Foreign Muslim Research Articles

Navigating ethnic capital and ethnic penalty: Chinese Muslim internal migrants in an international trade hub

ABSTRACT This article investigates how Chinese Hui Muslim internal migrants navigate the complexities of ethnic capital and ethnic penalty in their engagement with China-Arab international trade. On one hand, Hui Muslims leverage Arabic language learning opportunities within their community and benefit from religious affinity with foreign Muslims, enhancing their employment and entrepreneurial prospects. On the other hand, they face discrimination from the Han majority, Arab Muslims, and non-Muslim foreigners. Women, seen as “submissive” and “trustworthy”, find more expanded employment opportunities as interpreters for Arab merchants but face overt discrimination due to their Muslim attire. Notably, the Hui’s ethnic capital in the international trade market has diminished in recent years due to Arab merchants’ globalization efforts, such as adopting English for communication. This study contributes to the understanding of Chinese Muslims’ experiences in upward mobility amidst regional disparities and economic globalization.

Retracted: Foreign Muslim Workers’ Perspectives of the Basic Needs of Muslim-Friendly Tourist Services: An Empirical Analysis of a Non-Muslim Destination

Retracted: Foreign Muslim Workers’ Perspectives of the Basic Needs of Muslim-Friendly Tourist Services: An Empirical Analysis of a Non-Muslim Destination

Understanding the Strength of Muslim Identity as a Way to Manage Anxiety and Uncertainty for Foreign Students While Communicate Digitally in the US

This study aims to provide recommendations to foreign Muslim students studying in the United States (US) so they can manage their anxiety and uncertainty when communicating digitally on social media. This research is motivated by the challenges foreign Muslim students face when they have to adapt to interactions that exist in conditions of society that are far different from their origin country, there is not much time, and the scope is now also expanding into the digital world. The method used in this research is qualitative with a case study approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews based on the Anxiety and Uncertainty Management (AUM) theory by William B. Gudykunst with three foreign Muslim students from Turkey, Morocco, and Pakistan who were studying at Utah Tech University. The research results show that understanding the strength of Muslim identity contained in oneself is one of the most effective ways to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty they often experience. In addition to understanding Muslim identity, other recommendations include using social media to educate people about negative Islamic stereotypes, not giving opinions that conflict with local values, and trying to communicate like US netizens to familiar people. Suggestions for further research are to expand the scope of research by adding more participants from more diverse cultural backgrounds.

Tourism Development Based on Religious Moderation in the Lake Toba Region Perspective of Communication Persuasion and Social Influence

Domestic tourist objects which are considered to have attractive potential are visited by many Muslim tourists both from within and outside the country, but in reality these tourist objects pay little attention to the comfort of Muslim tourists. Visiting Lake Toba tourist destinations for Muslim tourists is not only about natural beauty, but also about halal food and comfortable places of worship. Halal tourism continues to be an interesting issue to discuss because it is a vital issue for the life of Muslims. It is very risky for Muslims when a tourist destination does not provide comfort regarding the issue of halal food and the availability of places of worship. This paper reviews the concept of religious moderation tourism which can be interpreted as the availability and fulfillment of the needs of Muslims and tourist destinations such as halal food that is not mixed with unclean food, proper places of worship, and various other facilities that are the needs of Muslims. The approach used in this study is a qualitative approach. Data were obtained by conducting interviews with tourism managers, community leaders, the Head of the Culture and Tourism Office, tourism observers and the community. The concept of moderating religious tourism in the Lake Toba area is already underway, such as hotels serving halal food cooked by Muslim workers, providing prayer rooms. However, what has not been seen is the certainty of food halalness with the existence of a halal certificate issued by the competent authority. The facts obtained in the Lake Toba area did not play much of a role in changing the attitudes and behavior of local residents to become more moderate towards foreign Muslim tourists.

The Implementation Of Halal Tourism For Non-Muslim Tourists In Aceh

As a province that has the privilege of implementing Islamic law, all sectors of government and life in Aceh must be based on Islamic values, including the tourism sector, that should also have Islamic characteristics. In this case, the principle of halal tourism aims to provide security and comfort for local and foreign Muslim tourists; Muslim and non-Muslim tourists can enjoy this convenience as well.

Mosque as a COVID-19 vaccination site in collaboration with a private clinic: A short report from Osaka, Japan

Ethnic minorities are vulnerable to disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination strategies that do not leave ethnic minorities behind are required. This is a report on the use of Osaka Islamic Center, a mosque, as a group vaccination site for an ethnic minority group in Osaka, Japan, from August to September 2021. We aimed to discuss (1) the process of turning the mosque to a vaccination site, (2) the linguistic and religious considerations made, and (3) the reasons people got vaccinated at the mosque. We interviewed stakeholders and vaccine recipients in December 2021. The survey shows that the mosque administrators voluntarily collaborated with a private clinic to become a vaccination site after learning of another mosque that had undertaken a similar venture. On the day of the vaccination, the mosque administrators' experiences with a large vaccination site informed the smooth operation of the site. They made linguistic considerations (i.e., having volunteers fill out medical questionnaires and administrators aid in language interpretation) and religious considerations (i.e., dividing the space and time of vaccination according to gender) for foreign Muslims. In particular, linguistic considerations were favorably accepted by vaccination recipients and were considered a factor that encouraged them to get vaccinated. The mosque also linked unvaccinated people to the clinic even after finishing vaccination at the mosque, suggesting that it may have played a role in ensuring they were not left behind. This case is expected to stimulate activities performed in mosques and by ethnic minority groups in future disasters.

COVID-19 vaccination at a mosque with multilingual and religious considerations for ethnic minorities: A case study in Kanagawa, Japan

During a disaster, such as a pandemic, ethnic minorities tend to be left behind due to linguistic and religious differences. In the COVID-19 vaccination process, measures to include them are necessary, including the utilization of their resources and networks. The functions and challenges of such measures should be explored in real-world cases. We targeted a case in Ebina, Kanagawa, Japan, where a mosque, being a hub of foreign Muslims, was used as a vaccination site. This was the first, and the only, case in Japan with the involvement of the local government. We aimed to detail (1) the linguistic and religious responses at the mosque, (2) the perceptions of vaccine recipients regarding linguistic and religious issues and considerations, and (3) the problems that arose when using the mosque. We conducted an e-mail survey of the local government and a field survey—field observations and interviews with relevant stakeholders (e.g., mosque managers and female vaccinees). The surveys found various linguistic (e.g., interpretation by mosque-related volunteers) and religious (i.e., separating vaccination spaces based on gender) considerations provided at the mosque, which the vaccinees favorably accepted. The measure likely promoted vaccination by increasing the intention to vaccinate and closing the intention-behavior gap. If some identified problems (e.g., complaints from the Japanese) are mitigated, the function of the mosque as a vaccination site would be further enhanced. The results also support the significant potential of mosques in Muslim-minority societies to approach ethnic minorities in disasters, including pandemics.

THE DYNAMICS AND DRIVERS OF CONTEMPORARY ISLAM AND MUSLIMS IN CHINA

The introduction of Islam in China happened through two routes; the southeast ton led to Canton and latter was from the northwest, Silk Road. Since the 7th century, Islam has been practiced in China. Its evolution spanning over 1300 years, it now stands in the league of the five major faith-systems in the country. During the course of its growth in China, it has branched out into numerous Islamic schools and sects with distinct practices and doctrinal beliefs. Notwithstanding the vibrant cultural diversity, Islamic identity remains bedrock for the Chinese Muslim. The phenomenal economic rise of China and development boom has attracted a great number of local and foreign Muslims who have settled in the south eastern coast and pursue commercial activities. The settlement and presence of such a large Muslim population has a great religious impact on eastern Chinese cities. The golden Islamic value of harmony and brotherhood lays down guiding principles for the Chinese Muslims. The unifying forces of Islam provide them with an ideological framework seminal to establishment of a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious Muslim society in China. Keywords: Islam, Muslims, contemporary China.

A Research on The Attitude and Purchasing Behavior of Muslim Consumers Towards Products with Halal Logo in Another Muslim Country

Consumers living in Muslim countries often do not pay attention to the halal logo as they think that the products in their own countries meet the halal requirements. However, Muslim consumers are highly susceptible to purchasing halal products when they go to a non-Muslim country. The halal logo makes it easier for consumers who have this sensitivity to choose halal products. At this point, it is wondered whether the halal logo is effective in the purchasing behavior of Muslims in different Muslim countries. From this point of view, in this study, it is aimed to fill the gap in the literature by investigating the attitudes and behaviors of Muslim consumers towards products with halal logo when they go to another Muslim country. For this purpose, the halal logo knowledge, awareness and attitudes, and halal logo product purchasing behaviors of Muslim international students coming to Turkey, a Muslim country, for university education were examined. The research model developed for this purpose was created by utilizing the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) model. Within the scope of the study, data were collected from 396 international students through an online questionnaire using convenience sampling method. The obtained data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The investigation revealed that halal logo awareness and attitude toward halal logo products significantly affect halal logo product purchasing behavior. However, information about halal logos is unlikely to have a significant and beneficial effect on the halal logo product purchasing behavior.

Japanese SME Internationalization in Halal Food Industry: A Preliminary Study

Recently, Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced a shrinking domestic market due to a declining population in Japan. In contrast, the global Muslim population has been drastically increasing, which is attractive to Japanese SMEs, especially food manufacturers. Despite the situation, there has been little empirical research on the internationalization of Japanese SMEs in the halal food industry. With this in mind, this study explores it by adopting an existing framework of SME internationalization. The main aims are to describe the process of how one Japanese small food manufacturer has entered a foreign Muslim market by starting and expanding its halal food business and to identify the role of international entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) in this specific field. By analyzing this case, the findings show the following things. First, IEO is considered an important factor to lead to the internationalization of Japanese SMEs in the halal food industry because the president of the manufacturer actively collected information on the halal food business and built an appropriate organizational structure. Second, since the halal industry in Japan has obstacles to SME internationalization, Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) is an effective form of entry into foreign Muslim markets, which gave the president opportunities to collect market information and build a network in the market. Third, procurement innovation is imperative to receive foreign halal certification and break down a cultural barrier based on food habits since ingredients Japanese manufacturers procure possibly contain non-halal materials at the level of not only first-tier suppliers but second and third-tier suppliers.

Foreign Muslim Workers’ Perspectives of the Basic Needs of Muslim-Friendly Tourist Services: An Empirical Analysis of a Non-Muslim Destination

The rapid growth of Halal travel offers a tourism opportunity for countries, but non-Muslim countries often find it difficult to meet the multiple religious needs of Muslim tourists. This study verifies Muslim tourists’ requirements for basic hotel and food services and identifies the categories in which to place these attributes and which ones need resources to increase Muslim tourists’ satisfaction. Applying Taiwan as a non-Muslim destination, we surveyed 216 Indonesian Muslim foreign workers and used the recently developed Gradient Boosting Decision Trees, instead of a regression method, to overcome the nonlinear and multicollinearity issues of Penalty-Reward-Contrast Analysis. Impact-Range Performance Analysis and Asymmetric Impact-Performance Analysis were then applied to examine the basic attributes of Muslim foreign workers’ tourist experiences. We learned that using Gradient Boosting Decision Trees provided advantages over the regression method. Empirical results indicated that hotel-related factors are prioritized over food services when Muslim tourists visit a non-Muslim country. In addition, religious observances play an essential part in Muslim tourists’ hotel choices, and conveniently accessible Halal food is a desirable travel requisite for this group.

Mosque as a vaccination site for ethnic minority in Kanagawa, Japan: leaving no one behind amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ethnic minorities with different languages and religions are potentially vulnerable not only during natural hazard-related disasters, but also during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their vaccination coverage may be lower, and vaccination strategies should prevent them from being left behind. This report presents the first case in Japan where a mosque, being the hub of foreign Muslims, was used as a vaccination site from the end of July 2021. The targeted mosque was Ebina Mosque in Kanagawa Prefecture, and most of the vaccine recipients were foreign Muslims. The mosque differed from other vaccination sites in that reservations could be made easily through the managers, and linguistic diversity (i.e., the mosque managers and mosque-related volunteers served as interpreters) and gender were considered. These efforts are likely to have removed some barriers to vaccination for ethnic minorities and contributed to "no one will be left behind."

МУСУЛЬМАНИ-ІММІГРАНТИ: ПРИЧИНИ ПЕРЕЇЗДУ ДО УКРАЇНИ ТА СУПУТНІ ПРОБЛЕМИ (НА МАТЕРІАЛАХ м. КИЄВА)

The article tells about the issues of migration of Muslims to Ukraine, clarifies the reasons for relocating and analyzes the problems that foreign Muslims face when they relocate to Ukraine. The author found out that the most popular countries from which Muslims often relocate to Ukraine are former countries of the Soviet Union (Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, the Russian Federation), North Africa (Morocco, Lebanon, Algeria, Egypt), Turkey and the Middle East (Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Syria, Saudi Arabia). The reasons for choosing Ukraine as a country for relocation among Muslim foreigners were established and analyzed. The motives of Muslim migrants to relocate to Ukraine were classified into four groups. According to Muslims, the reasons for migration were the following: high level of religious tolerance among Ukrainian citizens; availability of higher education (due to relatively low prices at universities); motivation to start one’s own business in Ukraine (due to the simple process of legal registration of a business). The article shows several examples of Muslims who came to Ukraine primarily for higher education and then remained here on a permanent basis, formed a family and acquired citizenship. In addition, the obstacles that arise on the way to a convenient relocation of Muslims to Ukraine were found out. The obstacles were divided into two groups. The first group is related to bureaucratic obstacles (difficulties with obtaining a residence permit, visa and citizenship of Ukraine). The second group includes household background problems: non-adaptation of Ukrainian cities and villages to the needs of the Muslim community (lack of Muslim communities (jamaat), insufficient number of mosques, places to pray, Muslim schools, halal food services, etc.).

Mosques in Japan responding to COVID-19 pandemic: Infection prevention and support provision

Religious activities tend to be conducted in enclosed, crowded, and close-contact settings, which have a high potential of transmitting the coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19); therefore, religious communities are expected to take appropriate infection prevention measures. Meanwhile, during past disasters, religious communities have provided various types of support to affected people; hence, their role in disaster risk reduction has received much attention. In this study, we aimed to identify the infection prevention measures and support provision implemented by mosques—Islamic institutions managed and operated mainly by foreign Muslims living in Japan—during the one year from January 2020. We collected information from newspaper articles (18 articles on 19 mosques) and interviews with representatives of three mosques. We found that various infection control measures were implemented in mosques—refraining from mass prayers and closing buildings from an early stage (around February 2020); canceling large-scale events during the month of Ramadan; moving some activities online; and ensuring indoor ventilation and safe physical distance even when continuing face-to-face prayer activities. We also found that various types of support were provided by mosques—donating masks to the local government; listening to problems of people affected by COVID-19 regardless of their nationality; providing financial support to them; translating and disseminating information to foreign Muslims; and providing religious meals for them. This study provides actual examples of infection prevention measures taken by mosques in a Muslim-minority society and suggests that mosques appropriately responded to the needs of religious minorities during disasters, including COVID-19.

Potential of mosques to serve as evacuation shelters for foreign Muslims during disasters: a case study in Gunma, Japan

Foreigners tend to be vulnerable to disasters due to religious and cultural differences. In Japan, Muslim foreign residents, who are minorities, likely face difficulties in terms of food and religious practices in evacuation shelters. In this study, we propose the use of mosques as voluntary shelters for Muslim foreigners in Japan and evaluate their potential to function as shelters. Mosques are expected to have a large space, including a prayer space, and to store food familiar to daily users. We conducted field surveys targeting two mosques in Isesaki, Gunma, Japan, to investigate their equipment and building environment in relation to how they could function as shelters; the number of evacuees they could accommodate; the amount of food they could supply to evacuees; and the willingness of the administrators to use the mosques as shelters. Both mosques were found to be equipped with toilets and shower rooms and had enough space for approximately 60–80 evacuees. They also had sufficient kitchen space and tableware to prepare meals for about 100 people. Although they did not always stock a large amount of food, they could quickly receive food from nearby stores. Moreover, the administrators were willing to use the mosques as shelters. Therefore, it was suggested that the mosques could serve as shelters accommodating and feeding many evacuees. Finally, measures to improve the function of mosques as shelters are discussed. This study lays the groundwork for the future use of mosques as shelters.

Globalization and the Governance of Muslim Spaces in Contemporary Guangzhou

This article explores how Muslim spaces in urban China have been regulated under the influence of transnational mobilities in the past few decades, based on a qualitative study. Our key findings demonstrate that the Chinese government applies distinctive strategies to control different types of Muslim spaces: The temporary religious places for foreign Muslims are significantly visible for market-driven purposes, and the Sinicization policy regulates the permanent and daily Muslim spaces. The government-led religious control we discuss in this article reflects a pragmatic and fragmented process in China’s economy-centered modernization and a cultural monism strategy in the global era. This government-led governance of religions is resisted by foreign Muslims who expect a multicultural governance pattern. More broadly, this article suggests a more local focus on the (re)engagement of religions in the process of secularization or modernization under the influence of multiple ways of globalization.

Perspektif Wisatawan Terhadap Brand Awareness Wisata Halal Sumatera Barat

<p><strong><em>Abstract:</em></strong><em> In the tourism industry, halal tourism is a different concept. Halal tourism is a tour that carries the concept of friendly Muslims for domestic and foreign Muslim tourists. Indonesia with a Muslim majority country has a lot of potential in the halal tourism industry sector. In the procurement of the halal tourism industry, this is implemented according to Islamic law. By providing a place of worship for Muslim tourists, prayer time info, lodging services that provide halal food and drinks, transportation services and other facilities. At present Indonesia has ten provinces with the title of the best halal tourist destination, one of which is the province of West Sumatra. However, the concept of halal tourism is still a lot of people and domestic tourists who do not know it yet. Awareness of halal tourism is also still unknown by the managers of attractions. This study aims to analyze tourist awareness about halal tourism in West Sumatra. In this study using descriptive qualitative methods, with 4 informants interview data collection techniques which are divided into 2 categories, namely, (1) tourists who have visited West Sumatra, and (2) tourists who have never been to West Sumatra. The results showed halal tourism in Indonesia is still classified as a new industrial sector. Travelers know the concept of halal tourism based on the management of tourist attractions that provide places of worship, halal food and beverage restaurants, and other supporting facilitation. And many tourists who are interested in visiting West Sumatra.</em></p>

Pragmatism and expediency: Ottoman calculations and the establishment of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic

ABSTRACTThis article interrogates Ottoman sources from the period leading up to and following the creation, in 1918, of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic (TDFR) to shed light on the reasons behind Istanbul’s initial backing for this Caucasian state. Despite the suggestion that Ottoman Unionist policies were informed by pan-Turkist ideals, it emerges that Istanbul considered, first and foremost, the geopolitical interests of the Empire. Whether this entailed using foreign Muslims to control a strategic area or favouring the creation of a political entity that was not considered fully feasible, Ottoman self-interest was paramount. Controlling the Caucasus, limiting German, British and Russian influence, and re-gaining lost territory were the only considerations that guided Ottoman policies. This explains Ottoman ambivalence in supporting the emergence of the TDFR, as well as Ottoman willingness to pursue further territorial claims which undermined the very existence of the TDFR itself. The conclusions reached in this article have significance for the larger understanding of Ottoman policy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, as too often pan-Turkism and pan-Islamism are used to explain the policies of Istanbul, while the Ottoman political elite was more usually guided by pragmatic considerations.

Russian Gender Relations in Educational Materials on RFL as a Subject of Reflection in the Muslim Audience

The article analyzes the textbook of the Russian language "The Road to Russia" by V.E. Antonova, M.M. Nakhabina, M.V. Safronova, A.A. Tolstykh, which is in demand at the elementary, basic and first certification levels of training of foreigners in Russia and abroad. Special attention is drawn to the speech practice and visual materials of this textbook, that represent gender relations in Russia, which might be ambiguously perceived by students who profess Islam. It is shown that when comprehending such materials, students often do not take into account the traditional moral values of the Russians and make inadequate moral conclusions. The necessity of considering these issues is explained by the fact that this textbook is applicable to an "ideal foreigner"; it does not take into account the confessional characteristics of students and significant differences in the organization of life in different countries. The article distinguishes particular texts and topics of the textbook, the study of which should be accompanied by special cultural commentary of the teacher, as well as speech material that might be excluded from the educational process, since its presentation in the Muslim audience is not appropriate. A reasoned conclusion is drawn on the necessity of compiling a textbooks aimed at forming a positive opinion on Russia among foreign Muslim students and harmonizing relations between speakers of different faith-based cultures.

Transnational marriage in Yiwu, China: trade, settlement and mobility

ABSTRACTThis paper explores intermarriage between Chinese women and foreign Muslim traders in Yiwu, China through a consideration of women’s experience of uncertainty in settlement and decisions regarding migration. In so doing, it argues that intermarriage plays an important role in anchoring trading networks for the traders. However, this anchor is not firm, as such households also face significant uncertainties due to the structural constraints resulting from the unstable nature of informal trade; state migration policies, both internal and border control; and challenges regarding children’s education. Furthermore, migration decision-making processes are equally impacted by personal dimensions of attachment, marriage (in)stability, family orientations and perceived cultural gaps. Women are active agents in negotiating and adapting to new situations but their agency is limited by structural constraints.