BDS Explained: What Islam Says About Boycotting Israel and What Else You Can Do
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.
What Is BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions)?
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:
- End the occupation and construction of the separation wall in the West Bank
- Grant equal rights to Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel
- Respect the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland
The name BDS itself refers to three main strategies:
B - Boycott
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.
D - Divestment
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:
- Norway's Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), worth $1.6 trillion, divested all its holdings in Israel Bonds in November 2023, and subsequently sold shares in Israeli companies such as Paz Retail and Bezeq
- Government pension funds in Sweden and New Zealand withdrew investments from Israeli companies involved in illegal activities in occupied Palestinian territory
- Four Norwegian universities severed ties with Israeli institutions linked to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF)
- G4S, a British multinational security company, sold its Israeli subsidiary in 2016 following a sustained BDS campaign
S - Sanctions
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:
- South Africa brought a genocide case against Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in January 2024
- The ICJ ordered Israel to take steps to prevent genocide in Gaza, allow humanitarian aid, and halt attacks on Rafah
- Belgium and Brazil joined the ICJ case against Israel
- Several countries have recalled their ambassadors from Israel in protest
The Islamic Ruling on Boycotts: Beyond Simply Halal or Haram
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:
- Obligatory (Wajib) - when it involves the struggle to uphold truth and oppose oppression
- Recommended (Sunat) - when it encourages the use of local products
- Permissible (Harus) - when done as a personal choice
- Discouraged (Makruh) - when done excessively to the point of causing self-harm
- Forbidden (Haram) - when accompanied by violence, slander, or destruction of property
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).
Islam Does NOT Forbid Boycotts - It Encourages Them
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.
Conditions for a Righteous Boycott
IKIM (Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia) emphasises that boycotts must be conducted with wisdom:
- Based on knowledge - ensure information about the boycotted company is accurate and verified
- Without exceeding limits - do not damage property, threaten workers, or spread slander
- Prioritising public interest (maslahah) - weigh the benefits and harms before acting
- Consistent - not merely following a trend, but a long-term commitment
Beyond Boycotts: 7 Other Ways to Fight Israel's Injustice
Boycotting alone is not enough. Here are other actions Malaysians can take:
1. Support Divestment Campaigns
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.
2. International Law Advocacy
Support efforts to bring Israel to justice. The genocide case brought by South Africa to the ICJ is a historic step. Malaysians can:
- Write to elected representatives urging Malaysia to join the ICJ case
- Support organisations collecting war crime evidence
- Spread information about ICJ decisions to the general public
3. Support Palestinian and Local Products
Rather than just stopping purchases of certain products, redirect spending towards:
- Palestinian products - olive oil, dates, soap, and Palestinian-made goods
- Local Malaysian products - support Malaysian SMEs offering alternatives to international brands
- OIC country products - prioritise products from Muslim-majority nations as a sign of economic solidarity
4. Donate to Legitimate Humanitarian Organisations
Direct financial assistance to Palestinians through recognised bodies:
- UNRWA (United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees)
- Palestine Red Crescent Society
- Aman Palestin Malaysia
- Islamic Relief Malaysia
Ensure the chosen organisation has a good track record of transparency and accountability.
5. Awareness and Education Campaigns
One of the most powerful weapons is information. You can:
- Spread facts about Israel's occupation on social media (not just emotions)
- Organise discussion sessions or talks at mosques, prayer halls, and schools
- Create quality content exposing the reality in Palestine
- Support journalists and media reporting the truth from Gaza
6. Push for Political and Diplomatic Action
As citizens, we have a voice:
- Write to elected representatives demanding firmer action against Israel
- Support government efforts for arms embargoes and diplomatic sanctions
- Get involved in registered pro-Palestine advocacy organisations
- Attend peaceful demonstrations approved by authorities
7. Prayer and Supplication
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:
- Qunut Nazilah - a special supplication during times of calamity for the Muslim ummah
- Solat Hajat - special prayer seeking Allah's help for Palestinians
- Post-prayer supplications - consistently praying for the safety of Muslims in Palestine
Remember that prayer represents "the weakest of faith" - meaning it is the minimum step, not the only one.
BDS and History: Lessons from South Africa
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:
- Cultural and sports boycotts - South African teams were banned from the Olympics
- Massive divestment - multinational corporations withdrew investments
- International sanctions - UN arms and trade embargoes
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.
Common Mistakes in Boycott Campaigns
Although boycotting is encouraged, there are several mistakes to avoid:
1. Attacking Local Workers
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.
2. Spreading Misinformation
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.
3. Short-lived Boycotts
An effective boycott is a long-term one. Switching coffee brands for a month then going back does not create meaningful pressure.
4. Only Focusing on Boycotts
As discussed above, BDS has three components. Boycotting without divestment and sanctions only scratches the surface of the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is boycotting Israeli products obligatory in Islam?
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.
What is the difference between boycotting and BDS?
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.
Are boycotts actually effective?
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.
Why doesn't BDS put all brands on the boycott list?
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.
How do I know which companies truly deserve to be boycotted?
Refer to the official lists on BDS Malaysia and BDS Movement websites. Do not rely on viral WhatsApp lists that may be inaccurate.
Are local workers at boycotted franchises also sinful?
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.
What can I do if I am not wealthy or influential?
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.
Conclusion
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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