The Curious Case of Ribā’s Muted Role in Bank Selection Criteria Among Muslims in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Purpose – Arguably, the most significant difference between conventional and Islamic banking is prohibition of ribā (interest)—besides gharar (uncertainty) maysir (speculation). Naturally, it questioned whether make-or-break selection criterion for customers in Malaysia. Consequently, this study examined moderating effect knowledge on nexus already widely researched bank criteria (i.e., service quality, corporate reputation, cost benefits, technology) among Malaysian Muslims.
 Design/Methodology/Approach This research quantitative, cross-sectional non-experimental. It uses structured questionnaires to acquire understand moderation Muslims. The sample comprised 244 Muslim with loan/financing accounts banks Klang Valley, exploratory factor analysis structural model data analysis.
 Findings findings reveal three criteria—notably, technology—that exhibit a correlation selection. Despite strong injunctions against ribā, failed moderate relationship Additionally, subsequent importance-performance test indicates that holds lower significance compared criteria. Therefore, authors believe there possibility Muslims, specifically may not into their decisions. 
 Research Limitations/Implications items measured have been tested are designed assess level religiosity respondents nor awareness law behind ribā. Nevertheless, paper provides insight about Muslims Malaysia its possible Future could extend work examine respect respondents’ and/or ribā.
 Practical Implications Religious authorities, non-government organisations leverage these insights by uplifting broadening public education, especially community, actual meaning implications lives hereafter.
 Originality/Value lack studies focusing subject practice banking, has often overshadowed adoptions perceptions finance, which led negligence importance choosing over