Key Takeaways:

1. Ethical Cola Brands Are Challenging the Status Quo -Independent Muslim-owned soda companies like Mecca Cola, Qibla Cola, and Salaam Cola are not just selling beverages—they’re offering ethical, faith-driven alternatives to multinational giants, rooted in social justice and conscious consumerism.

2. Faith and Flavor Create Emotional Connections – These brands stand out by blending halal-certified ingredients, regional tastes, and culturally relevant branding, resonating deeply with young, socially aware Muslim consumers seeking products that align with their values

3. Authenticity Is the New Marketing Power – In a world saturated with advertising, authentic storytelling and purpose-driven missions help these ethical brands build trust and loyalty—especially when supported by platforms like Muslim Ad Network, which helps amplify their voice to the right audiences.

In a world dominated by multinational soda corporations with billion-dollar marketing budgets, a new wave of independent cola brands is making a powerful statement—not just with fizz and flavor, but with faith, ethics, and purpose.

From Mecca Cola to Qibla Cola, and from Salaam Cola to Aqsa Cola, these brands are standing tall against global beverage giants by offering more than just a refreshing drink. They’re offering a refreshing alternative—one that’s rooted in Islamic values, conscious consumerism, and community empowerment.

Image rights: Mecca Cola

Why These Brands Exist

The origin stories of many of these Muslim-owned soft drink brands are tied to resistance—resistance against unethical business practices, against the exploitation of global south markets, and in many cases, resistance in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Brands like Mecca Cola, launched in France in 2002, built their identity on the idea that Muslims and ethically minded consumers deserve better choices. Its slogan, “No More Drinking Stupid, Drink With Commitment”, captured a growing frustration with the status quo.

Similarly, Qibla Cola, Salaam Cola, and Aqsa Cola entered the scene not just to compete on taste—but to create products that align with Muslim values: avoiding exploitative supply chains, giving back to communities, and supporting just causes.

Faith Meets Flavor

What makes these brands stand out isn’t just their moral compass—it’s their flavor, creativity, and cultural relevance. These beverages are carefully formulated to meet the tastes of diverse Muslim populations, often incorporating regional preferences and halal-certified ingredients.

Beyond taste, their packaging and marketing often reflect Muslim heritage, Arabic calligraphy, or solidarity messages—elements largely absent in mainstream Western brands.

By combining faith with flavor, these brands are building emotional connections with a growing base of young, socially aware, and faith-driven consumers.

Challenging the Cola Cartel

Let’s be real: taking on the world’s biggest soda companies is no small feat. But brands like Gaza Cola, Palestine Drinks, and Hawa Cola aren’t trying to outspend the giants—they’re outmaneuvering them with authenticity.

Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, they focus on their people—the global Muslim consumer market, worth over $2 trillion and growing rapidly in both size and influence.

This isn’t just a cola war. It’s a branding revolution.

Why This Matters to Muslim Consumers

In today’s consumer landscape, buying a can of soda can be a political, ethical, and spiritual act. Muslim consumers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly aware of how their spending aligns with their values.

Choosing DrinkPalestina over a multinational brand isn’t just about taste. It’s a decision that supports ethical supply chains, reinvests profits into marginalized communities, and sends a message to corporations: We see you. We choose better.

Image rights: DrinkPalestina

The Marketing Edge: Authenticity Wins

These brands don’t just offer a product—they offer a story. And in a digital age flooded with ads, that story matters.

That’s where Muslim Ad Network comes in. We help ethical brands like these reach the right audience with culturally relevant, impactful advertising—without compromising on their values.

We specialize in connecting brands with millions of Muslim consumers across premium publishers, apps, and social platforms. Whether you’re a beverage brand ready to scale or a new ethical startup finding its footing, our digital marketing expertise is your strategic edge.

Ready to Take Your Brand from Local to Global?

Your mission matters. Your story deserves reach.
Let’s build something meaningful—together.

Contact Muslim Ad Network today and let’s craft an ad strategy that aligns with your values and resonates with your audience.

The post Fighting Global Giants with Faith and Flavor: The Cola Brands Making a Stand appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fashion Brands Can Drive Social Change
   Brands like PaliRoots, Harvey Nichols (Middle East), and Studio FY7 demonstrate how companies can support Palestine through donations, collaborations, and advocacy, setting a precedent for ethical leadership.
2. Ethics Are Integral to Business Success
   Islamic values of justice and compassion show that brands succeed long-term by aligning with principles of fairness and charity, fostering trust and loyalty among consumers.
3. Advertising Amplifies Impact
   The Muslim Ad Network offers tools and free advertising for Palestine-focused businesses and charities, proving the importance of strategic outreach in making a difference.

Following last week’s blog on beauty brands advocating for Palestine (read here), this week, we’re highlighting fashion brands stepping up to support justice for Palestine. The ongoing humanitarian crisis underscores the need for businesses to use their platforms to raise awareness, provide aid, and uphold ethical values.

Fashion Brands Advocating for Palestine

1. PaliRoots
   This fashion brand is deeply connected to Palestinian heritage, donating a portion of its sales to initiatives that provide food, medical aid, and other essential supplies to communities in Gaza and the West Bank. The brand has also launched educational campaigns to spread awareness globally. Learn more about their initiatives at PaliRoots Give Back Programs.
2. Harvey Nichols (Middle East)
   Harvey Nichols’ Middle Eastern branches responded to the founder of Cult Gaia’s controversial pro-Israeli statements by removing the brand from their stores. This move resonated with advocates for Palestinian rights and served as an example of ethical corporate behavior in action. Learn more about this decision at Hypebae.
3. Studio FY7
   A Paris-based design studio, Studio FY7 launched a line of Palestine-inspired clothing, with proceeds donated to organizations like the Middle East Children’s Alliance. This initiative demonstrates how fashion can directly contribute to humanitarian efforts. Read more about their collection at Darling Zine.
4. Ethical Partnerships with Palestinian Artisans
   Some brands are forging partnerships with Palestinian creatives to showcase traditional craftsmanship. These collaborations not only provide income but also preserve cultural heritage under challenging conditions. Details on these efforts can be found at Ethical Consumer.

The Role of Ethics in Business Success

A truly successful business embodies principles of integrity, fairness, and social responsibility. In Islam, these values—often referred to as akhlaq—are central to personal and professional conduct. The Quran emphasizes justice (Adl), charity (Sadaqah), and the importance of helping those in need.

When brands align with these values, they build not just consumer trust but also a legacy of ethical leadership. Supporting Palestine exemplifies these ideals, showing compassion for the oppressed and taking a stand for justice.

Ways Brands Can Show Support for Palestine

Fashion brands can support Palestine through impactful initiatives such as:

• Raising Awareness: Use social media and advertising to highlight the Palestinian cause, including stories of resilience and hope.
• Fundraising Campaigns: Design exclusive collections where profits are donated to Palestinian aid organizations.
• Ethical Business Decisions: Reassess partnerships and align with suppliers or brands that uphold ethical standards, as Harvey Nichols demonstrated.
• Collaborations: Partner with Palestinian designers and artisans to create culturally significant and economically impactful collections.

Reaching the Right Audience: Muslim Ad Network

To maximize the impact of their efforts, brands must reach audiences that care deeply about social justice and humanitarian causes. Muslim Ad Network is uniquely positioned to help brands connect with the Muslim consumer base.

As part of our commitment to supporting Palestine, we’re offering $50,000 in free online advertising to businesses and charities focused on the Palestinian cause.

Whether promoting products, services, or humanitarian initiatives, let us help amplify your message.

Learn more about this opportunity at Muslim Ad Network.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

For the latest updates on the Palestinian cause, visit I Stand With Palestine. By staying informed and supporting ethical brands, we can make a meaningful impact.

Fashion, like all creative industries, has the power to inspire change. By advocating for justice and humanity, brands can lead by example, fostering a more ethical and compassionate world. Let’s use this moment to demand more from the businesses we support and to champion the values we believe in.

Together, we can make a difference.

The post Ethical Fashion and the Palestine Cause: How Brands Are Leading the Way appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.

Key Takeaways

1. Lush Cosmetics Leads in Ethical Advocacy: Through initiatives like the Watermelon Slice soap and partnerships with Palestinian farmers, Lush champions both economic support and mental health aid for Palestinian communities, setting an example of ethical brand activism.
2. Supporting Palestinian Causes in Beauty Industry: Other notable brands, including Huda Beauty and FARSÁLI, also contribute to humanitarian efforts in Palestine, demonstrating how mainstream companies can align business success with meaningful social impact.
3. Islamic Principles of Justice and Ethics in Business: Upholding fairness and justice, as emphasized in Islam, reflects the values that today’s consumers increasingly seek in the brands they support. Aligning with these values can foster a strong, purpose-driven connection between businesses and their audiences.

In today’s values-driven market, brands are increasingly called to balance profits with purpose. Lush Cosmetics has become a shining example of a company that actively supports humanitarian efforts in Palestine, emphasizing ethics, sustainability, and solidarity with communities affected by conflict. In partnership with like-minded brands such as Huda Beauty, FARSÁLI, Topicals, and SimiHaze Beauty, Lush stands at the forefront of beauty brands that prioritize ethical practices and human rights advocacy.

Lush’s initiatives not only support Palestinian communities but also set a precedent for how businesses can responsibly and compassionately engage with global causes.

Lush’s Solidarity with Palestine: Watermelon Slice Soap

One of Lush’s most notable campaigns is the release of its Watermelon Slice soap. All proceeds from this product are directed toward mental health services and trauma counseling for children in Gaza and the West Bank, where ongoing conflict has deeply affected communities, particularly young people. The watermelon motif was thoughtfully chosen to echo the colors of the Palestinian flag, symbolizing Lush’s solidarity with Palestine and honoring the resilience of its people. This initiative not only raises funds but also promotes awareness among Lush’s global customer base about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. For more on their efforts, visit Lush’s advocacy page.

Ethical Sourcing: Palestinian Olive Oil for a Fair Trade Future

In addition to financial contributions, Lush’s commitment to Palestine is reflected in its sourcing practices. Lush uses extra virgin olive oil from Marda Permaculture Farm in Palestine, a farm dedicated to sustainable and regenerative agriculture. By sourcing ingredients from Palestinian producers, Lush supports local economies and champions fair trade practices. This choice helps Palestinian farmers thrive under challenging conditions, creating job opportunities and fostering environmental stewardship within the region.

Human Rights Advocacy as Brand Identity

Lush’s support for Palestinian communities is part of its larger mission to uphold human rights worldwide. Through its products and advocacy campaigns, Lush has consistently voiced opposition to injustice, and it takes a firm stance on the importance of international law and the protection of human dignity.

Other Brands Joining the Movement

Lush is not alone in its humanitarian commitment to Palestine. Other prominent brands in the beauty industry have also stepped forward, each offering their unique support:

• Huda Beauty: Founder Huda Kattan has been an outspoken advocate, pledging $1 million in donations to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders to aid people in Gaza.
• FARSÁLI: Known for its skincare innovations, FARSÁLI has contributed portions of its sales to support children in Gaza through donations to humanitarian relief organizations.
• Topicals: This skincare brand donates part of its proceeds to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), offering critical medical support to Palestinian children.
• SimiHaze Beauty: Created by Palestinian-American twins Simi and Haze Khadra, this brand regularly uses its platform to advocate for Palestinian rights and raise awareness about the challenges facing communities in Gaza and the West Bank.

Each of these brands showcases how businesses can connect with consumers by standing up for justice, making a powerful impact while staying true to core values. This commitment to justice aligns with Islamic principles, which emphasize fairness (adl) and excellence in conduct (ihsan). In Islam, ethical business practices are encouraged, as they help create a balanced society that upholds the welfare of all.

How Brands Can Continue to Support Palestine

For brands interested in following in Lush’s footsteps, here are a few impactful ways to support humanitarian efforts in Palestine:

1. Donate Sales Proceeds: Set aside a portion of proceeds from specific products to fund trusted humanitarian organizations that support Palestinian communities.
2. Ethically Source Ingredients: Partner with Palestinian producers and artisans to promote economic growth and sustainability in the region.
3. Advocate on Social Media: Use brand platforms to share information, raise awareness, and encourage customers to support verified charities and organizations.

For those seeking updates on the situation in Palestine or looking for ways to get involved, I Stand With Palestine offers resources, news, and a roadmap for individuals and brands alike.

Amplify Your Impact with Muslim Ad Network

To help brands reach an engaged audience, Muslim Ad Network is offering $50,000 in free online advertising for businesses and charities focused on Palestine. By targeting ads to Muslim consumers, our network can help brands like Lush and others expand their reach and increase their impact on humanitarian efforts.

If you represent a brand or charity that supports Palestine, reach out to Muslim Ad Network today. Let’s work together to amplify your efforts and make a real difference for those in need.

Lush Cosmetics and the other brands leading this movement demonstrate that ethics and compassion can be integral to success. By aligning with the principles of justice, fairness, and community support, these brands foster a meaningful connection with customers, proving that businesses can indeed be a force for good in the world.

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.”
(Quran 4:135)

This verse highlights the Islamic principle of upholding justice impartially, even when it is challenging or uncomfortable. It resonates with the ethos of brands taking a stand for humanitarian causes and justice, exemplifying integrity in action by supporting vulnerable communities and promoting fairness.

The post Mainstream Beauty Brands Standing for Palestine: A Shift Toward Ethics and Humanity appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.