The Asian Journal of Islamic Management (AJIM) is pleased to present Volume 8, Issue 1 (2026), featuring ten scholarly articles that reflect the dynamic evolution of Islamic management research in response to contemporary economic, technological, social, and sustainability challenges. The contributions in this issue demonstrate the growing maturity of Islamic management as an interdisciplinary field by integrating Islamic values with contemporary management theories, digital transformation, consumer behavior, sustainable development, and organizational performance. Collectively, these studies provide valuable theoretical insights and practical implications for academics, practitioners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

Several articles in this issue examine the changing behavior of Muslim consumers and the influence of digital technologies on decision-making. Topics such as halal tourism, Islamic securities crowdfunding, social media influencers, e-commerce switching behavior, Islamic medical tourism, and consumer boycott intentions illustrate how technological innovation and digital platforms are reshaping Muslim consumption patterns while remaining closely intertwined with religious values. These studies highlight that Islamic management must continuously adapt to the rapid digital transformation without losing its ethical and Shariah-based foundations.

Another important theme concerns organizational effectiveness and stakeholder engagement within Islamic institutions. Research on Islamic banking explores the role of religious motivation in strengthening customers' word-of-mouth behavior, while the study on zakat institutions investigates how psychological needs and non-financial compensation contribute to improving amil performance. These findings reinforce the importance of human-centered management practices, organizational culture, and intrinsic motivation in enhancing institutional effectiveness within Islamic organizations.

This issue also expands the discourse on sustainability and social responsibility through studies on Sharia-driven volunteer tourism experiences and sustainable business models in the energy sector. The bibliometric and systematic review further demonstrates the increasing integration of Islamic ethical principles with environmental sustainability, responsible business practices, and long-term value creation. These contributions indicate that Islamic management is increasingly positioned to address global sustainability challenges by offering ethical frameworks that balance economic performance, social welfare, and environmental stewardship.

Taken together, the articles published in this issue demonstrate the breadth and diversity of contemporary Islamic management research. They advance knowledge across multiple domains while reaffirming that Islamic values remain highly relevant for addressing emerging managerial and societal challenges in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. We hope that the findings presented in this volume will stimulate further scholarly discussion, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspire future research that contributes to the continued advancement of Islamic management theory and practice.

Finally, we extend our sincere appreciation to all authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and readers whose commitment and support have made this publication possible. We hope that AJIM Volume 8, Issue 1 serves as a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to advancing Islamic management scholarship and promoting impactful research for society.

Prof. Anas Hidayat., MBA., Ph.D
Editor in Chief