Trends

From Islamic mobile phones to toothpastes, companies across the world are gearing up to make products that cater to the aesthetic and religious values of Muslims.


Muslims today are recognised as one of the largest block of the consumers with specific needs. More and more companies are now manu-facturing tailor-made products and services for the Muslims.


Mobile Telecommunication:

Among those who have started to recognise this market’s strength is an innovative Dubai based Company, Ilkone Mobile Telecommunication, which manu-factures and markets a series of niche products for Muslim segments (the name ‘ilkone’ derives from the Arabic word for ‘universe’.)


Earlier this year, they launched a smart new Islamic mobile phone, the ilkone i800, which provides specialised features such as establishing Qibla direction (towards the Ka’bah at Makkah, that Muslims face to pray) from anywhere in the world, giving full text of the Qur’an with English translations (approved by the scholars of Al-Azhar in Egypt), and automatic precise prayer timing anywhere in the world with Azan (call to prayers). Other innovative ilkone features planned for future release includes a step-by-step guide for Hajj and Umrah, including a personalised process tracker.


Halal Food:

In major cities of India, restaurants, and also ready-to-eat products are taking care of the needs of the Muslim clientele. Most of the restaurants in Mumbai provide halal food for the Muslims. The restaurants ensure that they buy mutton and chicken from the Muslim vendor. Even Indian Railway canteens procure halal food.


Muslim Matrimonial Services:

The mainstream matrimonial portals have exclusive web pages for the Muslims. These exclusive portals are proving to be a boon for the Muslim parents who are looking for the specific match for their children.


Halal Investing:

ICICI Bank is amongst the first mainstream banks to develop new and innovative Sharia compliant products for the specific needs of its Muslim clients. Even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is negotiating with subsidiaries of Indian banks to offer Islamic banking products to meet the emerging competition. Islamic banking addresses the concerns of the poor and helps in building a more just socio-economic order. It is imperative that the direction and content of globalisation is geared on the right course and that the rules of globalisation are based on equity and concern for the poor.


Islamics schools and Universities:

In Mumbai alone, there are at least five exclusive Islamic schools. Even Mumbai University is offering Arabic diploma and certificate courses for the Muslim students. Islamic American University, Internati-onal Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) etc, are offering distance learning curriculum taught in English and Arabic. A Muslim student can acquire a degree from a secular education university and simulta-neously acquire diploma/ certificate in Islamic studies. The e-learning products in Islamic studies are gaining popularity among Muslims.


FMCG Category Products:

The sales of fast moving consumer products such as alcohol- free perfume, Miswaak toothpaste, Muslim dolls, halal cosmetics and toiletries are increasing. Now the FMCG sector has realised that the Muslim community has specific needs and they are catering to the segment.


Real Estate and Custom-Made Houses:

Builders are now offering fusion of modern amenities and the religious and cultural requirements of a Muslim family. More and more Muslims are demanding their houses custom –made, suiting their cultural and religious needs. Even builders have begun to advertise these exclusive features in their promotion. Builders are offering bathrooms that have a provision for making wudu (ablution), Qibla-oriented drawing room, toilets facing the opposite direction of Qibla, space for women to have their privacy.


Haj Tours:

More and more domestic travellers are opting for convenience during Haj. In fact, people are most keen about the facilities tour operators offer instead of the training provisions they arrange for clients. It is obvious more and more people are opting for private Haj tour operators because of better facilities.


Many operators have tied up with the local five star hotels and other agencies in Makkah and Madinah to offer best of services as specified by each client. Couple of years ago, the Central Haj Committee (CHC) had a long waiting list. It was very difficult to get a berth on the official tour. But today the CHC quota is not utilised fully. Even the last minute applicant, gets immediate clearance. It is obvious that more and more people are opting for private Haj operators because of better facilities.


Muslims in India are very conscious about their socio-cultural identity. The current generation is no longer ashamed to demand the product and service, which are essential to practice Islam. Even five star hotels have recognised this and are offering water to Muslim clients in the toilet. The industry and the market recognising the trend are more than willing not only to serve them, but also delight them by providing customised products and services.


(The writer can be reached at mhl@rediffmail.com.)