At HAWA, we are driven by a mission to uphold ethical and humane treatment of animals in the Halal industry. Guided by Islamic principles, we work to ensure that every step, from farm to table, aligns with compassion and respect for Allah's creations. Together, we aim to create a future where animal welfare is an integral part of Halal practices.
Promoting kindness and empathy towards all living beings by ensuring humane practices in the Halal industry, guided by Islamic principles of mercy and care.
Upholding transparency and ethical standards across Halal practices, fostering trust, accountability, and authenticity in every step from farm to table, aligned with Islamic values.
Respecting the innate worth of animals, safeguarding their welfare, and ensuring they are treated with care, reflecting humanity's stewardship responsibility towards Allah's creations.
At the Halal Animal Welfare Association (HAWA), our commitment is to promote ethical and humane treatment of animals in accordance with Islamic principles. Established with the mission to protect animal welfare in the Halal industry, we work closely with communities, industries, and regulatory bodies worldwide to elevate standards and practices in animal care, ensuring that every step of the process—from farm to table—adheres to ethical and humane principles rooted in Islamic values.
"All living beings roaming the earth and winged birds soaring in the sky are communities like yourselves. We have left nothing out of the Record. Then to their Lord they will be gathered all together." - Surah Al-An'am (6:38)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you." Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī
Our vision is a world where animal welfare is at the forefront of Halal practices, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and animals as stewards of creation. We strive to inspire change and lead by example in safeguarding animal dignity and welfare across every aspect of the Halal industry.
The Halal Animal Welfare Association is dedicated to:
Animal welfare is integral to Halal practices, emphasizing mercy, compassion, and respect for all of Allah's creations. By upholding these values:
Emerging Leader – OFC 2020
Featured in "Contribution of Women in the Global Islamic Economy" (Published March 2023)
Gemma Ali is a pioneering advocate for ethical practices in the Halal industry. With a Bachelor's degree in Animal Management, specializing in Livestock Science, and a Master's in Animal Welfare and Conservation, her educational journey reflects a deep-rooted commitment to advancing animal welfare. Alongside leading the Halal Animal Welfare Association (H.A.W.A.), Gemma is also an educator in Animal Management and Biology.
During her studies, Gemma developed a profound concern for conventional farming systems and how they might conflict with Islamic principles on animal rights and welfare. Her research thesis validated these concerns, as both Muslim consumers and religious leaders voiced similar apprehensions. This revelation inspired her to establish H.A.W.A. to address these issues, promote consumer education, and collaborate with industry stakeholders to enhance animal welfare, labeling, and the integrity of Halal practices.
Gemma aims to pursue further studies at the PhD level, equipping future generations with knowledge, resources, and research to support those dedicated to reforming the industry. Her vision is to provide the evidence-based foundation needed for anyone seeking to elevate animal welfare standards within the Halal sector.
The Halal Animal Welfare Association carries out a range of programs and initiatives to raise animal welfare standards, including:
We believe that awareness is the first step toward change. Through workshops, seminars, and online resources, HAWA educates the public and industry professionals on the significance of Halal animal welfare, emphasizing compassion, integrity, and respect.
We engage in continuous research to promote welfare-friendly practices within Halal production. By collaborating with scholars, scientists, and animal welfare experts, we advocate for policies that protect animals and improve Halal standards globally.
With a network of trained professionals, HAWA offers training programs to help businesses meet Halal animal welfare standards, including humane handling, transportation, and slaughter practices.
Building alliances with animal welfare organizations, Halal certification bodies, and environmental groups to create a unified approach to humane practices in the Halal sector.
Empowering Knowledge, Inspiring Change
The HAWA Welfare Assurance Program promotes high standards of animal welfare in agricultural operations, aligning with Islamic principles and industry best practices. Certified farms demonstrate ethical animal care through regular virtual audits, expert consultations, and compliance with HAWA standards. Members gain credibility with consumers and access to resources to improve welfare practices along the Halal supply chain.
Fee Type |
UK (£) |
International ($) |
Notes |
One-off Membership |
30 |
41 |
Covers onboarding and resources |
Annual Fee |
50 |
61 |
Includes two virtual audits |
Small Farm Annual Fee |
15 |
19 |
For farms with income ≤ £1,000 |
Additional Consultation |
12 |
12 |
Per hour, invoiced separately |
For more information, contact hawa.online@outlook.com.
HAWA advocates for humane practices, educates stakeholders, and collaborates with experts to ensure ethical animal care and integrity in Halal production.
Islamic principles emphasize compassion, mercy, and respect for all creatures, aligning perfectly with humane treatment and ethical standards in the Halal industry.
Ethical animal treatment ensures higher-quality products, fosters consumer trust, and upholds the spiritual values and integrity of Halal certification.
Yes, we provide workshops and training on humane handling, transportation, and slaughter practices, tailored to meet Halal and global welfare standards.
You can join as a member, volunteer, participate in our workshops, or donate to help advance humane and ethical practices in the Halal industry.
info@halalanimalwelfare.com / hawa.online@outlook.com