In product marketing, a seller will do anything that comes under his domain to gain benefit. While doing so, he may undermine the rules that must be adhered to market the item and will try to benefit just one party.
On the contrary, Islamic Marketing is not an unrestricted buying and purchase of goods and services. Instead, the marketing of goods and services is strictly regulated and is carefully guided by Islamic Shariah.
What Is Islamic Marketing?
The wisdom of fulfilling customer demands by the good conduct of delivering pure, wholesome, and lawful (Halal) products while ensuring a mutual consent of buyer and seller in order to attain material and spiritual well-being both in this world and hereafter.
Islamic teachings stress on observance of ethical and moral codes of conduct in marketing. Allah says in the Quran;
Indeed, you are the best nation and are created for the welfare of mankind, observe good conduct, refrain from evil, and believe in Allah. Al Quran (9:188)
In Islamic marketing, one should know about the terms; Wajib, Mandoob, Makrooh, Mushtabeh, and Haram.
- Wajib: Wajib is something that a Muslim must adhere to while doing business. Failure to perform Wajib results in sin.
- Mandoob: Mandoob is ethically right and likable and is highly encouraged in Islam. It is termed supplementary halal and Muslims should go for it, if possible. But there is no sin if you fail to perform Mandoob.
- Makrooh: It is highly discouraged and despised in Islam and but still, Muslims can take this as a last resort.
- Mushtabeh: Such acts and items are also discouraged in Islam because they can be termed halal under certain circumstances. Muslims must refrain from such doubtful practices.
- Haram: these are activities and items that are strongly condemned in Islam. If a Muslim indulges in Islam, he is doing a big sin.
Marketing Ethics In Islam
A Muslim should respect and follow the functions of Islam in every aspect of his life. In Islamic marketing, going for market competition, maintaining a good reputation among customers, and describing the quality specification of products are not restricted, providing that your business and marketing practices must be in accordance with Islamic Shariah.
Islamic ethics means all the principles that a Muslim businessman must follow during trade and economic transactions. Muslims must pay attention to the norms and procedures that exist in Islamic economics. The right procedure for trading and business is mentioned in the Holy Quran.
Muslim manufacturers and marketers must take guidance from the Holy Quran in order to spend their lives in accordance with Islam. Islamic finder, a rich resource of information and guidance is here to help you out. Here you will find the complete Holy Quran with translation, numerous ahadith, accurate prayer times, qibla directions, and many more.
· Product Quality Management
As a producer, one should be sincere with the customer by delivering a high-quality product. You should try to give your best to the customers because they are putting their faith in you and your products.
As a marketer, you must ensure that the product you are advertising has specifications that meet its quality. Sellers are not entitled to cheat the buyer by showing one kind (high-quality) of product and delivering the other kind (low-quality) product.
· Honesty In Quantity Measurement
Islam strongly condemns those who are dishonest in measuring the quality or quantity of a product. This way, you will be at a great loss on the day of judgment. So you should be honest with the measurements and the price must correlate with the quality and quantity of the product.
Due measurements are crucial in Islamic ethics and those who violate are punishable both by legal and Divine law. Honesty and integrity are the must-haves of Islamic economics.
· Khiyar In Selling And Buying
In Islamic economics, the buyer has the supreme power. It is vital for a businessman to market and respond to the customer in the right and fair way. Make friendly relations with your customers because the signs of successful marketing are mutual consent and benefit to both parties. The Prophet (PBUH) said; A sale can only be entitled as a sale if it is made through mutual consent.
· Trust
Trust is a cornerstone of an ethical business. A marketer must deliver accurate information and specification of the product to gain the trust of customers.
People should be aware of what they are buying. Do not persuade the clients by sharing the wrong specification of the product which is going to trouble them later on.
· Transparency And Openness
A marketer must ensure openness to customers while marketing the goods. They must inform them about the quality of the good, the type of good, possible uses of the good, and ins and outs of the items you are selling. Besides meeting the criteria of ethical marketing, this will be a progressive step towards successful entrepreneurship.
· No Element Of Interest And Adulteration
For a Muslim marketer, interest or usury is strongly prohibited. Marketing any product or service that has an element of interest is a sin. Similarly, adulteration of food is ethically and religiously condemned and must be avoided.
Role Of Islamic Marketing Ethics In Customer Satisfaction
Islamic marketing ethics stems from justice, equity, transparency, and value maximization for the well-being of society. A study has enlightened us that Islamic marketing ethics elevate customer satisfaction.
It means that following these ethics in your marketing strategy will not only show your adherence to Islamic norms but also maximize your profitability by enhancing the satisfaction level of your clients.
So it is recommended that Muslim entrepreneurs should focus on Islamic and ethical perspectives. They should revise their marketing tactics and align them with Islamic ethical boundaries.
To Sum Up
Islamic marketing ethics are crucial for successful entrepreneurship. In Islam, marketing is not the sale of items to maximize profit; it is a process of meeting customer needs while adhering to halal practices and mutual consent and benefit of both seller and buyer.
In Islamic jurisprudence, the market is a sacred institution, and market agents are obliged to follow Islamic Shariah and observe the commands of Allah while selling goods and services. By following the principles of Islamic marketing, you will not only succeed in such a competitive industry but will also be able to get high ranks in Paradise.
