The global halal industry, which has exceeded trillions of dollars, has entered an era where questions are being raised about the effectiveness of traditional halal certification methods. The complexities of modern supply chains, multinational corporate structures, and the vast network of global trade have made technology-based solutions essential for verifying halal products. The integration of blockchain technology with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and QR code (Quick Response Code) systems is proving to be a precursor to revolutionary change in the halal food sector. This article will not only cover the jurisprudential aspects of this technological triangle but will also present a review of its practical implementation, Sharia challenges, and future possibilities. We will see how these technologies are adapting the ancient Islamic concept of “halal” according to the requirements of the digital era, and will also analyze their economic, ethical, and social impacts.

The halal supply chain is not merely a commercial process but a Sharia duty that presents the practical interpretation of the Quranic command “halalan tayyiban” (lawful and pure). In Islamic Sharia, every Muslim has the responsibility to not only arrange halal sustenance for themselves but also to prove helpful in obtaining halal for others. Blockchain technology is playing a key role in fulfilling this Sharia requirement. This technology makes every stage of the supply chain – farming, slaughter, processing, packaging, transportation, and retail – transparent and verifiable. In jurisprudential terminology, this system gives modern shape to the concept of “Al-Amanah” (trustworthiness), where every link accepts responsibility for its actions. The decentralized ledger system of blockchain is actually a reflection of the Islamic concept of “Al-Shahadah” (testimony), where every transaction is recorded through multiple “witnesses.” The special feature of this system is that it makes the process of “Al-Tawtheeq” (verification) so strong that all possibilities of “Al-Gharr” (deception) and “Al-Tadlees” (fraud) are eliminated.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is proving to be the backbone of the halal supply chain. This technology enables automatic identification and continuous tracking of items through radio waves. For halal food verification, RFID tags are installed at three key stages: firstly, on animals’ bodies during husbandry and slaughter; secondly, on raw material containers in processing plants; thirdly, on shipping units of finished products. These tags collect real-time data, such as temperature, humidity, movement, and time. From a jurisprudential perspective, this technology can completely monitor the Islamic procedure of “Al-Dhakat” (slaughter). Modern RFID sensors ensure that the slaughter process is according to Sharia principles – the animal is facing the Qibla, the slaughterer is Muslim and sane, “Bismillah” has been recited, and carotid arteries and jugular veins have been completely cut. This system ensures the jurisprudential principle of “Al-Istifa” (complete execution).

QR code (Quick Response Code) technology has revolutionized the process of halal product verification. This two-dimensional barcode provides consumers with instant access to the complete history of products. When a consumer scans a QR code, they obtain the following information: product origin (farm name and location), slaughter date and time, slaughterhouse details, processing plant record, transportation history, and storage conditions. From a Sharia perspective, this system gives practical shape to the Islamic concept of “Haq al-Ma’lumiyya” (right to information). In Islamic jurisprudence, the buyer has the right to obtain all relevant information about products before purchase. QR code operationalizes this right in this modern era, which eliminates the possibilities of “Al-Ghabn” (deception). An important jurisprudential aspect of this is that it removes “Al-Shubuhat” (doubts) – in many cases, consumers have doubts about products being halal, but through QR code, they can remove this doubt through evidence-based information.

Blockchain technology is both the brain and memory of the halal supply chain. It is a distributed ledger system in which every transaction is cryptographically linked and practically impossible to change. This characteristic is extremely important for halal food verification because it ensures data integrity. From a jurisprudential perspective, blockchain takes the Islamic concept of “Al-Bayyinah” (evidence) to a new height. Just as testimony and documentary evidence have importance in judicial proceedings in Islamic law, similarly data stored in blockchain holds the status of legal evidence. Through this technology, the complete history of halal products – from farm to fork – is stored in immutable form. This system also reflects the Islamic principle of “Al-Amanah,” where every stakeholder in the supply chain has to accept full responsibility for their actions. The decentralized nature of blockchain actually strengthens the Islamic concept of “Al-Adl” (justice), because there is no control of a single entity in it.

An important aspect of the halal supply chain blockchain is resolving differences in halal standards between different countries and schools of thought. Today, different Islamic countries (for example, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) have their own halal standards, which creates complexities in international trade. Blockchain technology presents an intelligent solution to this problem. It can establish a global standard framework that different halal certification bodies can customize according to their respective standards. From a jurisprudential perspective, this is close to the Islamic concept of “Al-Ijtihad,” where scholars from different regions derive rulings in light of their respective Sharia evidences. One benefit of this system is that it makes “Ikhtilaf” (differences) constructive rather than destructive. Differences between different halal certification bodies can be resolved through blockchain in a transparent and scientific manner. This system actually establishes balance between “Al-Wahdah” (unity) and “Al-Tanawwu” (diversity).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are playing a revolutionary role in the halal supply chain. Through AI, automatic verification and monitoring of halal products is becoming possible. For example, through computer vision, it can be checked whether animals have been slaughtered according to Sharia method. AI algorithms can analyze the blade’s angle, depth, and speed during slaughter. From a jurisprudential perspective, the use of AI gives a new dimension to the Islamic concept of “Al-Ihtisab” (supervision). This system reduces the possibilities of human error, which makes halal product verification more reliable. Another jurisprudential benefit of AI is that it converts “Al-Shakk” (doubt) into “Al-Yaqeen” (certainty). In many cases, human inspectors have to rely on subjective judgments, but through AI, objective measurements become possible. Additionally, AI ensures “Al-Istimirariyyah” (continuous monitoring) – it can monitor 24/7, while this is not possible for human inspectors.

Through data analytics and big data technologies, analysis of halal market trends, consumer behaviors, and future directions of the industry is becoming possible. Advanced analytics of data stored in blockchain can make accurate predictions about the future of the halal industry. From a Sharia perspective, this is exactly according to the principles of “Al-Istislah” (public interest) and “Al-Istinbat” (deduction). Through this data, the halal industry can be improved, which will bring economic and social benefits to the entire Muslim Ummah. An important aspect of data analytics is increasing “Al-Shafafiyyah” (transparency) – it provides stakeholders with industry insights, which increases “Al-Tanafus” (competition) and reduces “Al-Ihtikar” (monopoly). In jurisprudential terminology, this establishes balance between “Al-Manfa’ah” (profit) and “Al-Manafi'” (mutual benefit).

Special care is taken for data protection and privacy in the halal supply chain blockchain. This system reflects the Islamic principles of “Hifz al-Irz” (protection of honor), “Hifz al-Mal” (protection of wealth), and “Hifz al-Sirr” (confidentiality). Sensitive data is kept secure through advanced encryption techniques. From a jurisprudential perspective, this gives practical shape to the principle of “Al-Istidhan” (seeking permission) – consumers’ personal information cannot be used without their explicit consent. An important characteristic of this system is “Al-Tawazun” (balance) – it establishes balance between transparency and privacy. It ensures protection of commercial secrets along with consumers’ right to information. This is actually the practical expression of jurisprudential balance between “Al-Maslahah” (benefit) and “Al-Darar” (harm).

The economic benefits of halal supply chain blockchain are numerous. This system strengthens the Islamic concept of “Al-Adl” (justice). Increase in supply chain efficiency, reduction in fraud possibilities, and increase in consumer trust result in overall productivity growth of the industry. From a jurisprudential perspective, this is exactly according to the principles of “Al-Manfa’ah” (benefit) and “Al-Darar” (harm). An important economic aspect of this system is “Al-Takamul” (integration) – it creates better coordination between different stakeholders (farmers, processors, transporters, retailers). This is actually the practical interpretation of the Islamic principle of “Al-Ta’awun” (cooperation). As a result of economic transparency, fair distribution of “Al-Ribh” (profit) becomes possible, which reduces the possibilities of “Al-Zulm” (injustice).

The new generation of Muslims is preferring digital halal solutions. This trend is exactly according to the Islamic concept of “Al-Tajdid” (renewal). Through the use of modern technologies, the halal industry is meeting the expectations of the new generation. From a jurisprudential perspective, this reflects the principle of “Al-Taysir” (ease) – in Sharia, removing difficulties and creating ease is recommended. Through digital halal solutions, the new generation is getting the speed, accuracy, and convenience in halal product verification that they expect in modern lifestyle. An important jurisprudential aspect of this is “Al-Jadhb” (attraction) – it attracts the new generation towards halal and strengthens their religious commitment. This is actually the modern form of the duty of “Al-Da’wah” (invitation).

The halal supply chain blockchain has some challenges, but their Sharia solutions exist. Technical challenges include system complexity, implementation costs, and lack of technical expertise. Sharia challenges include the jurisprudential status of digital evidence, responsibility of automated systems, and harmonization between different madhahib. From a jurisprudential perspective, solutions to these problems are possible through the principles of “Al-Ijtihad” (independent reasoning) and “Al-Taqniyah” (standardization). The solution to technical challenges lies in gradual implementation, public-private partnerships, and capacity building. The solution to Sharia challenges lies in dialogue between contemporary fuqaha, development of unified standards, and formation of new frameworks of digital fiqh. This is actually the practical expression of the Islamic concepts of “Al-Istiqamah” (steadfastness) and “Al-Sabr” (patience).

The halal supply chain blockchain is a joint project for the entire Muslim Ummah, which strengthens the Islamic principle of “Al-Ta’awun” (cooperation). This system promotes economic integration between different Islamic countries. From a jurisprudential perspective, this is exactly according to the concept of “Al-Wahdah” (unity) – although jurisprudential differences exist, there is agreement in basic principles. An important aspect of this system is “Al-Takamul” (integration) – it utilizes the comparative advantages of different Islamic countries. For example, some countries have agricultural resources, some have manufacturing capabilities, and some have market access. This system actually presents the economic interpretation of the Islamic concept of “Al-Takaful” (mutual responsibility).

The future of halal supply chain blockchain is extremely bright and full of possibilities. Further improvements in this system are expected with the integration of emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), 5G networks, and artificial intelligence. From a jurisprudential perspective, this evolution is exactly according to the Islamic principle of “Al-Tadrij” (gradualism) – in Sharia, changes should be gradual and measured. In the future, we can see that this system will become “Al-Shamil” (comprehensive) – it will cover not only the food sector but also pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other sectors. This will actually be a step towards “Al-Kamal” (perfection), in which all aspects of halal will be included.

The halal supply chain blockchain is going through a continuous improvement process. This is exactly according to the Islamic concept of “Al-Ijtihad” – just as jurists find solutions to new problems according to changing requirements of time, similarly this technology is also continuously evolving. From a jurisprudential perspective, this evolution reflects the principle of “Al-Istimirariyyah” (continuity) – the process of improvement never stops in Islam. The special feature of this system is that it creates “Al-Tafa’ul” (interaction) – continuous dialogue occurs between jurists and technologists, which leads to development in both fields. This is actually the best model of “Al-Takamul” (integration), where religion and science complement each other.

Finally, the halal supply chain blockchain is an important part of the future of Islamic economy. It not only makes halal product verification easier but also strengthens the Islamic principles of transparency, justice, and collective welfare in it. However, its Sharia and technical challenges cannot be ignored. There is a need for scholars, technologists, industrialists, and policy makers to work together to develop a system that not only meets modern requirements but also reflects all commands of Sharia. In this regard, the following suggestions are presented: firstly, permanent Sharia supervision committees should be established; secondly, harmony should be created in international halal standards; thirdly, capacity building programs should be arranged; fourthly, awareness should be created among consumers; fifthly, investment should be made in continuous research and development. Through all these measures, we can establish a balanced digital halal system that not only fulfills Sharia requirements but is also according to the economic and technical requirements of the modern era. This is the key to proper implementation of halal in our digital era.