Islamophobia’s effect on the halal economy and Muslim minority communities: A comparative analysis of Belgium and the Philippines

Abstract

This paper analyses the influence of Islamophobia on halal economic involvement and socioeconomic inclusion within Muslim minority groups in Belgium and the Philippines. The research employs a qualitative comparative framework, grounded in a comprehensive evaluation of the academic literature, legal documents, and policy materials, supplemented by thematic synthesis derived from institutional theory and political economy. The analysis differentiates between active institutional Islamophobia, manifested through explicit legal and regulatory constraints, and passive institutional Islamophobia, characterised by governance fragmentation, inadequate provision, and insufficient institutional support. Research indicates that Belgium demonstrates significant institutional obstacles, notably through limitations on religious slaughter and the regulation of Muslim visibility, which hinder local halal supply chains and heighten reliance on imports. The Philippines faces passive institutional constraints due to fragmented certification systems, insufficient government capacity, and socio-political marginalisation, which impede market expansion and certification adoption. In these situations, Islamophobia manifests through legislative obstacles, societal bias, and institutional marginalisation, resulting in elevated transaction costs, diminished customer confidence, and limited economic prospects. The research also emphasises gender-specific impacts and disparate policy reactions. This essay presents a framework that elucidates Islamophobia as a financial constraint by integrating political economy and institutional perspectives. The repercussions of policy on the well-being of minorities are examined.