Boycotting Israeli Products as a Form of Islamic Ethical Consumerism: Implications for ESG Practices in Malaysia

Sri Wahyu Sakina Binti Ahmad Sanusi, Noor Raudhiah Binti Abu Bakar and Noor Aimi Binti Mohamad Puad
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Sri Wahyu Sakina Binti Ahmad Sanusi: Universiti Islam Selangor
Noor Raudhiah Binti Abu Bakar: Universiti Islam Selangor
Noor Aimi Binti Mohamad Puad: Universiti Islam Selangor

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 9, 9768-9781

Abstract: Boycotts, including those targeting Israeli products, represent a powerful form of collective consumer activism deeply rooted in ethical, political, and religious motivations. In Malaysia, such boycotts are not merely political gestures but are increasingly seen as expressions of Islamic ethical consumerism as a values-driven approach that intertwines moral responsibility, social justice, and economic agency. At the same time, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have become central to corporate sustainability, stakeholder accountability, and regulatory compliance. This paper conceptually examines the convergence between these two domains which is Islamic ethical boycotts and ESG practices in order to propose a theoretical framework explaining how grassroots activism can act as an informal governance mechanism that shapes corporate behaviour and ESG strategies. Rather than presenting empirical findings, this conceptual study synthesizes existing literature across Islamic ethics, consumer boycott theory, ESG frameworks, and socio-political activism to advance an integrated perspective on how boycott movements influence corporate governance and sustainability agendas. The proposed framework demonstrates how Islamic ethical values underpin boycott motivations, how boycott activism triggers corporate ESG responses, and how national socio-political context moderates these dynamics. By highlighting these interconnections, the paper contributes to the theoretical understanding of ethical consumerism in Muslim-majority societies and offers practical insights for businesses seeking to align ESG commitments with stakeholder values. The conclusion outlines implications for theory, policy, and corporate strategy, while suggesting directions for future empirical research.

Date: 2025
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