SELECTIVE BOYCOTT AS COLLECTIVE ACTION: A QUALITATIVE SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON SHARIAH LEGITIMACY AND LEGAL BOUNDARIES IN MALAYSIA

Muhammad Ilhamuddin Arsad

Abstract


Selective boycott has emerged as a prominent form of collective action among Muslim communities in Malaysia, particularly in response to geopolitical conflicts, ethical concerns and perceived moral responsibilities. Although boycott practices are commonly framed as expressions of moral protest, their selective application raises complex issues concerning Shariah legitimacy, social justice and legal boundaries. This study undertakes a qualitative systematic literature review based exclusively on library research and guided by the PRISMA framework in order to synthesise scholarly discussions on selective boycott from Shariah and legal perspectives within the Malaysian context. Drawing on Scopus-indexed literature, the review reveals recurring themes that conceptualise selective boycott as a form of collective moral action governed by specific ethical conditions under Shariah, highlight tensions between the pursuit of public interest and the risk of harm arising from selective enforcement and emphasise the relevance of legal boundaries under Malaysian law, particularly in relation to defamation, public order and the protection of individual rights. The findings demonstrate a notable gap between moral motivations and existing normative governance frameworks, underscoring the need for clearer Shariah-informed guidance and greater legal awareness in collective consumer activism. This study contributes to socio-legal and Islamic law scholarship by advancing a conceptual framework for selective boycott practices that are both Shariah-compliant and legally responsible within the Malaysian context.

Keywords


Selective Boycott; Collective Action; Shariah Legitimacy; Islamic Law; Socio-Legal Studies

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References


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