Toyyib working practices in Bangladesh's garment industry: towards holistic and ethical knowledge

Ahamad, Farhana and Ahmad, Anis Najiha and Hashim, Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun (2026) Toyyib working practices in Bangladesh's garment industry: towards holistic and ethical knowledge. In: Proceedings of IIUM Postgraduate Colloquium 2025, 23rd October 2025, Gombak.

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Abstract

The Bangladesh garment industry, which began as a small non-traditional sector, has grown to become the country’s top economic contributor and a leading global exporter of apparel. Despite its remarkable achievements, the sector faces persistent challenges, particularly in labour exploitation, including low wages, power imbalances, forced labour, unsafe conditions, and misrepresentation. While many studies have addressed these issues and suggested policy reforms, few have examined them through an ethical lens grounded in Islamic principles. This study applies Toyyib and Maqasid al-Shari‘ah principles to evaluate current labour practices and identify key challenges for ethical reform. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and thematically analysed to identify recurring ethical concerns. The findings reveal that many working conditions fail to meet the criteria of Toyyib and Maqasid al-Shari‘ah, particularly regarding fairness, safety, dignity, hygiene, and adequate rest. These shortcomings are further compounded by weak regulatory enforcement and limited awareness of Islamic ethical responsibilities. The study argues that a Toyyib-driven framework, rooted in Maqasid al-Shari‘ah and aligned with Tawhidic epistemology, can serve as a practical pathway for industry-wide reform. By embedding Islamic ethical values not only in policy but also in daily operations, the garment sector can move towards a development model that integrates economic, social, and spiritual well-being. These findings are expected to benefit both policymakers and academics seeking sustainable, ethical solutions in labour-intensive industries.

Item Type:	Proceeding Paper (Plenary Papers)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Toyyib; Garments Industry; Ethical Labor; Tawhidic Epistemology
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5475.I74 Halal business, entrepreneur, marketing, management, and administration
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART)
Depositing User:	Dr Anis Najiha Ahmad
Date Deposited:	03 Aug 2026 15:48
Last Update:	03 Aug 2026 15:48
Queue Number:	2026-07-Q4454
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130432

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