Ethical digitalization in halal SMEs restaurant in Malaysia: a proposed maqasid shari’ah-based conceptual framework

Olayiwola, Mubarak Adeniyi and Abdullahi Busari, Saheed and Jamaludin, Mohammad Aizat and Ahmad, Anis Najiha (2026) Ethical digitalization in halal SMEs restaurant in Malaysia: a proposed maqasid shari’ah-based conceptual framework. AL-HIKMAH: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ISLAMIC STUDIES AND HUMAN SCIENCES, 9 (2). pp. 263-280. E-ISSN 2637-0581

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Abstract

Digitalization is becoming increasingly crucial for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), such as halal eateries, which use digital platforms for marketing, customer engagement, ordering, payment, and operations. However, digital adoption brings ethical challenges such as openness, honesty, privacy, responsible advertising, and Shariah compliance. This paper investigates ethical digital practices in halal SME restaurants using a Maqasid al-Shari'ah lens and presents a conceptual framework to guide ethical digitalization. However, digital adoption brings ethical challenges such as openness, honesty, privacy, responsible advertising, and Shariah compliance. This paper investigates ethical digital practices in halal SME restaurants using a Maqasid al- Shari'ah lens and presents a conceptual framework to guide ethical digitalization. A qualitative research design was used, which included a study of relevant literature as well as semi-structured face-to-face interviews with nine halal SME restaurant owners and managers in Malaysia. Participants were chosen using purposive sampling. The interviews, which lasted about 9-11 minutes each, were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Three topics emerged: (1) perceptions and applications of Maqasid al-Shari'ah and Islamic principles in restaurant and digital operations; (2) difficulties and opportunities related with digitalization; and (3) ethical and institutional factors establishing a Maqasid al-Shari'ah-based conceptual framework. The study found that participants connected ethical digital activities with honesty, openness, customer welfare, halal compliance, responsible advertising, privacy protection, and responsibility. At the same time, disparities in digital adoption, payment methods, digital aptitude, and worries about scams and Shariah compliance were discovered. Based on a review of the literature, Maqasid al-Shari'ah principles, and empirical data, the paper presents a conceptual framework for connecting Islamic objectives and ethical standards with digital practices in halal SME restaurants. The paradigm is conceptual and will require additional empirical validation in future study.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Maqasid al-Shari’ah, Halal SMEs, halal restaurants, Digitalization, Business Ethics, Islamic business ethics, conceptual framework
Subjects:	BPH Islamic Economics > BPH111.4 Halal issues. Fatawa BPH Islamic Economics > BPH114 Consumption. Halal issues BPH Islamic Economics > BPH117 Consumption. Halal issues. Standards. Certification. Halal status BPH Islamic Economics > BPH122 Consumption. Halal issues. Specific products. Food and drink 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. Mohammad Aizat Jamaludin
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2026 08:32
Last Update:	11 Oct 2026 08:32
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5518
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131815
Indexed In:	Google Scholar

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