Toward applied Islamic business ethics: responsible halal business

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the opportunities of using halal regulation and certification as a mechanism for applying Islamic business ethics in contemporary world. Design/methodology/approach The current practices of halal regulation and certification and literature on Islamic ethics were reviewed, to identify a practical approach for Islamic business ethics. Findings Islam allows and accepts different levels of ethical commitment. A multi‐level Islamic ethics framework and a multi‐level halal certification approach are proposed to facilitate the implementation of Islamic business ethics in a relative context. Two major developments can enrich halal business practices: harmonization of global standards and governance structure, and integrating responsibility and ethical issues in halal standards. Practical implications The proposed framework and developments can enrich halal regulation and certification practice. Originality/value The paper emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in Islamic business ethics implementation, and proposes a new framework and approach to apply Islamic business ethics.