The Determination of Halal Food Perceptions Among University Students Receiving Islamic Theology Education: The Case of Istanbul, Berlin, and Kuala Lumpur

This study investigates the perceptions of halal food among theology students from three culturally diverse cities: Istanbul, Berlin, and Kuala Lumpur. As individuals receiving formal religious education, theology students are expected to exhibit strong awareness of Islamic dietary principles. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 210 participants via online surveys using validated Likert-type scales measuring halal awareness, halal literacy, religious commitment, social influence, perceived behavioral control, price value, hedonic motivation, and consumption habits. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests revealed significant differences between cities in nearly all variables. Students in Kuala Lumpur consistently demonstrated higher scores, indicating a stronger alignment with institutionalized halal systems and collectivist cultural norms. Berlin participants reported lower awareness and influence levels, likely reflecting a more secular and individualistic environment. Istanbul students fell between the two, showing strong religious motivation but less structural support. The findings highlight how halal food perceptions are shaped not only by individual religiosity but also by cultural, political, and economic contexts. This study contributes to the literature by offering a cross-cultural perspective on halal consumption and underscores the importance of integrating structural and cultural factors into religious food behavior research.