Toward advancing debates on Islamic marketing: a renewed perspective

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer a renewed perspective on the intersections of Islam and marketing. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on Islamic marketing literature, Islam’s view on human and economic progress, insights from other marketing disciplines and phenomena that focus on treating consumers as “individuals” instead of merely target markets. It consists of an inclusive approach guided by a notion that Islamic marketing debates should not merely attempt to “see” (understand) Muslim consumers or Islamic markets but to also enhance efforts to “see” and (re)discover Islam. Findings This paper reiterates a view of Islam as both a faith and activity; it argues that this view should be the basis of critical analysis on the intersections of Islam and marketing. It also highlights the overlap between Islamic marketing and humanistic marketing, thus offers more inclusive approach to Islamic marketing debates. Based on the arguments of Islam as a deen and marketing as part of human activity, it provides further directions for critical and continuous efforts to explore the questions of “what, why and how” Islam can contribute to the advancement of marketing theory and practice. Originality/value This paper presents a renewed perspective to current debates on Islamic marketing; it stresses on the importance of building a case in which Islam has something to commit to contemporary marketing issues and problems.