Hawzah News Agency –Imam W.D. Umar began to identify a need for Halal service transparency in the United States of America in the mid-1980s. So he put pen to paper and produced the first of several newsletters dubbed “Halal Watch,” updating the public on Halal sector developments. As his studies and readership expanded, he became aware of a group of Muslim prison inmates who were underserved and began to fight for their unheard voices. After numerous lawsuits and hard-fought battles, not only were Halal items made available, but the Halal Food Consumer Protection Law was enacted in his honor.

Imam Umar is a well-known author of seven books, the founder of the National Association of Muslim Chaplains (now the AMC), and a distinguished professor. He earned his master’s degree from The School of Islamic and Social Sciences. He proposed and assisted in the passage of the halal enforcement statute in the state of New Jersey, as well as in nine other states.

Since 1990, Halal Watch World has been working in the Halal certification industry. Even if a product is labeled Halal, most Muslims nowadays are unaware of what they are eating. Halal Watch World was founded on the belief that people should be aware of what they are eating. Their contribution to the Muslim community protects their constituents by increasing transparency in the halal certification process.

Members of Halal Watch have extensive qualifications, and hold degrees from some of the top universities in the world, including, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Darul Ulum Al Arabia Al Islamia (CPT), Darul Ulum Azadville (JHB), Darun Na’im Institute of Islamic Higher Education (CPT), and The School of Islamic and Social Sciences (VA).

Halal Watch has worked with groups all around the world and has been instrumental in the implementation of Halal legislation in ten states. This includes New Jerseys Halal Food Consumer Protection Law (2000), and the New York State Halal Foods Protection Act.