Framework for Muslim friendly SPA rating system

Abstract

Nowadays, the emergence of Muslim friendly spa has been seen as an alternative to the generic spa, this is due to the fact that its services cater the needs of Muslim customers. However, the guideline is still nowhere to be established although the concept is known in Malaysia. The absence of the guideline has resulted to the confusion and self- proclaiming issues. Hence, this research aims to develop the framework of a rating system for the Muslim friendly spa which provides the understanding of the concept, the core elements and requirements. The framework is useful to develop the intended guideline. The objectives of this research include the identification of the Shari‘ah compliant elements that can be used for setting up the standards of requirements for the Muslim friendly spa concept, the analysis of the implementation of Shari‘ah compliant elements in the Muslim friendly spa premises in Klang Valley, and to develop framework for Muslim friendly Spa Rating System (MFSRS). The methodology adopted is the literature research, case studies on the five existing Muslim friendly spas in Klang Valley area and the expert review discussions triangulated for validation in the qualitative research. In addition, the proposed framework is validated by the experts through two stages to improve the suitability and usefulness. Eight core elements of the spa functional areas are identified and integrated with the Shari‘ah principles to develop the Shari‘ah compliant elements, with two critical core elements, namely spa products and treatments, and its staff. A total of 31 Shari‘ah compliant elements have been identified after triangulation and two discrepancies are found from the case studies pertaining to the two critical core elements. Therefore, the proposed framework of Muslim Friendly Spa Rating System is essential to standardize the Shari‘ah compliant elements and define the guidelines to the spa providers in understanding the concept of Muslim friendly spa.