Islam Channel acts as a valuable resource hub for Muslim entrepreneurs, offering educational programming, fostering crucial networking opportunities, and providing access to a vast audience of potential customers through its broadcasting and digital platforms.
read full article on: https://www.halaltimes.com/islam-channel-business-awards-2025-nominate-uk-muslim-businesses/