The Shari’ah Compliance Spa for Wellness and Tourism Context in Malaysia

Abstract

Spa, Tourism and Wellness are a relatively new trend that has registered an impressive growth rate. The spa market has turned into the fastest growing leisure sector which provide facilities as venue to improve a person’s health and well-being. In Malaysia, Shari’ah compliance spa has increasingly becoming an important marketing strategy which attract customers in the context of wellness industry. This is parallel with the growing demand for products and services that comply with Islamic law with consideration trend nowadays. Thus, there are specific criteria for the spa sector to be complied for a Shari’ah compliance. The Shari’ah compliance elements practiced by Islamic Spa Practices (ISP) include the usages of Halal Products; Gender Segregations in Treatments and Procedures, as well as Physical Construct Elements. The five vital elements of Maqasid Shar’iyyah which were Protection of Religion (Al-Diin); Protection of Life (Al-Hayah); Protection of Mind (Al-‘Aql); Protection of Dignity (Al-Muru’ah); and Protection of Wealth (Al-Mal) considered in delivering the Shari’ah Compliance Spa. To date, there is no much framework that elaborates the Shari’ah compliance spa that include the ISP practices and Maqasid Shar’iyyah elements. However, an initial framework of Sha’riah compliance spa is developed based on the Muslim-friendly hospital services.