Why non-Muslims subscribe to Islamic banking?
Qualitative Research in Financial Markets
ISSN: 1755-4179
Article publication date: 17 May 2019
Issue publication date: 13 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Islamic finance has exhibited immense potential to transform the global financial landscape in the recent years. In reaction to the trend, Nigeria introduced Islamic banking system to cater to the need of the teeming population and promote financial inclusion, among other potential benefits. Unfortunately, the notable growth recorded by the banks since the inception of the Islamic banking system is slowing down because of religiously induced sentiments and criticisms championed by certain non-Muslim segments of the society. Interestingly, even with the impish hype and publicity, non-Muslims make a significant customer base of the Islamic banks. Therefore, the current paper aims to investigate the factors influencing the choice of Islamic banking among non-Muslim customers, using the theory of planned behaviour as a conceptual framework.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a positivist approach and relies on facts and quantitative data in an objective manner. Positivism emphasizes on using scientific methods to derive factual and quantifiable results.
Findings
Based on the regression analysis, subjective norm was found to be the most significant factor influencing the choice of Islamic banking followed by perceived behavioural control and attitude. As a result, it is important for Islamic banking institutions and relevant regulatory agencies to take preemptive measures that may protect and enhance these factors in a bid to promote patronage and eventual success of Islamic banking in Nigeria, especially in the face of growing scepticism.
Originality/value
The existing literature focuses on the choices of either Muslims without due emphasis on the determinant of choice in the case of non-Muslim customers. The growing support of Islamic banking products, cutting across religious divides, compels research on the factors that influence the choice of Islamic banking among non-Muslim customers. Hence, this research seeks to bridge the gap in the existing literature by embarking on an investigation into the factors influencing the choice of Islamic banking among non-Muslim customers in the context of Nigeria.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are deeply grateful to Professor Bruce M. Burton (the editor), the guest editors (Dr Satish Kumar and Dr Gabriela Chmelíková) and the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments, which improved the quality of the paper greatly. The authors acknowledge and assume responsibility for any other mistakes or errors within the manuscript.
Citation
Saiti, B., Ardo, A.A. and Yumusak, I.G. (2022), "Why non-Muslims subscribe to Islamic banking?", Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 247-269. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRFM-01-2018-0005
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited