Enhancing Halal Awareness And Scientific Learning Through A Cross-Cultural Community Engagement By Culturally-Informed University Science Educators On Natural Herbal Soap-Making Among Thai School Students

Mohd Affendi Mohd Shafri; Zaitunnatakhin Zamli; Hanani Ahmad Yusof; Norsyuhada  Alias; Mardiaty Iryani Abdullah; Mohd Fuad  Rahmat Sam; Aishahwati  Baharuddin; Mardhiah Mohammad

doi:10.33102/jfatwa.vol31no2.775

Authors

Mohd Affendi Mohd Shafri Biomedical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MALAYSIA
Zaitunnatakhin Zamli Biomedical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MALAYSIA
Hanani Ahmad Yusof Biomedical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MALAYSIA
Norsyuhada Alias Biomedical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MALAYSIA
Mardiaty Iryani Abdullah Biomedical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MALAYSIA
Mohd Fuad Rahmat Sam Biomedical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MALAYSIA
Aishahwati Baharuddin Biomedical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MALAYSIA.
Mardhiah Mohammad Biomedical Science Department, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MALAYSIA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/jfatwa.vol31no2.775

Keywords:

halal, herbal soap, culture, heath promotion, science education

Abstract

School-based health education provides an important platform for promoting halal, hygiene, cultural understanding, and healthy practices among young learners. This study reports a cross-cultural community engagement by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Mahidol University, and Bangkok Noi Elementary School, Bangkok, Thailand focusing on halal-based hygiene education through natural herbal soap-making. Materials and Methods: A one-day interactive workshop was conducted involving 32 students aged 12–17 years. The programme combined short lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on soap-making activities. A pre- and post-test design assessed changes in knowledge of halal concepts, natural ingredients, and soap formulation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Participants’ mean knowledge scores improved significantly from 1.72 ± 0.77 (pre-test) to 3.36 ± 0.81 (post-test) (p < 0.001, r = 0.82). Qualitative feedback indicated that 93.8% of students enjoyed the activity, while 87.5% would recommend it to peers. Conclusion: The programme effectively enhanced students’ understanding of halal-based hygiene and natural product formulation while promoting intercultural appreciation. The IIUM–Mahidol collaboration demonstrates the potential of Shariah-informed community engagement in strengthening health education and halal awareness.

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