From Ritual to Capital: Da’wah as a Reality of Empowering Muslim MSMEs through Halal Certification

Abstract

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a central role in Indonesia’s economy, particularly within Muslim communities. However, many MSMEs continue to face barriers in market access, consumer trust, and business sustainability due to low awareness and compliance with halal standards. Previous studies have mostly discussed halal certification and da’wah separately halal certification from regulatory and marketing perspectives, and da’wah from spiritual or moral dimensions. This study fills that gap by integrating both into an empowerment framework that connects religious values with modern business practices. This research was conducted in Solo Raya, Central Java, using a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The findings reveal that da’wah-based halal certification programs enhance ethical awareness, administrative competence, and social collaboration among Muslim MSME actors, thereby strengthening their economic resilience and spiritual responsibility. This study contributes a new perspective on da’wah as a socio-economic praxis that bridges spirituality and entrepreneurship, offering a sustainable model for inclusive community-based economic empowerment.