What is Halal and what is not? Many Muslims are clear as to what is prohibited and what is allowed. However, for many of the Muslims, the lines are blurred. This is why Islamic countries are working to standardize and codify Halal products.

With Halal products and services estimated to be worth more than US$2 trillion, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is working on a standard that applies to all its 57 member countries.

Jamil Khir Baharom, the religious affairs minister for Malaysia, said in a Reuters interview that his country is ideally placed to lead the way.

“Malaysia’s Halal certification is recognized worldwide, so perhaps we can play an important role in creating a global standard,” he said. “We need a halal certification that everyone can use easily.”

While most Halal-haram issues are clear-cut, such as the prohibition of pork and meat not slaughtered in the Islamic way, there are gray areas in products like non-alcoholic beer or vinegar.

At the same time, some countries are stricter in implementing Halal and haram laws than others. Indeed, a codified standard for Halal products and services would immensely benefit Muslims everywhere.

It is just a case of bridging the vast differences in certain issues across the Muslim world. It is easier said than done.