Islamic branding: A conceptualization of related terms

Abstract

This article investigates the promising, new subject matter of Islamic branding, which is yet to receive the academic attention it deserves. It provides a better understanding of Islamic branding, through conceptualizing the terms relevant to the brand-Islamization efforts of non-Muslim brands, by identifying the necessary 'branding to Muslims' practices. It differentiates between Islamic products and Islamic brands, identifies and explains the various types of Islamic branding and links them to the Islamization of originally non-Muslim brands, that is, international brands, and it discusses various halal-related issues that an Islamizing firm needs to adhere to in order to improve its chances of success in the Islamic market. Existing information sources at both academic and business levels reveal that knowledge remains scarce in this field. Therefore, the identification and conceptualization of the various Islamic branding terms offers ample opportunities for researchers to investigate. Researchers investigating the concept and practice of Islamic branding currently are drawing the inaugural road map for future research, and thus determining its long-term direction.