Enhancing halal awareness and scientific learning through a cross-cultural community engagement by culturally-informed university science educators on natural herbal soap-making among Thai school students

Mohd Shafri, Mohd Affendi and Zamli, Zaitunnatakhin and Ahmad Yusof @ Hanafi, Hanani and Alias, Norsyuhada and Abdullah, Mardiaty Iryani and Rahmat Sam, Mohd Fuad and Baharuddin, Aishahwati and Mohammad, Mardhiah (2026) Enhancing halal awareness and scientific learning through a cross-cultural community engagement by culturally-informed university science educators on natural herbal soap-making among Thai school students. Journal of Fatwa Management and Research, 31 (2). pp. 1-18. ISSN 2232-1047 E-ISSN 0127-8886

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Abstract

School-based health education provides an important platform for promoting halal, hygiene, cultural understanding, and healthy practices among young learners. This study reports a cross-cultural community engagement by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Mahidol University, and Bangkok Noi Elementary School, Bangkok, Thailand focusing on halal-based hygiene education through natural herbal soap-making. Materials and Methods: A one-day interactive workshop was conducted involving 32 students aged 12–17 years. The programme combined short lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on soap-making activities. A pre- and post-test design assessed changes in knowledge of halal concepts, natural ingredients, and soap formulation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Participants’ mean knowledge scores improved significantly from 1.72 ± 0.77 (pre-test) to 3.36 ± 0.81 (post-test) (p < 0.001, r = 0.82). Qualitative feedback indicated that 93.8% of students enjoyed the activity, while 87.5% would recommend it to peers. Conclusion: The programme effectively enhanced students’ understanding of halal-based hygiene and natural product formulation while promoting intercultural appreciation. The IIUM–Mahidol collaboration demonstrates the potential of Shariah-informed community engagement in strengthening health education and halal awareness

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	halal, herbal soap, culture, heath promotion, science education
Subjects:	BPK Islamic law. Shari'ah. Fiqh R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Biomedical Science (Effective:1st July 2011)
Depositing User:	Dr Mohd Affendi Mohd Shafri
Date Deposited:	05 Jun 2026 17:04
Last Modified:	05 Jun 2026 17:04
Queue Number:	2026-05-Q3603
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129193

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