The Role of Mosques in Promoting Entrepreneurship in Marginalized Areas: Drivers and Barriers

Extended Abstract 
Introduction and Objectives: Marginalization represents a complex and multifaceted social phenomenon that affects low-income populations predominantly residing in peri-urban and, in some cases, intra-urban settlements. These areas often emerge as a consequence of rapid, unplanned, and poorly regulated urban expansion, leading to social exclusion and limited access to formal economic opportunities. Marginalized communities frequently face structural barriers such as chronic poverty, inadequate public services, restricted access to education and healthcare, and the emergence of spatial conditions that may facilitate social deviance. Such areas often become vulnerable to the influence of groups or networks that propagate subcultures inconsistent with mainstream societal norms. These dynamics highlight the importance of designing development-oriented policies that focus on empowering marginalized populations, fostering local participation, and creating sustainable pathways toward socioeconomic mobility.
Entrepreneurship—particularly when framed as an interdisciplinary concept—has increasingly been recognized as a transformative force capable of generating economic growth, strengthening social cohesion, and reducing systemic inequalities. Within this realm, social entrepreneurship has emerged as a vital approach for addressing societal challenges by combining principles of innovation, opportunity recognition, and value creation with a commitment to social well-being. Social entrepreneurs draw upon local networks, cultural assets, and shared identities to mobilize communities toward collective problem-solving.
Among the various institutions that hold potential for catalyzing entrepreneurship in marginalized contexts, the mosque stands out as a uniquely influential social, cultural, and spiritual center. Historically, mosques have served as multifunctional institutions within Islamic societies, playing vital roles not only in religious life but also in education, dispute resolution, welfare provision, and community mobilization. Evidence from the early Islamic era and numerous religious teachings underscores the mosque’s capacity to act as a hub for social integration and community development. Considering this historical and cultural foundation, mosques can be reimagined as platforms for entrepreneurial development, skill-building, and economic empowerment—particularly in disadvantaged areas where trust-based local institutions are limited.
Accordingly, the present study aims to conduct an in-depth qualitative exploration of the drivers and barriers that shape the capacity of mosques to promote entrepreneurship in marginalized regions. The purpose is not only to identify enabling factors but also to highlight structural, institutional, and cultural obstacles that must be addressed to fully leverage mosque-based initiatives for local development.
Method: The research adopts a qualitative methodology with a descriptive–analytical orientation, employing thematic analysis as the main analytical framework. The statistical population comprises 15 experts in entrepreneurship and religious institutions, each possessing more than six years of relevant experience in employment creation, community engagement, or mosque-based activities. Participants were identified using a combination of purposive judgment sampling and snowball sampling, ensuring that individuals with substantive expertise were included. Theoretical saturation was reached after conducting 15 in-depth, semi-structured interviews.
Prior to data collection, all participants received a clear explanation of the research objectives, ethical considerations, and the voluntary nature of their participation. Permission to record each interview was requested, and assurances were provided regarding confidentiality and accurate representation of participants’ statements. After transcription, initial codes were extracted, categorized, and subsequently developed into higher-level themes.
To ensure analytical rigor, the inter-coder reliability approach was used. The interviews were independently coded by the researchers, and the coding agreement rate reached 86%, surpassing the minimum acceptable threshold of 65%, thereby confirming the reliability of the thematic analysis. The entire analytical process followed the standard six-step model: data familiarization, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the final report.
Results: Analysis of the data led to the identification of a comprehensive set of drivers and barriers related to entrepreneurial development within mosque contexts. The drivers include:
1. Development of physical and digital infrastructure within mosques;
2. Facilitation of entrepreneurial processes and improved access to markets;
3. Provision of financial support and economic incentives;
4. Institutional support, leadership, and inter-organizational collaboration;
5. Capacity building for mosque managers and key personnel;
6. Availability of motivated and committed human capital;
7. Creation of a participatory, collaborative, and network-based ecosystem;
8. Redefinition of the mosque’s functional role and promotion of entrepreneurial culture.
These eight drivers were further synthesized into three overarching categories:
• Infrastructural development,
• Empowered and supportive human capital,
• Inclusive participation and cultural redefinition.
A significant portion of the drivers emphasize the critical role of human capital—particularly mosque stakeholders, managers, volunteers, and community members—highlighting the importance of their interactions, motivation, and shared vision.
In contrast, the analysis also revealed several barriers hindering mosque-driven entrepreneurial initiatives. These include: cultural and attitudinal resistance regarding the non-worship functions of mosques; low intrinsic motivation for community participation; managerial weaknesses; limited youth engagement; insufficient networking and partnership-building; physical infrastructure constraints; procedural challenges within entrepreneurial processes; financial and economic limitations; and existing policy–legal constraints. These obstacles fall into three major categories:
• Cultural and social challenges,
• Institutional and managerial challenges,
• Infrastructural and economic challenges.
Collectively, the findings show that although mosques possess substantial potential as trusted, community-based institutions capable of driving socio-economic empowerment, the realization of this potential is hindered by a complex combination of structural, cultural, managerial, and policy-level barriers.
Discussion and Conclusions: The findings underscore that mosques, when strategically supported and institutionally empowered, can evolve into local economic development centers in marginalized regions. Effective mosque-based entrepreneurial development requires:
• the establishment of supportive physical and digital infrastructure,
• strong and visionary leadership,
• enhanced managerial competencies,
• a participatory and collaborative community environment, and
• the cultivation of entrepreneurial mindsets and behaviors.
Furthermore, the interplay of financial incentives, market access, and motivated human capital forms a reinforcing mechanism that can significantly contribute to economic empowerment and poverty reduction. Importantly, redefining the mosque as a dynamic, multifunctional institution—not confined solely to religious rituals—can enhance its social identity and create a replicable model for sustainable community development across other disadvantaged areas.
However, the challenges identified in this study highlight the need for a comprehensive, multi-level strategy. Addressing only financial or infrastructural limitations is insufficient; rather, success depends on reshaping cultural perceptions, strengthening managerial systems, improving institutional partnerships, and realigning policy frameworks. Ultimately, the development of mosque-based entrepreneurship requires integrated cooperation among religious authorities, community organizations, economic actors, and governmental institutions.
Acknowledgement: The researchers express their sincere appreciation to all interview participants and to the journal’s staff for their valuable support.
Conflict of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Economy, Employment generation, Mosques.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest in the conduct of this study.