Shariah and institutional perspectives on utilisation of chicken feathers as a halal consumer goods

The chicken feathers utilisation as halal consumer goods remains underexplored despite their significant industrial value and alignment with sustainable resource management. In Malaysia, large volumes of feather waste generated from the poultry industry are often disposed through environmentally harmful methods, leading to ecological concerns and missed economic opportunities. At the same time, uncertainties regarding the Shariah status, issues of purity (ṭahārah), and negative public perceptions continue to hinder their acceptance as halal-based products. Therefore, this study aims to observe the Sha>fi‘i>’s scholar perspectives on utilisation of chicken feather as halal consumer goods and to identify institutional perspectives on utilisation of chicken feather as halal consumer goods. This research adopts a qualitative approach by integrating document analysis of classical Shāfiʿī jurisprudential sources and contemporary fatwā with semi-structured interviews involving relevant authorities, namely the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak. Thematic analysis was used supported by NVivo software. The findings show that chicken feathers derived from halal-slaughtered animals are considered pure and permissible according to Shāfiʿī jurisprudence. From an institutional perspective, feather waste demonstrates strong potential for value added applications. The study also highlights critical factors influencing implementation such as regulatory compliance, halal certification requirements, hygiene standards, consumer perception, and knowledge limitations. Importantly, the integration of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah principles and the prohibition of wastefulness (isrāf) support the sustainable utilisation of such resources. Future research should focus on developing specific Shariah guidelines, conducting scientific validation of safety and purity, enhancing consumer awareness, and exploring market feasibility to facilitate wider acceptance of chicken feather-based halal products.