COLUMN

@ Halal | March-April. 2025

• Collectors should ensure their collections do not contribute to exploitation, fraud or environmental harm.

• Halal consumerism emphasises sourcing items ethically, verifying, and avoiding exploitative practices.

• Islam advocates for moderation in all aspects of life, including collecting.

BY HANIS MOHD IZANI Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia

AND

YUMI ZUHANIS HAS-YUN HASHIM

International Institute for Halal Research and Training( INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia

Collecting is one of these many hobbies. From the commonly known hobby of collecting stamps or coins, the hobby of collecting can stretch into more bizarre and eccentric items like armour, carnivorous plants and back scratches!

These collections create one’ s own story, yet within the tapestry of diverse interests that constitute collecting hobby, questions arise whether it is in harmony with Islamic principles.

UNDERSTANDING COLLECTING

The definition of a collecting hobby includes locating, acquiring, seeking, cataloguing, organising, maintaining, and storing objects that hold significance to the collector( Whittenly, n. d). Collections can vary widely, from manufactured items to natural objects, with different criteria for inclusion.

Some collectors focus on completing specific sets, while others collect based on thematic or quality requirements. The psychological aspects of collecting can be positive, providing relaxation, social connections, and educational benefits, but can also reflect compulsive tendencies or a fear of scarcity.

The objective of collecting a hobby is to engage in a fulfilling activity that brings personal enjoyment and satisfaction. Collectors often find meaning in the pursuit of their interests, develop expertise in their chosen field, and build connections with like-minded individuals.

Collecting can serve as a form of recreation, mental stimulation, and a way to express one’ s personality and interests.

THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

In Islamic teachings, collecting per se is not condemned. Instead, Islam emphasises the ethical dimensions of acquisition, possession, and consumption.

The Quran exhorts believers to act with justice, fairness, and integrity in all endeavours, including economic transactions. Allah SWT reminds us in the Quran,“ And do not consume one another’ s wealth unjustly or send it [ in bribery ] to the rulers in order that [ they might aid ] you [ to ] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [ it is unlawful ].”( Quran, Al-Baqarah, 2:188).

The Quranic teachings on economic ethics emphasise the importance of justice, fairness, and integrity in all financial and commercial activities. Each one of us are called to engage in these endeavours with a strong moral compass, ensuring that the actions do not harm or exploit others.

Thus, while collecting may be permissible, how items are acquired and the intentions behind the collection are subject to scrutiny.

CONSUMERISM AND ETHICAL COLLECTING

Halal consumerism advocates the functional“ just and balance” reciprocal relationship between the entrepreneur / manufacturer / producer, products / services, and consumer( Ramli and Jamaludin, 2011).

In this discourse on collecting, halal consumerism serves as a mould that supports a conscientious consumption true to Islamic principles. This includes:

• Nuanced approach: Adopting a nuanced approach to sourcing and acquiring items that ensures adherence to ethical standards.

• Scrutinising origins: Delving into the origins and legitimacy of items before adding them to their collections.

• Avoiding exploitation: Refraining from transactions that may involve exploitation of labour, environmental degradation, or other forms of harm.

• Supporting ethical practices: Promoting ethical and sustainable practices within the collecting community. In essence, collectors must be wary of the origins of their purchases, recognising that their choices have ethical implications that extend beyond their personal enjoyment.

By embracing the principles of halal consumerism and adopting a conscientious approach to collecting, collectors can ensure that their hobby reflects their values and contributes to a more just and sustainable world( Ahmed, 2023).

PRACTISING WASATIYAH CONSUMERISM

Rooted in the principles of the wasatiyyah in Islam, the concept of“ wasatiyyah consumerism,” advocates for balanced and prudent consumption( Hanapi et al., 2019).

It highlights that socio-economic problems could arise from excessive consumerism, such as wastage, and proposes wasatiyyah consumerism as a solution.

For those who enjoy collecting as a hobby, adopting wasatiyyah consumerism principles can offer valuable guidance in pursuing this interest in a balanced and ethical manner. Wasatiyyah consumerism emphasises moderation, fairness, and benevolence, which can be applied to various aspects of collecting including:

Moderation in collecting: The principle of moderation suggests that one should collect items within reasonable limits, avoiding excessiveness or obsession. A collector can enjoy their hobby without becoming overly attached to material possessions or allowing it to consume excessive time, resources, or space. They may choose to focus on a specific theme or category of items, ensuring that their collection remains manageable and does not lead to wastage or neglect of other responsibilities.

Fairness in acquisition: Fairness entails acquiring items through ethi-