ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses that Malaysia holds a special position in the global halal market. In 2004 Malaysia launched its first Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. It investigates Malay middle-class Muslims' understandings and practices of halal in their everyday lives in London. In November 2005, the Halal Exhibition at the major World Food Market (WFM) in London was held for the first time. The WFM also included an Ethnic Specialty Food Exhibition, as well as a Kosher Exhibition. It also discusses the relationship between Islam and the secular in Malaysia before moving on to the way in which these issues can be explored in Britain. The chapter examines how halal certifiers in Britain claim authority in the market for halal products and services. It concludes on how diaspora is given a new expression in the interfaces between Islam, secularism, state and market.
