Journal of Sharia Economic Law
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026)

Reconstructing Consumer Behavior Evaluation in Islamic Economics: A Conceptualization of Barakah as the Connecting Link between Utility, Maṣlaḥah, and Falāḥ

Dewi Mutmainnah (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Indonesia Surabaya)
Yayah Atmajawati (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Indonesia Surabaya)
Farida Idayati (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Indonesia Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Jun 2026

Abstract

The concept of utility has traditionally been used in conventional economics to evaluate consumer behavior through the level of satisfaction gained from consumption. However, utility is often considered insufficient to capture the ethical, spiritual, and sustainability dimensions emphasized in Islamic economics. Although the concepts of maṣlaḥah and falāḥ have been widely discussed as normative objectives of consumption, the role of barakah has not been systematically formulated within Islamic consumption theory. This study aims to define barakah, examine its relationship to utility, maṣlaḥah, and falāḥ, and develop a conceptual framework that connects these constructs. Using a library research design with a conceptual approach, the study analyzes the literature on Islamic economics, Qur’anic exegesis, ḥadīth, and related interdisciplinary sources through content and comparative analyses, as well as conceptual synthesis. The findings indicate that barakah is a relational quality arising from the acquisition and use of resources in accordance with Islamic ethical principles, resulting in sustainable material, psychological, and social well-being. Furthermore, utility, maṣlaḥah, barakah, and falāḥ form a hierarchical framework rather than competing concepts. Utility reflects subjective satisfaction, maṣlaḥah serves as the normative criterion, barakah evaluates the quality and sustainability of outcomes, and falāḥ represents the ultimate goal. This framework offers a more comprehensive evaluation of consumer behavior within Islamic economics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jshel

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

This journal is published by Institut Sunan Giri Ponorogo and managet by depatment of Sharia Economic Law twice a year (June and December). The presence of the journal accommodates scientific writings from the academic community, researchers, students, and practices in Sharia Economic Law and law ...