Islamic Ethics and Business Practices Among Muslim Entrepreneurs in Aba, Abia State

This study examines the application of Islamic business ethics among Muslim entrepreneurs in Aba, Abia State, South East Nigeria. Aba is widely known as a commercial hub in the South East, and its Muslim business community, though a minority, represents an interesting case study of faith-based commercial conduct in a predominantly Christian commercial environment. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, using structured questionnaires administered to 180 Muslim business owners identified through mosque directories and market associations. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings indicate that respondents generally affirm Islamic ethical principles in business, including honesty in transactions, avoidance of Riba, and fair pricing. However, competitive pressures, inadequate access to halal financial instruments, and the dominance of conventional business norms in the Aba commercial environment were identified as primary factors that erode consistent ethical compliance. The study recommends the establishment of an Islamic business ethics support network in Aba, engagement of Islamic financial institutions in providing Sharia-compliant credit facilities, and mentorship programmes connecting younger Muslim entrepreneurs with established ethical role models. This study provides a unique lens on Islamic economic behaviour in a minority Muslim commercial context. Keywords: Islamic business ethics, Muslim entrepreneurs, Aba, Abia State, Sharia-compliant commerce.