Purpose This study extends the triple bottom line (TBL) framework by incorporating the Prophetic Ethics (Din) to advance the quadruple bottom line (QBL) perspective within Islamic banking. It examines how Prophet-inspired ethics, alongside the TBL dimensions of Prosperity, People and Planet, influence financial performance and explores the mediating roles of these dimensions in translating Shariah-based values into measurable sustainability outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Anchored in a positivist paradigm, the study adopts a deductive, quantitative approach to test an extended QBL framework incorporating Prophetic Ethics (Din). Cross-sectional data were collected via a structured online survey from stakeholders in Pakistan's Islamic banking sector. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis. Findings Prophetic Ethics (Din) positively affect the financial performance of Islamic banks, both directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of the TBL components – Prosperity, People and Planet. These findings confirm that TBL dimensions effectively translate Prophetic ethical values into measurable financial and sustainability outcomes. Research limitations/implications Theoretically, the study advances Prophetic Ethics (Din) as operationalizable constructs within performance modeling, offering a novel empirical pathway for integrating Islamic ethical principles into mainstream organizational research. Practical implications The results call for aligning strategic actions with Prophetic Ethics (Din) through stronger Shariah governance, inclusive finance, green investment and ethical talent development – positioning Islamic banks as both ethically grounded and financially competitive. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine how TBL components mediate the link between the Prophetic Ethics (Din) and financial performance in Islamic Banking. It operationalizes Prophetic values and integrates Maqa-id al-Shari-ah into sustainability models, offering a robust framework for ethical performance assessment in Islamic banking.
Hassan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.