Siti Salwa Md. Sawari

Emerging Halal food market: an Institutional Theory of Halal certificate implementation

Purpose The emergence of the Halal food market as one of the largest consumer food markets has encouraged firms to implement Halal food certification. However, the theoretical gap in Halal studies and the unequal focus of Halal food certification research prove the deficiency of theoretical development and understanding. Hence, this paper aims to ascertain the theoretical background of Halal food certificate implementation. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews and synthesises literature focusing on Halal certification, food certification and the Institutional Theory factors that could potentially explain the impetus of Halal food certificate implementation. Findings The Institutional Theory offers a suitable explanation that grounds the motivation to implement Halal food certification. The highly institutionalised Halal industry comprising government regulations, Muslim demands for Halal foods and intense industry competition instigate Halal food certificate implementation. Three propositions are presented and a conceptual model is developed. Research limitations/implications The notions of this paper are based on the institutional perspective, i.e. the external motivation factors. An alternative view on a management theory that explains the internal motivation factors would provide a more comprehensive interpretation of reasons to implement Halal food certification. Nevertheless, the Institutional Theory offers strong understandings behind the motivation to implement Halal food certification. Practical implications Discussions and propositions from this paper could contribute to theory formation that is unique to Halal or Muslim food certification. This paper could also provide a sense of direction for researchers in mapping out future research undertakings. Originality/value The paper presents a valuable understanding of the dynamic of the Institutional Theory in the field of Halal food certification. It is the first attempt that considers the institutional isomorphism of government decree, consumer demand and inter-firm competition as motivation factors of Halal food certificate implementation.

Mosques as a Platform to Address the Issue of the Anti-Hadith Ideology

In Malaysia, the authorities have taken a number of steps to prevent the anti-Hadith movement. Various parties, especially the religious authorities at federal and state levels, have united to try to resolve the anti-Hadith issue, and activities such as weekly talks and lectures have been organized by mosque institutions to halt the spread of this ideology. The objective of this study is to investigate whether any significant correlation can be seen between attendance at the programs of the mosque and the influence of the anti-Hadith. This quantitative study involved the distribution of questionnaires that included anti-Hadith related questions to 800 participants in order to gather demographic data as well as information regarding their attendance of mosque lectures. A detailed analysis between the interest of those who took part in programs at mosques and the influence of anti-Hadith had a significant impact. The results indirectly prove that Muslims who frequented the mosques were safe from the influence of the anti-Hadith movement. Consequently, it can be said that the spiritual teaching carried out in mosques has succeeded in preserving the faith of Muslims. This study highlights the fact that such spiritual teaching can be one of the main factors to help Muslims to avoid dangerous ideologies.