SHARIAH COMPLIANCE HOTEL: CONCEPTS AND DESIGN
AHMAD SAHIR JAIS
SHARIAH COMPLIANCE HOTEL: CONCEPTS AND DESIGN
Ahmad Sahir Jais 1st Edition
Published by POLITEKNIK MERLIMAU MELAKA Karung Berkunci 1031, Pejabat Pos Merlimau, 77300 Merlimau Melaka.
Shariah Compliance Hotel: Concepts and Design Copyright © 2016 by Ahmad Sahir Jais. All rights reserved. Published in Malaysia. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. All sources in this book are gathered from public domains as stated. All Work, Pictures, figure & data and sources are quoted and credited to the original author & organizations. For information contact:
[email protected] Book and Cover design by Designer ISBN 978-967-0189-70-3 First Edition February 2016
Printed in Malaysia Koperasi Politeknik Merlimau Melaka Berhad Politeknik Merlimau
TABLE OF CONTENT FOREWORD ........................................................................ i 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................. 1 2. TERMS AND DEFINITION ............................................... 4 3. SHARIAH COMPLIANCE HOTEL CONCEPTS & DESIGN .. 13 3.1 MANAGEMENT ........................................................ 14 3.2 INTERIOR .............................................................. 17 a) Room Design and Configuration ................................ 17 b) In room facilities .................................................... 22 c) Public area ............................................................. 24 3.3 SHARIAH COMPLIANCES SERVICES ....................... 28 a) Food and beverage ................................................. 30 b) Entertainment ........................................................ 32 c) Recreation ............................................................. 33 d) Religious services ................................................... 33 4. SHARIAH COMPLIANCE HOTEL CERTIFICATIONS ........ 35 REFERENCES ..................................................................... 41
FOREWORD
D
iscussions about Muslim friendly practices as well as Shariah Compliance Hotel (SCH) has been debated and talk over through various publication, seminars and dialogues. However, to date, there
are
no
definitive guidelines on how a Shariah hotel should build or designed but several best practices have been accepted as an industry standard. This book will discussed on the ante of Shariah compliance
hotel,
based
on
the
latest
best
practices
and
standards. Shariah Compliance Hotel has its own appeal as opposed to a conventional hotel, especially for Muslim travelers. Muslim key markets are from the Middle East, South East Asia, and Far East Region, Africa as well as the Indian sub-continent. This book will be focusing on all the details of the Shariah compliance hotel, based upon MS2610:2015
Muslim
3 available, standards which are
Friendly
Hospitality
Services
–
Requirements, MS1500:2009 Halal Food - Production, Preparation, Handling and Storage - General Guidelines and MS1900:2005Quality
Management
Perspective.
System:
Requirement
from
Islamic
1. INTRODUCTION
T
he Malaysian government aspires Herself to be an Islamic tourism hub among the Muslim tourist in the world. The set-up of Islamic Tourism Council (ITC)
strengthened this aspiration. Being an Islamic country, Malaysia has the capability and ability to cater to the needs of Muslim tourist. Many Muslim’s countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar has a huge potential to be the market in Malaysia, banking on their high spending and purchasing power. In order to achieve this Islamic tourism hub status, introduction of Islamic hotel or Halal hotel as a form of tourism services seems to be an important factor. A key question among hoteliers and industry player, as to whether this is what the Muslim tourists really wants? Even if the demand for it exist, it is very important 1
to any business, that there must be substantial demands for this type of lodging establishment. This is to ensure a good return of investment and viability of business operations. Muslim consumers increasing appetites for travel according to the annual MasterCard/ Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), which put forward, that the current tally of Muslim visitors is 108 million worldwide with a total spending power of USD 145 billion (RM 500 Billion)
. By 2020, this number of tourist is set to
[1]
increase exponentially up to 40%, to 150 million visitors that will spend about USD 200 billion Dollars (RM 900 Billion). That’s an enormous flow of people and marks the biggest movement of a single demographic in the world — as for comparison, world biggest markets were China, alone contributed to almost 100 million outbound tourist mark last year. In 2014, 30 % of the total number of tourist arrival in Malaysia were Muslim
.
[1]
Malaysia is one of the top tourist destinations among OIC countries.
According
to
a
survey
conducted
by
MasterCard/Crescent Rating in 2015, Global Muslim Travel Index indicates that Malaysia ranked at number 1 with the highest score among OIC nations.
2
When a traveler seeks accommodation, these criteria are at the top
of
their
list
among
others,
family-friendly
hotel
accommodation, safe environment, halal dining option, ease to perform prayers and language proficiency
. The needs for
[1]
Shariah compliance is to cater for a specific niche area that will thrive and grows in the near future. Malaysia recently launched a Muslim friendly hospitality standard, the
MS2610:2015
Muslim
Friendly
Hospitality
Services
–
Requirements. It incorporate the core of hospitality industry, accommodation
segmentation
and
travel
segmentation.
The
standards will be used as benchmarks in assessing the integration of Muslim friendly services in Malaysia, particularly in the hospitality areas. One of the key aspect why Malaysia is the so attractive among Muslim travels are perhaps due to its halal infrastructure and ecosystem. Shariah compliances has been adopted in various industries namely the financial, hospitality, services, insurance & Takaful and Manufacturing.
3
2. TERMS AND DEFINITION
W
hat is a Muslim Friendly hospitality services? How conventional hotels compliance hotel?
do
differ
from
a
Shariah
In an essence, Muslim friendly
hospitality services are products or services in the
travel and tourism industry guided by Shariah requirements that cater to or provide facilities suitable for Muslim travelers[2]. As a Muslim, the duty to perform their religious obligation are still the same even though they are travelling or on a journey. These obligations are deemed as compulsory (Wajib) and therefore need to be performed, however, several leeway are given to lessen the burden to perform. For example, Muslim travelers must perform
4
their daily Solat, five times a day
and
when
seeks
possible.
halal
Solat is the ritual prayers, conducted five times a day and considered as obligatory my every adult Muslims.it is one of the pillars of Islam and considered sinful if not performed.
food
However,
during travel, leeway is given, such as they can shorten their Solat (Jamak). As for fasting, depending on the distances of traveling and the purpose, Muslims can defer the act of fasting and instead replacing it at another time, when permissible. The concept of traveling in Islam is considered as ibadah. To be considered as ibadah, the purpose (Niat) for the journey must be truth and does not deviate, or against the teaching of Islam. When a Muslim travel, he or she still needs the basic necessities of home, especially those related to the function as a practicing Muslim. A services providers, either lodging or food & beverage, are said to be a Muslim friendly establishment if they are able to provide all the necessary facilities for a Muslim such as providing a prayer room or provide halal food
. According to Youmna Maatouk
[3][4]
(2009),Choufany (2009) and Henderson (2010)
[5], [6]
, a Shariah
compliance hotel must void some of these following items and follows these few items as illustrated in Figure 2.1..
5
Figure 2.1: Characteristics of Muslim Friendly Hotel
PROVIDE HALAL FOOD HAS QIBLAT DIRECTION
NO NIGHT CLUB
ART NOT DEPICT HUMAN OR ANIMAL FORM
PROVIDE A COPY OF QURAN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSLIM FRIENDLY HOTEL
HAS SPECIFIC GENDER FACILITIES
PRAYER FACILITIES
STAFF PREDOMINANT LY MUSLIM
CONSERVATIVE TV CHANNEL
DOES NOT PROVIDE ALCOHOLIC SERVICES
PROVIDE PRAYER MAT
Source : Rosenberg (2009)
[5]
and Henderson (2010)
6
[6]
Table 2.1: Operational Definition for Hotel Classification for Shariah Compliance TYPE
DEFINITION
Conventional Hotel
A hotel that provides full services. There is no segregation based on religious needs. Its management and operation doesn’t need to comply with Shariah requirements.
Muslim Friendly Hotel
Hotel that comply with the needs of Muslim travelers, but doesn’t benchmark itself to a certain legislation, law and standards. For an example, provide halal food and Muslim amenities in the room, but has entertainment outlet such as a night club and separate bar services.
Dry Hotel
Hotel operation that does throughout its premises
Muslim Welcome
Hotel that offers Muslims in room amenities such as prayer mats and qiblat direction only. This kind of hotel classification is being used in Japan
not
sell
alcohol
[7]
Shariah Compliance
Source :
Hotel that fulfills the needs of Muslim travelers in accordance to Shariah law. These hotels are usually benchmarked and adopting a certain standard, law and legislation to be certified Shariah compliance. Adopting total compliance towards Shariah needs according to Islamic teaching and practices throughout the management and operations.
[8]–[12]
7
The above table list out the
Qiblat - also known as Qiblat, Qibleh, Kiblah, Kıble or Kibla, is the direction that should be faced when a Muslim prays during Solat. The qiblat should face the Kaabah, in the city of Mecca.
definition of hotel classification under hotel.
Shariah The
compliance
differences
and
characteristic
for
each
hotel
classification are as in Figure 2.1, Table 2.1 and Table 2.2. In recent times, Malaysian Government through The Department of Standards has launched Muslim friendly standards. This standard will be used and the terms “Muslim Friendly” will be benchmarked upon that particular standard. The time frame for this adoption is yet to be ascertained. Until a new directive is given, the definition of Muslim friendly will remain as stated in Table 2.1. The concepts of Shariah compliance hotel were established when the demands of Muslim travelers exist. Conventional hotel does satisfy the basic demand for Muslim traveler, but specially built hotel in this niche market will definitely attract Muslim travelers. Even in the middle east, where the population are predominantly Muslim, SCH has gain momentum for growth
. The differences
[1]
between conventional hotel and Shariah compliance hotel are further explained in Table 2.2.
8
Table 2.2: Differences between Conventional hotel operation and Shariah compliance Hotel (SCH) SHARIAH COMPLIANCE HOTEL
CONVENTIONAL HOTEL
Cater to a specific niche market such as orthodox Muslim, business and families
Open to all categories of customer depending the hotel type and categories
The decorative is somewhat orthodox and conservative such as using Islamic architecture and decorative item
Hotel design limited
Rooms are larger from the industry standards to accommodate the need of Muslim to pray inside the room
A standard room range from 30 to 40 M2, Junior suite from 55 to 65 M2 and presidential suite from 200 to 220 M2
Limitation of certain kind of food and must serve halal food only
No limitation on food served within the hotel
opulent
and
not
Alcohol is served throughout the hotel.
Banning the use and consumption of alcohol Gender-specific customer and Muslim’s.
are
Alcohol sales bring 80-90 % to gross profit in F&B sales figure.
staff to served majority should be
No limitation and staffing requirement
Revenue from room 80-85 %
Revenue from room 40 to 60 %
Revenue from F&B 10-20 %
Revenue from F&B 30 to 40 %
Revenue from other department 5 to 10 %
Revenue from other department 5 to 10 %
Shouldn’t have any entertainment outlet such as night club and bar
No restriction on entertainment outlets, some even has casino build in the hotel building
Facilities must cater for gender specific
Open to all, regardless to any gender and restriction
In room facilities must facilitate Muslim’s in performing their religious duties such water bidet and prayer mat
Some hotel does provide these facilities upon request
Most Shariah hotel size are small to medium due to the small niche area and target market
Large sizes to cater for larger market share
Sources : Youmna Maatouk (2009)
[8]
9
The key target market for Shariah compliance hotel are mostly Muslim traveler and guest. This is a very specific niche area and should be treated with diligent caution since the markets are small, yet expanding. The Shariah compliance hotel is sought after by Muslim travelers since it projects clean images in the mind of the consumer. The overall branding must be treated as such, in order to create “Shariah compliance brand”. Apart from SCH hotel and conventional hotel, there have also been a new and emerging concepts, but long introduced Muslim friendly hotel. There several distinctive differences between a Shariah compliance hotel and Muslim friendly hotel. The word “compliance” by itself has a stronger definition, benchmarking itself to certain legislation, rules and standards. While Muslim friendly hotel does not benchmarked itself or conform itself to any standards.
10
Table 2.3: Differences between Shariah Compliance Hotel / services and Muslim Friendly Hotel & Services SHARIAH COMPLIANCE HOTEL & SERVICES The
whole
management
operation of
the
MUSLIM FRIENDLY HOTEL & SERVICES
and
They are not necessary to adopt
institution
Shariah law and concept in all
must adopt Shariah in their daily
aspects
of
their
operation
and
running operation.
management
Islamic concept is used throughout
Shariah law is used within limited
the organization
confines of the organization, e.g. Halal certificates for certain outlet
Benchmarked
upon
a
certain
Only a certain segment of the
standard and audited periodically
operation is benchmarked upon a
to be certified and in compliance
certain standard. The management
with the standards
are not entitled to adopt all of the said standards
Source: Original
The definition for Shariah compliance hotel seems a little bit vague at
this
moment,
but
certain
distinction
are
that
Shariah
compliance hotel are benchmarked upon certain standards and audited periodically and conform to the standards
[5], [6], [10], [13]
.
In japan, particularly in the Kyoto area, there have been aggressive changes in hotel set up in welcoming more Muslim travelers. The hotels in Kyoto adopt two kinds of designation, which is “Muslim Friendly” and “Muslim Welcome”. Muslim friendly
11
denotes that the hotel does provide all the necessities for Muslim such as prayer mats, bidet in the bathroom as well as halal food. Meanwhile “Muslim welcomes” denotes no halal menus, but Qiblat in the guest rooms are provided within the hotel premises.
12
3. SHARIAH COMPLIANCE HOTEL CONCEPTS & DESIGN
A
Muslim friendly hotel encompassed the Shariah code of
conduct and practices throughout its operation and management. For a typical hotel setting, an area that must be taken into consideration falls into four areas
which are the Management, interior, exterior as well as the services that should adopt the Muslim friendly concept. The below discussed concept and design are based upon the Malaysia standards; MS2610:2015 – Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services – Requirements,
MS
1500:2009.
Halal
Food
-
Production,
Preparation, Handling and Storage - General Guidelines and MS1900:2005 Quality Management System: Requirement from Islamic Perspective
[2], [13], [14]
. 13
3.1 MANAGEMENT The management of the hotel i.e. the administrator must adopt the Shariah compliance management system which includes the governance, operations and financial aspects. i.
Governance
The management shall allocate the necessary resources in creating and maintaining Shariah compliance
quality
system
such
as
putting
necessary financial resources as well as human capital.
The hotel could adopt the MS1900:2005 Quality Management System: Requirement from Islamic Perspective standards for administrative purposes and MS1500:2009 Halal Standards for food and beverages.
The management must ensure that the integration of the Muslim friendly service requirements into the organization’s business processes.
For an example is the recital of morning Doa before starting their shift and providing staff with
14
a uniform that complying with Shariah law as shown in Figure 3.1.
They also need to communicate the importance of effective Muslim friendly service management and of conforming to the Muslim friendly service requirements.
Figure 3.1: Recital of doa before starting a meeting
Sources: De Palma Shah Alam via Google Image
15
ii.
Operation The operational aspects include both fronts of the house as well as the back of the house.
iii.
Financial
Funding for development of the hotel must be obtained
from
Shariah
compliance,
financing
facilities and does not sourced from neither haram nor Syubhah sources.
While choosing financing for the hotel funds, Islamic finance is preferable as there are no elements of Riba’ exist in the facilities.
Financial transaction must be conducted on cash basis where possible.
Debt facilities must be settled as soon as possible, either receivable or payable.
In choosing the hotel preferred bankers, priority must be given to Islamic financial institutions.
16
3.2 INTERIOR a) Room Design and Configuration
The focal point of the hotel are the room and in room services. Distinctive hotel rooms are the key attributes for repeating customer. It must be noted that most Muslim travelers tend to travel together with their families, thus having a family friendly hotel rooms would also have the same impacts as Muslim friendly hotel rooms.
Depending of the type of rooms and hotel policies on extra room occupants, the bed should at least be moveable to cater for families.
A hotel room by itself is a neutral, which could be personally decorated in themes that reflect the status of the hotel. How does a hotel room becomes Muslim friendly and projects the image of Islam?
Most often a hotel rooms are designed as a standard unit where upon entering the room, guests will find a bathroom first and then sleeping area.
This kind of design does not have any implication on the total Islamic theme, except that the separation of grey zone and the green zone.
17
The average size of a hotel room should be at least bigger than the industry
average
Aurat is a term used within Islam which denotes the intimate parts of the body, for both men and women, which must be covered with clothing. Exposing the Aurat is unlawful in Islam and is regarded as sin.
to
accommodate families.
Large size rooms are a plus point in attracting non-Muslim guest travelling with families as well.
Visual
privacy
should
be
taken
consideration
when
designing a room. Visual privacy means that the interior of the room should not be visible to the naked eyes from outside.
This to cover and protect their modesty (Aurat).
The location of the window panel and other opening that can visible from the naked eyes, from the exterior of the building should be covered with proper shades, tinted film or curtains. Rooms are considered private space, and must stay as such.
Current practices of installing day curtain in most hotel rooms are an adequate measure in ensuring visual privacy.
The rooms must also be audibly insulated both from inside and outside the rooms.
18
The grey zone is the area where the risk of Najs contamination will
Wudu’ is an Islamic procedure for washing parts of the body using water, typically in preparation for formal prayers (Solat), but also before handling and reading the Qur'an. Wudu’ is often translated as ablution
likely to occur. For an example the grey area for a typical hotel rooms are the main entrance walkway that meets the bathroom door as in Diagram 3.2. Diagram 3.2: Separation of green zone and grey zone
Source: Via Google Image/Original
19
Bathroom door should be move slightly away from entrance walkway. When a customer first walks into the room, what happen is they will wear the shoes inside the room. This unknowingly bringing Najs into the rooms at this walkway.
When the guest ready to perform the wudu’ for Solat, this is the way they entered and exiting the bathroom.
Another issue arises when previous room guest, would use their shoes exclusively during the stay in the room. The cleanliness during Solat is questionable.
Toiletries supplied by the hotel must also be certified halal and does not contain any haram or Syubhah material.
Most often guest will walk into the room with their shoes on, as well as when exiting from the toilets. It is advisable; to have slight changes in terms of the flooring marking the extent of shoes can be worn in the rooms.
20
Figure 3.3: WC equipped with bidet and hose for proper cleansing. It also can be used for ablution.
Source: Via Google Image
In each room there must be a clear marks or indicator of kiblah direction as in Figure 3.4. The kiblah direction must be certified and check by the religious authority.
There must an adequate space for a Muslim to perform Solat in the room. A typical hotel room should at least be the size of 20 square feet in sizes.
21
Figure 3.4: The marking indicating the direction of kiblah
Source: Via Google Image
b) In room facilities
Quran and prayer mat are a standard in every rooms. Many Islamic travelers may request a copy of the Qur’an in their hotel rooms as in Figure 3.6. This is a simple and sure-fire way to send out a strong welcoming message to our Muslim guests.
Beds and toilet must be design as not to face the direction of mecca or kiblah. Another key facilities are bidet for Muslim travelers to cleanse themselves, as well as for wudu’ or ablution.
22
Figure 3.5: Prayer mats and Female Prayer garments are integral parts of the room set up
Sources: De Palma Shah Alam via Google Image
As for ladies traveler, the prayer garments (Telekung) are essential and must be kept clean as in Figure 3.5. It is advisable that these prayers garments to be packed neatly in plastic warps and changed whenever it has been used by previous rooms occupants
23
Figure 3.6: Copy of the Holy Quran with translation is place in each of the hotel rooms
Sources: De Palma Ampang via Google Image
Mini Bar if provided must not serve or stored alcoholic beverages or any haram food. For a Shariah compliance hotel, alcoholic beverages are totally banned for the entire premise.
c) Public area
A prayer room should be created with a minimum capacity of 40 pax or bigger. Why a minimum of 40 pax? Apart for daily prayers, this type of prayer room could also cater for
24
Friday prayers conducted by the in-house religious offices for residence staff and male Muslim travelers.
Prior approval to conduct Friday prayers must be obtained from the specific state religious office. This also released the burden of responsibilities of the management on the onus of their staff not attending Friday prayers due to work. Specialized prayers such as Tarawih and others could also be perform here.
The prayers room could also be doubles as classroom for Islamic teaching as shown in Figure 3.9.
For establishment that doesn’t have the luxury of spaces, the prayer room should at least accommodate 15-20 people (both Male and Female, with barriers). The most suitable dimension is 20 x 20 feet in sizes.
Separate entry ways, as well ablution area, prayer mat and female prayer garments must be provided to both genders.
25
The decorative elements in the public area must also project the image of Islam. Usage of decorative arts with animals and human motif are prohibited. Instead decorative arts that reflect the symbols of Islam such as Islamic Calligraphy are encourage to be used as per example in Figure 3.7.
Demands for an establishment to be certify or recognized as Muslim friendly establishment are currently increasing especially those located in non-Muslim majority country due to the growth of international tourism. Most often these establishments try to cater for Muslim market such as the City of Kyoto in Japan. Certain restaurants provide halal meals, while others claim themselves as Muslim friendly by not including haram food and liquor in their meals.
26
Figure 3.7: The interior design should reflects on the Islamic images of the hotel
Sources: De Palma Ampang via Google Image
Other public area such as the lobby, lounges and public toilets must be catered to the Muslim needs. Lobby for example must facilitate the process of family checking in and out, specialized counter for ladies traveler has ample space for guest during the whole process.
Prayer room and other public used facilities should be on the ground floor to facilitate the ease of movement.
Lone travelling Muslim female are a norm these days. They either travel in group of all female or alone. Public area such as lobby, car parks and room’s corridor should be
27
adequately lighted and monitored with CCTV or other means of surveillance.
Panic buttons especially in female only floors, or car parks should be installed to ensure the safety of the occupants.
3.3 SHARIAH COMPLIANCES SERVICES
A Muslim friendly hotel must at least have Muslim working at the key area such as Front office, Kitchen, Food and Beverage and Housekeeping. There is no segregation of female and male staff in the hotel as they have to work as a team to run the hotels functions.
For staff that needs to work in pairs for example as a chambermaid, it should be noted that same gender is advisable. For all female floors, only females’ staff should be allowed on that particular floor.
To add a sense of security, female only floor should has round the clock protection by female security members.
Islamic cultures often require female housekeeping and room staff. Dress codes in Islamic cultures are relaxed behind closed doors and therefore hotels must be sensitive to the concerns many Muslim travelers have. 28
A specially appointed religious officer must be appointed to oversee the whole Shariah implementation in the hotel and advise the management of matters pertaining to Shariah.
Since Muslim friendly hotels are very much a family hotel, check in for non-married couples of different gender are not allowed within the same room. This ruling should be applied for Muslim and non-Muslim guest. This is to prevent any act of “maksiat” within the hotel compound.
Shariah compliance hotel doesn’t mean, the hotel does not want to do any business with the non-Muslims, nor rejecting non-Muslims patron. In that sense, patron be it Muslims and non-Muslims must adhere to the totality of Shariah compliance, that’s include dress code. Proper attire that is not revealing body parts for male and female (Aurat) must wear at the public areas in the hotel.
29
Figure 3.8: Dedicated gender specific staff and counter should be in place at the check in counter.
Sources: De Palma Ampang via Google Image
a)
Food and beverage
A apart from lodging, food and beverage services contributes largely to the hotel incomes. F&B outlets must be certified halal by religious bodies. Consumption of haram food such as alcohol and pork must be strictly prohibited from being brought in and consumed within the premises.
F&B services must portray the Islamic images from the design and adoption of design, as well as menu planning. One of the ways to attract guest is to introduce Middle Eastern Menu.
30
This is a highly effective way of tempting Muslim travelers to the hotel. Loved by many irrespective of religion or culture, this delicious type of cuisine attracts guests from every part of the world.
The restaurant should comply with the halal standards and obtain halal certification form the religious authority. The integrity of the halal restaurant in restaurant and other foodservice establishment in that particular hotel must be maintained and uphold at all time.
The halal integrity system should adopt the concept of Farm-to-Fork, where the halal system starts from the farm and throughout the halal supply chain.
Apart from that’s, special meal time for Muslim must be observed. For an example, during the month of Ramadan, or fasting month.
Muslims must abstain themselves from eating and drinking from dusk till dawn. They are required to break their fast (Iftar), at the call of Azan during Maghrib Prayer.
Pre-fasting meals, called sahur must be consumed after midnight till before the break of dawn (Imsak).
Food and beverage outlet must observe this cycle by providing meals for the breaking of fast, as well as for 31
sahur. During the days, as a respect to the holy month of Ramadan, food and beverage outlets must limit their sales operation just to cover sales to non-Muslim as well as to those who don’t have the ability to fast.
b) Entertainment
Islam does not ban entertainment outright, but must be conducted within the confines of Shariah law.
Music
especially
background
music
over
the
public
announcement system are playable, choosing only music that
conform
to
the
image
of
Muslim
hotels.
Live
entertainments are allowed provided to a certain genre such as nasyid and traditional music.
Muslim Scholar is still divided over the use of musical instruments in entertainments.
Certain musical instruments are allowed to be used in accordance with Shariah principles.
32
c) Recreation
Recreational facilities such as swimming pool, health center and spa, sauna, gymnasium must be gender specific.
If the cost of having a gender specific facility is too costly and prohibitive for the management, time scheduling must be used to segregate both genders.
Dress codes for these facilities must accommodate the needs for Shariah compliance.
d) Religious services
This is where the role on in house religious officer will come into play. The officer will act as the Shariah advisor to the overall hotel operations.
Religious related services such as congregational prayers (Solat) as well as Friday prayers can be conducted at the hotel compound.
The officers will play an active role by providing consultation services within to the guest in needs.
Some hotels do provide solemnization of marriage services, making it as a one stop center for wedding functions.
33
Figure 3.9: Religious services conducted by the hotel religious officer
Sources: De Palma Ampang via Google Image
Religious classes can be conducted regularly as needed for the staff as well as opened to the general public.
The hotel could position itself as the local community resources center on religious matter. During Ramadan, the paying of zakat could be conducted by the hotel religious officer acting as tithe (zakat) collector.
34
4. SHARIAH COMPLIANCE HOTEL CERTIFICATIONS
I
n order to be certified Shariah compliance, the said hotel must fulfill all the vitals mentioned criteria that satisfy the needs of Muslims. A certification bodies, will assess the readiness and compliance level and provide the necessary
certification. These procedures are the same with the Halal certification procedure conducted by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Since there are still no certification bodies that will verify the Shariah compliance level, Standard Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) to be the sole assessors and certification bodies by adopting the MS2610:2015 – Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services
35
– Requirements and MS1900:2005 Quality Management System: Requirement
from
Islamic
Perspective
as
the
benchmark
standards. Certifications are important as it is part of the marketing and branding strategies for lodging institutions. Self-declaration does not carry any weight, and its integrity and conformation to standards are questionable. By having a third party to certify and assess the compliance level, this entire problem is hoped to be lessening. Table 4.1 Shariah & Halal Related Standards
STANDARDS MS2610:2015 – Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services – Requirements, MS1500:2009 Halal Food Production, Preparation, Handling and Storage - General Guidelines and MS1900:2005Quality Management System: Requirement from Islamic Perspective.
CERTIFICATION BODIES
ADOPTION STATUS / LEGAL IMPLICATION
Standard Research Institute Of Malaysia (SIRIM)
Voluntary / None
Department Of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)
Voluntary / Halal Logo and Halal Marking are governed under the Trade Description Act 2011
Standard Research Institute Of Malaysia (SIRIM)
Voluntary / None
36
To date, only 2 hotels in Malaysia that are known to be Shariah compliances certified, PNB Darby Park Executive Suites & PNB Ilham Resort. Apart from that, private rating company such as Crescent Rating Pte. Ltd, based in Singapore do provide hotels with Shariah ratings and currently the only Shariah rating agency in this region [15]. Crescent rating evaluates the Shariah readiness for the hotel in giving services to Muslim travelers. For example, it has a rating from 1 to 7; where 7 is the highest rated criterion. Rating 1 to 3 indicates that These Hotels are considered "helpful" to the Muslim Travelers. They will be able to provide information regarding Prayer times and prayer direction as well as information on nearby Halal food and Mosques. Unless otherwise
specially
stated
in
the
Hotel
listing
on
CrescentRating.com or HalalTrip.com, these hotels do not provide Halal food in the Hotel. Rating 4 indicates These Hotels will be able to provide information regarding Prayer times and prayer direction as well as information on nearby Halal food and Mosques. They will also have some level of halal food services; either Halal breakfast and/or Room Service.
37
Or it may claim all food in the Hotel to be halal, but not independently verified by a halal food certification authority. Rating 5 indicates These Hotels will be able to provide information regarding Prayer times and prayer direction as well as information on nearby Halal food and Mosques. They will have a halal certified kitchen or restaurant (except in the Middle East) and the second highest and highest rating, 6 and 7 indicates Hotels with a rating of 6 to 7 take into account most of the needs of a Halal conscious traveler in their services and facilities. In general, they will be serving only Halal Food and Beverages apart from having other family friendly facilities. In recent years, new rating systems for Muslim friendly hotel were introduced. The Islamic Quality Standards for Hotel was being introduced by the Universal Crescent Standard Center (UCSC) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam and launched at the 1st Islamic Quality Standard conference in December 2012. To date, only a handful of hotel owner and operator opted for this rating. This is due to the lack of promotion as well as information on this rating system
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The certification was awarded in 2, hotels in Turkey and 2, hotels in Malaysia, namely Grand Blue Waves Hotel Shah Alam (IQS 3) and De Palma Ampang (IQS2). The rating works on the principles of this IQS-Islamic Quality Standard For Hotel, taking into consideration of the quality of physical facilities provided at the hotel premises, and the quality of its services to the customers, it shows how the hotel conformed to the Islamic principles such as alcoholic beverage is not available or served in the hotel premises, and all foods served are “halal”. These
basic
requirements
under
Islamic
principles
are
the
perquisites for a hotel to be considered under IQS-Islamic Quality Standard. Apart from that, recreational facilities such as separate swimming pools or spa for male and female, Muslims prayer facilities such as prayer rooms, and mosques are important measurements for IQSIslamic Quality Standard. The IQS - Islamic Quality Standard for Hotel, vision itself to become useful guideline for those who wish to become a “Muslim friendly” hotel, and be considered under various classifications from IQS-1 to the very top of IQS-7 under this IQS-Islamic Quality Standard.
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To be certified as a Shariah compliance hotel, total Shariah compliance based upon Islamic teaching and practices must be constituted throughout the hotel management and operation. If only a certain part of its operation is Shariah compliances, therefore the terms “Shariah Compliance Hotel” can be destitute from the hotel operation, and instead adopting the Muslim friendly certification. With multiple players on the certification and accreditation, the risk of under accredited and over accredited will bound to happen. This is a lesson learned when halal certification were opened to be certified by private entities. A standards of accreditation that measure and rated Shariah compliances level, Muslim friendly level and adoption of Islamic management levels should be in place, and ultimately to certify that particular establishment level of standards. As for Shariah Compliance Hotel, the next best things to have the hotel being certified, are with using the standards introduced by Department of Standards Malaysia, and evaluated and reassess by SIRIM for certification.
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REFERENCES [1]
Mastercard and CrescentRating, “MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2015,” Singapore.
[2]
Department of Standards Malaysia., “MS2610:2015 – Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services – Requirements.” 2015.
[3]
M. R. Razalli, R. Z. Yusoff, M. Wahidar, and M. Roslan, “A Framework of Halal Certification Practices for Hotel Industry,” vol. 9, no. 11, pp. 316–326, 2013.
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Rosenberg, P. and Choufany. H., “Spiritual Lodging- The Shariah Compliant Hotel Concept.,” 2009.
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City of Kyoto and Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau, “A Guide to Muslim Friendly Hotels | Muslim Friendly Kyoto,” 2015. [Online]. Available: http://kyoto.travel/muslim/en/hotel.html. [Accessed: 29-Oct-2015].
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[9]
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W. Sahida, S. A. Rahman, K. Awang, and Y. C. Man, “The Implementation of Shariah Compliance Concept Hotel: De Palma Hotel Ampang,Malaysia,” in 2nd International Conference on Humanities, Historical and Social Sciences, 2011.
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CrescentRating, Muslim / Halal Travel Market Basic Concepts , Terms And Definitions, 1st ed. Singapore: CrescentRating Pte Ltd, 2015.
[13]
M. . Nor Zafir, “Establishing Shariah-compliance hotel characteristics from a Muslim needs perspective,” in International Hospitality and Tourism Conference, 2014, no. October, pp. 1–5.
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Department of Standards Malaysia MS1500:2009, Halal Food Production, Preparation, Handling And Storage - General Guidelines (Second Revision). 2009.
[15]
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A
hmad Sahir Jais is a Lecturer / head of Program for Diploma in Foodservice (Halal Practice) in Politeknik Merlimau Melaka. With 12 Years of teaching experience, he specialize in Foodservice Management, culinary and Halal training. He is also a certified Halal Trainer recognized by the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC).
