BDS Explained: What Islam Says About Boycotting Israel and What Else You Can Do
•By Muslim Economist
Artikel ini juga tersedia dalam Bahasa Melayu
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Since October 2023, the world has witnessed boycott campaigns against brands linked to Israel reaching unprecedented levels. McDonald's Malaysia, Starbucks, and dozens of other brands felt the impact as consumers - particularly Muslims - chose not to support products perceived as contributing to the oppression of Palestinians.
But boycotting is only one of three strategies in the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. Many know about boycotts, yet few understand the other two components that are actually more powerful in systematically pressuring Israel.
This article explains what BDS truly encompasses, the Islamic legal position on boycotting, and most importantly - what else we can do beyond simply switching coffee brands.
BDS is a nonviolent movement launched in 2005 by a coalition of 170 Palestinian civil society organisations. The movement has three core demands based on international law:
The name BDS itself refers to three main strategies:
This is the component most people are familiar with. Boycotting means refusing to purchase products or use services from companies linked to Israel or that support the occupation of Palestine.
In Malaysia, the boycott impact has been significant. Berjaya Food, which owns Starbucks Malaysia, lost approximately 25% of its market value on Bursa Malaysia since the boycott campaign began. McDonald's Malaysia even took legal action against BDS Malaysia before eventually withdrawing the lawsuit after mediation.
However, it is important to understand that BDS itself has a priority list. Not all brands boycotted by the public are actually on BDS's primary list. BDS focuses on companies that are directly involved in violating Palestinian rights.
This strategy is far more impactful than product boycotts, yet it receives far less attention.
Divestment means withdrawing investments from companies involved in Israel's occupation. This involves pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, universities, and major financial institutions.
Remarkable examples of successful divestment include:
Sanctions refer to official government actions - arms embargoes, trade restrictions, and diplomatic measures against Israel.
This is the most difficult strategy to achieve as it requires political will at the governmental level. However, several positive developments have occurred:
Many ask - is boycotting obligatory in Islam? The answer is not as simple as yes or no.
According to the Federal Territories Mufti's Office in Bayan Linnas Series 281, the ruling on boycotts varies depending on circumstances:
The Selangor State Mufti's Department further clarified that boycotting is part of the Islamic principle of al-amr bil ma'ruf wa an-nahy 'an al-munkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil).
This is a common misconception. Boycotting is not something prohibited in Islam. On the contrary, in the context of opposing injustice, it can reach the level of being obligatory.
The primary evidence often cited:
Hadith narrated by Muslim - The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot, then with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith."
Economic boycotts fall under "changing with the hand" - taking practical action to oppose injustice. It goes beyond merely praying in one's heart.
IKIM (Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia) emphasises that boycotts must be conducted with wisdom:
Boycotting alone is not enough. Here are other actions Malaysians can take:
Urge Malaysian investment institutions - including EPF, PNB, and Khazanah - to ensure their portfolios do not contain investments in companies involved with Israel's occupation.
For example, in August 2025, several major sovereign wealth funds worldwide began withdrawing their investments from Israel. Malaysia can take similar steps.
Support efforts to bring Israel to justice. The genocide case brought by South Africa to the ICJ is a historic step. Malaysians can:
Rather than just stopping purchases of certain products, redirect spending towards:
Direct financial assistance to Palestinians through recognised bodies:
Ensure the chosen organisation has a good track record of transparency and accountability.
One of the most powerful weapons is information. You can:
As citizens, we have a voice:
Do not underestimate the power of prayer. In an authentic hadith, the Prophet stated that praying for a fellow Muslim who is not present is answered. Encouraged practices include:
Remember that prayer represents "the weakest of faith" - meaning it is the minimum step, not the only one.
The BDS movement is often compared to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa - and this comparison is not without basis.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, the world united to pressure South Africa's apartheid regime through:
The result? The apartheid regime finally fell in 1994. Nelson Mandela himself acknowledged the role of international pressure in apartheid's collapse.
The BDS movement adopts the same model. It believes that sustained economic and diplomatic pressure will force Israel to comply with international law - just as happened with South Africa.
Although boycotting is encouraged, there are several mistakes to avoid:
Workers at McDonald's, Starbucks, or any franchise are not the enemy. They are Malaysians earning a living. The Federal Territories Mufti's Office has emphasised that boycotts must not be accompanied by threats, slander, or destruction of property.
Not all brands that go viral as "pro-Israel" actually have a direct connection. BDS Malaysia has an official list that can be referenced. Spread facts, not slander.
An effective boycott is a long-term one. Switching coffee brands for a month then going back does not create meaningful pressure.
As discussed above, BDS has three components. Boycotting without divestment and sanctions only scratches the surface of the problem.
The ruling depends on context. According to the Federal Territories Mufti's Office, boycotting can reach the level of obligatory when it involves the struggle against oppression. In the context of killings and occupation in Palestine, many scholars consider it at least strongly recommended (sunat muakkad), if not obligatory.
Boycotting is only one of three BDS strategies. BDS also includes divestment (withdrawing investments) and sanctions (government-level restrictions). Divestment and sanctions are actually more powerful than individual boycotts as they involve far larger sums of money.
Yes, there is clear evidence. Berjaya Food (Starbucks MY) lost 25% of its market value. Norway's $1.6 trillion wealth fund withdrew investments from Israel. History also shows economic pressure successfully brought down South African apartheid.
BDS focuses on companies that are directly and clearly involved in violating Palestinian rights. Listing too many brands would spread focus and reduce the campaign's effectiveness.
Refer to the official lists on BDS Malaysia and BDS Movement websites. Do not rely on viral WhatsApp lists that may be inaccurate.
No. Local workers are simply earning a halal living. Islam prohibits blaming individuals for a company's actions. What is asked is that we as consumers make different choices, not attack those who work there.
Many things: spread awareness, pray consistently, donate within your means, support local and Palestinian products, write to elected representatives, and maintain consistency in boycotting. Every small action, when combined, creates significant pressure.
The BDS movement is not merely about boycotting McDonald's or Starbucks. It is a comprehensive strategy encompassing boycotts, investment divestment, and international sanctions - all aimed at compelling Israel to comply with international law. From an Islamic perspective, opposing injustice is not only permitted but encouraged, provided it is done with knowledge, good character, and consistency.
Every ringgit we spend is a vote. Choosing where our money goes is a form of economic jihad that is legitimate in Islam.
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