UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HALAL FOOD CHOICES AND RELIGIOUS COMMITMENT AMONG MUSLIM STUDENTS IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The growing emphasis on nutrition around the world, especially among young people, has sparked a great deal of scholarly research into eating patterns and their wider effects. Muslim students at public universities in the Klang Valley of Malaysia are the subjects of this study, which looks at their halal eating habits and Islamic worldview (Tasawwur). The study examines how perception, knowledge, and religious awareness affect food choices and consumption habits. It is based on the Islamic concept of Halalan Tayyiban, which emphasizes the permissibility and wholesomeness of food. A validated structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 439 Muslim students at six major public institutions using a quantitative cross-sectional methodology. The study's theoretical underpinnings are derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which views religious commitment, attitudes, subjective standards, and perceived behavioral control as important factors that influence the intake of halal cuisine. The results show that respondents' Tasawwur was generally high and that halal eating habits and religious appreciation were strongly correlated. Nonetheless, disparities between generations and institutions surfaced, indicating the necessity of ongoing involvement to enhance religious dietary awareness. Despite widespread awareness, the study also finds gaps in practical knowledge regarding the preparation and certification of halal food. These results highlight the need for focused educational programs and legislative changes that reconcile religious values with modern food systems. Moreover, the research reveals the major significance of religiosity as a mediator of food behavior and its larger impact on spiritual and academic well-being. The report suggests promoting family-based halal education, enhancing halal literacy among young people, and establishing a campus climate that supports students in making educated food choices. In the end, this study advances a more sophisticated comprehension of the ways in which Islamic dietary ethics interact with contemporary academic and social settings, providing insightful information to stakeholders in the halal business, educators, and legislators.