Operationalising Maqasid al-Shari‘ah through toyyib principles in labour ethics: Challenges and recommendations for the garment industry in Bangladesh

Abstract

 The ready-made garment (RMG) industry of Bangladesh contributes significantly to the national economy but remains ethically fragile due to poor working conditions, wage injustice, and unsafe environments. This study operationalises toyyib as an applied ethical lens grounded in Maqasid al-Shari’ah to examine labour practices, identify ethical violations, and propose reform pathways. Data were collected through 22 semi-structured interviews where workers, managers, policymakers, and Islamic scholars participated. The findings reveal misalignment between existing labour practices and Islamic ethical requirements, particularly in relation to wages, working hours, workplace safety, hygiene, rest facilities, and the protection of workers’ dignity. These issues are compounded by weak law enforcement and a lack of awareness of Islamic ethical obligations. The study advances Islamic labour ethics by empirically translating Maqasid objectives into assessable workplace conditions through the concept of toyyib.