Muslim Scholars Condemn VHP Leader’s Demand to Ban Halal Certification

In a land as vibrant as India, where the aroma of biryani wafts through bustling markets and sweets like barfi bring families together, the right to choose what’s on your plate should be sacred. Yet, on October 25, 2025, Surendra Jain, international working president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), launched a provocative attack, demanding a complete ban on halal certification, branding it a “tool to impose Shariah law.” This isn’t just an assault on a dietary practice followed by more than two billion Muslims around the world—it’s a direct challenge to the religious freedom of India’s 200 million Muslims and the economic lifeline of millions more. Within hours, Muslim scholars and leaders fired back, condemning the call as divisive, baseless, and a threat to India’s pluralistic society. This isn’t about labels on food; it’s about preserving choice, faith, and fairness in a nation built on diversity.

The VHP’s Claims: A Narrative Built on Fear, Not Facts

Halal certification, a cornerstone of Islamic dietary practice, ensures food and products adhere to principles of ethical sourcing, humane animal treatment, and the absence of haram (forbidden) ingredients like pork or alcohol. For India’s Muslim community, it’s a vital assurance in a diverse market, delivered by trusted bodies like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and Halal India Pvt Ltd through meticulous audits that often surpass standard food safety norms. For centuries, this system has coexisted peacefully alongside other traditions, like jhatka for Hindus and Sikhs, reflecting India’s pluralistic ethos.

But the VHP, a leading Hindu nationalist group, sees it differently. At a New Delhi event, Jain escalated a narrative that’s been simmering since Uttar Pradesh’s 2023 ban on halal-certified products’ storage and sale. He claimed certifications are a front for “economic jihad,” alleging fees fund anti-national activities. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath doubled down on October 22, suggesting Rs 25,000 crore from certifications fuels “terrorism, love jihad, and conversions.” These accusations, timed amid communal flashpoints like an Aligarh FIR against Muslim families over a village slogan, paint halal as a threat to national security.

The truth? These claims don’t hold water. Certification fees are transparent, funding non-profit operations like audits and training, with no evidence linking them to illicit activities. Muslim scholars argue this rhetoric isn’t just misleading—it’s a deliberate attempt to marginalize a community and disrupt a thriving economic sector.

The Muslim Response: A Unified Stand for Rights and Reason

The rebuttal was immediate and resolute. On October 26, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind issued powerful statements, labeling the VHP’s demand “unconstitutional and inflammatory.” AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas was clear: “Halal certification is a religious right, not a conspiracy. Banning it violates our freedom and harms India’s global trade.” Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahman, AIMPLB president, emphasized that in secular nations like India, private certifications bridge a gap governments don’t fill—a practice mirrored in countries like the UK and Australia, where halal thrives without controversy.

Advocate Zainab Rahmani, a Delhi-based legal voice, called out the government’s silence: “Why let divisive narratives target Muslims under false pretenses? Halal is about ethics and choice, not division.” Delhi University’s Professor Aijaz Ahmad added a broader lens: “Food is being weaponized to alienate minorities, but halal’s standards benefit everyone, from Muslims to ethical eaters.” Rooted in Article 25 of India’s Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom, and backed by Supreme Court rulings upholding dietary rights, their stance is both legally and morally robust.

What’s striking is the scholars’ broader vision. They stress halal’s universal appeal: Its focus on hygiene, traceability, and humane practices draws non-Muslims too—vegans, health buffs, even global giants like Nestlé. In India’s diverse markets, halal doesn’t compete with jhatka or vegetarian options; it complements them, offering choice in a shared culinary landscape. Banning it, they argue, isn’t just anti-Muslim—it’s anti-India, undermining the unity that defines the nation.

This debate isn’t just about faith—it’s about livelihoods. India’s halal exports, from buffalo meat to basmati rice, generate billions annually, with Uttar Pradesh alone powering shipments to 57 Muslim-majority countries. The global halal food market, projected to hit $1.94 trillion by 2028 and $6 trillion overall by 2033, is a goldmine India can’t afford to ignore. Halal certification fuels jobs for lakhs of farmers, processors, and exporters in states like Bihar, Maharashtra, and beyond.

A ban would be catastrophic. Exporters like Al-Kabeer, already navigating Supreme Court stays on state-level restrictions, face uncertainty that deters investment. Small farmers, reliant on halal-compliant supply chains, would lose markets like the UAE and Indonesia, where Indian goods are prized. A January 2025 industry report underscores halal’s mainstream traction: Non-Muslims globally buy certified products for their ethical rigor, mirroring the organic food boom. For Indian businesses, certification unlocks 1.9 billion consumers and 20-30% sales boosts—a no-brainer for growth.

For Muslims, halal is non-negotiable, ensuring faith-aligned diets. But its benefits spill over: Stricter audits mean safer food for all, and sustainable practices align with global eco-trends. A ban doesn’t protect anyone—it shrinks India’s economic clout and alienates a fifth of its citizens.

Charting the Path Forward: Action and Solidarity

What’s next? Muslim scholars are mobilizing. The AIMPLB is eyeing Supreme Court challenges, building on April 2025 hearings that paused state bans. They’re also pushing for FSSAI to standardize certifications, ensuring transparency and fairness. Interfaith dialogues are on the table to debunk myths and foster unity. But the VHP’s campaign may spur more state-level restrictions in BJP strongholds, making public and legal resistance critical.

For Muslim businesses, the message is clear: Strengthen your supply chains with trusted certifiers like Halal India to secure export markets. For Muslim consumers, keep choosing certified products—your purchases sustain jobs and uphold rights. And for allies, amplify these voices: Share how halal drives ethical trade, supports farmers, and aligns with India’s pluralistic values.

This isn’t just a Muslim fight—it’s a call to protect choice and unity. The VHP’s ban demand seeks to divide, but the scholars’ response offers a vision of inclusion. In India’s vibrant tapestry, halal isn’t a threat—it’s a thread binding faith, fairness, and prosperity. Let’s stand together to keep it that way. Share your thoughts below—how can we build bridges through food?