Tawarruq is a new phenomenon in the Islamic financial landscape. It has gained wide acceptance from the market due to its inherent characteristics that can offer similar features as the conventional structure. Nevertheless, tawarruq is exposed to a high degree of shari’ah non-compliant risk mainly because it involves a series of sale contracts in succession. The present study investigates the determinants of shari’ah non-compliant events (SNEs) in tawarruq-based financing as practiced by Islamic banks in Malaysia. The study adopts the Analytic Network Process (ANP) gathering different views of experts from practitioners, regulators, sharī’ah scholars/advisors and researchers/academicians. The study found that lack of understanding and knowledge, inadequate control mechanism and reporting, ineffective functional structure, incompatibility of system to the execution of Islamic products, improper document execution and sequence, and inadequate internal policies and governing rules are the key determinants of SNEs in tawarruq-based financing in Islamic banks in Malaysia.

This study measures an Islamic financial inclusion index in Indonesia based on three dimensions, namely the accessibility, availability and usage of Islamic banking services. Additionally, it measures the relationship between the Islamic financial inclusion index and the human development index (HDI). The study found that the level of Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia is relatively low at the national level. DKI Jakarta is the most financially inclusive province in Indonesia, followed by East Java and Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. In contrast, East Nusa Tenggara has the lowest average Islamic financial inclusion index. The findings also revealed a positive correlation between the Islamic financial inclusion index and HDI. Those provinces with the highest Islamic financial inclusion index were also likely to have a higher HDI. The findings of the present study suggest that both policymakers and the Islamic financial industry should play a greater role in improving financial access to low-income segments, especially in the eastern part of Indonesia such as East Nusa Tenggara and Papua provinces.

Purpose – Tawarruq (Islamic commodity financing) has evolved as the most ubiquitous concept in Malaysia’s Islamic banking industry. Nevertheless, the extensive use of tawarruq has invoked a number of Sharīʿah (Islamic law) concerns in its practice. This study aims to investigate the Sharīʿah non-compliant (SNC) phenomena in the practice of tawarruq financing in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts qualitative research methodology, combining both descriptive and content analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 16 Malaysian Islamic commercial banks to unveil the Sharīʿah non-compliance issues in the application of tawarruq in Islamic banks (IBs) in Malaysia. Findings – The study found that some practices of tawarruq in Malaysia might not comply with the Sharīʿah, mainly due to the improper sequencing of contracts. The study also discovered that IBs adopt different approaches in dealing with SNC events and the income derived therefrom. Finally, the study noted the influence of board of director/ management on certain Sharīʿah decisions particularly on the treatment of non-
hal
al (impermissible) income. Practical implications – The findings of the study serve as a reference to industry players and regulators in formulating a Sharīʿah non-compliance risk management framework for tawarruq practices. Originality/value – The survey on SNC issues in tawarruq practice constitutes the first of its kind in the existing literature.

The purpose of this study is to compare the cost efficiency of takaful and its conventional insurance counterparts in Malaysia. The study measures the cost efficiency scores of takaful and conventional insurance companies in Malaysia over the period 2009-2011 using non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based on selected multiple input and output variables. Output variables used are gross premium and investment income while input variables are management expenses, fees and commission expenses. The study finds that conventional insurance companies in Malaysia performed better efficiency than takaful companies in 2011. The finding is consistent with study by Ismail, et al (2011) and Saad (2012). The study suggests that takaful and conventional insurance companies should allocate input more efficiently and improve the quality of services as the average scale efficiency is higher than the average of overall and technical efficiency. Takaful must also be more alert towards external factor costs as the scale of efficiency continuously decreased. In order to be more focused, the study only compares the efficiency of takaful and conventional insurance companies from an input oriented approach. The study is also limited to 7 takaful operators and 19 conventional insurance companies and, as such, the finding is most probably indicative, but does not reflect the overall performance of the takaful industry. As part of a policy recommendation, the study provides data on cost efficiency of conventional insurance and takaful companies in Malaysia, which is valuable for regulators in formulating appropriate policy to enhance the competitiveness of the takaful industry in Malaysia.

The sale of pawn broking certificate is one of long-existing phenomena in Malaysia. This raises the question on what is the real purpose of this kind of transaction and the position of Shariah towards this activity. The authors undertake this research to examine this activity and to comprehend the issue from the Shariah point of view. The authors employ both semi-structured interview and observation methods. The research found that this kind of transaction actually refers to the sale of pledged asset by the pledgor (pawner) in case he experiences financial difficulties to redeem his asset under pledge. The proceeds will be used to pay the debt as well as the storage fee. The excess of proceeds (if any) is the exclusive right of the pledgor while the asset, previously used as pledge, is owned by the broker who purchased the certificate.

Takaful (Islamic insurance) is an alternative concept to conventional insurance, which the Shari’ah prohibits because it contains elements of usury (riba), features of substantial uncertainty (gharar) and gambling (maysir). The present study examines the issue of unequivocally prohibited riba in conventional insurance and how the takaful structure resolves this issue. The study suggests that the takaful model, which is structured based on the concept of mutual assistance, as rooted in the tabarru’ principle, can eliminate all riba arising from the exchange features of conventional insurance. The study concludes with a set of actionable policy recommendations.

The present study aims to examine the role of zakat in addressing unemployment and inflation, while also revisiting A.W. Phillips’ trade-off theory. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, using library research to critically analyse how zakat could address unemployment and inflation. The study argues that the optimal application of zakat could overcome the issue of unemployment while maintaining price stability. This is true since zakat can be distributed in two forms: consumptive and productive. Therefore, an increase in aggregate demand will always be followed by a rise in aggregate supply; the distribution of zakat in the consumptive form will increase aggregate demand, while the distribution of zakat for a productive purpose will increase aggregate supply. An increase in aggregate demand would in turn increase production, thus absorbing more labour as a result. This is where zakat addresses unemployment. On the other hand, a rise in aggregate demand will initially inflate the aggregate price. However, since the increase in aggregate demand is simultaneously followed by an increase in aggregate supply due to the distribution of zakat in its productive form, the price remains stable. Aggregate demand and aggregate supply cross at an equilibrium point. More importantly, the price is stable while the quantity of production is at its highest level. The findings of the study serve as a reference point for regulators formulating fiscal policy embedded in the zakat system.

The paper aims to examine the relevant provisions of the newly released BNM Shariah Governance Policy Document relating to the board of directors, Shariah Committee and senior management of the Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Malaysia. The study is qualitativebased research. It reviews two documents, i.e. BNM Shariah Governance Framework 2010, and BNM Shariah Governance policy 2019. It uses a content analysis approach to understand and compare the two frameworks from the perspective of the board, the Shariah Committee and senior management. The study finds that SGP 2019 enhanced features of the preceding SGF 2010 revolving around enhanced board oversight and roles over Shariah governance, strengthened Shariah Committee (SC) requirements in providing independent and sound advice to IFIs, as well as a greater expectation for the board and senior management in promoting Shariah compliance culture. This paper examines the areas which have been addressed by the new framework to improve several issues which have been highlighted during the implementation of the previous framework, SGF 2010.

hariah compliance is an important aspect of all Islamic financial instruments and transactions. With the growth of innovation in the finance industry, Islamic fintech's presence has added players, such as digital platforms, which need to comply with shariah. Therefore, this study aims to examine Islamic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) financing activity implementation as part of the fintech business model. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, a thorough analysis was conducted of digital contract papers, prospectuses, and the positions of parties involved in six Indonesian Islamic fintech companies. This involved analysing the shariah compliant quantitative characteristics of a company's prospectus, with financial reports related to interest, debt, and non-permissible income screening. The shariah compliance implementation is not only the duty of Shariah Supervisory Boards, but also involved all interested parties, namely investors, providers, partners, and business owners/borrowers. The results of the study show that shariah compliance in Islamic P2P platforms has been well enforced, therefore avoiding usury (riba), uncertainty (gharar), and gambling (maysir), while ensuring that businesses are offering halal products. Also, the results are expected to provide insight into shariah compliant fintech and how it can continue to develop in terms of Islamic financial products and services. In addition, this study can become a benchmark in the implementation of shariah compliant fintech products.

Successfully passing the 1998 crisis, the DSN MUI fatwa mentioned that interest is haram, religious image, and the principle of profit sharing are the main things that legitimize the operations of Islamic banks in Indonesia. However, the public is not quite sure about the legitimacy of Islamic banks. This is marked by many criticisms of Islamic banking products which are considered similar to conventional bank products, questionable contributions to society, and fraud that occurs within the Islamic bank itself which increasingly makes the public question regarding the operational practices of Islamic banks. This study takes a fully public point of view in analyzing the public legitimacy of BSM (Bank Syariah Mandiri) with the content analysis method of variable disclosure that the public wants to know through the annual report released to the public. The results of the study show that although there are still many things that are not disclosed by BSM in its annual report, BSM is still quite legitimate as a Sharia bank

The study examines the determinants of Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia by applying Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Binary Logistic Regression. Through a field survey across Indonesia’s five main islands, the study gathered responses from 291 primary data samples. The study discovered that Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia is determined by both the demand and supply sides. Two most significant determinants of Islamic financial inclusion in Indonesia from the demand side are financial literacy and social influence while on the supply side is human capital. The study also includes references and policy recommendations to help Indonesia’s financial regulators in formulating effective policies and strategies to foster the country’s Islamic financial inclusion agenda.

: Islamic insurance, hereafter referred to as takaful, is established on the concept of mutual assistance and mutual assurance between participating members who undertake to mutually guarantee and indemnify one another in case of a particular defined event. This concept has been widely used to structure various takaful products, ranging from general to family takaful, with features that resemble most of the features of conventional insurance. Nevertheless, the fact remains that not all conventional product features can be easily adopted and offered by takaful operators (TOs). This is evident in the absence of a Shari’ah-compliant model for retirement annuity plans with defined benefit features in the Malaysian takaful industry. This is despite its important features of providing security and peace of mind to the participants during their retirement years. The present study proposes the application of a hibah mu’allaqah (conditional gift) contract structured together with a wakalah (agency) contract for a Shari’ah-compliant retirement annuity plan. The study also identifies several potential Shari’ah issues and operational challenges entangling the proposed model. The study concludes with a set of policy recommendations

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur tingkat efisiensi Baitul Maal Wat Tamwil (BMT) dengan mengambil studi kasus BMT MMU dan BMT UGT Sidogiri Pasuruan tingkat cabang dengan total sampel 50 cabang. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Two Stage DEA. Tahap pertama mengukur tingkat efisiensi BMT MMU dan BMT UGT dengan menggunakan DEA. Tahap kedua menguji faktor-faktor internal dan eksternal, yang mempengaruhi tingkat efisiensi BMT MMU dan BMT UGT dengan menggunakan pendekatan Tobit. Hasil penghitungan DEA menunjukkan, efisiensi overall technical BMT MMU (0,84) dan BMT UGT (0,88) pada tahun 2008 masih kurang optimal. Penyebab utama inefisiensi untuk BMT MMU adalah penyaluran pembiayaan, sementara sumber utama inefisiensi BMT UGT adalah penghimpunan dana pihak ketiga yang kurang maksimal. Hasil pengolahan Tobit menunjukkan bahwa kekuatan modal dan ukuran BMT memiliki pengaruh positif secara signifikan terhadap efisiensi overall technical pada dua BMT. Sementara dari sisi eksternal, PDRB perkapita memiliki pengaruh negatif secara signifikan. Adapun pertumbuhan pengangguran, tingkat pendidikan, dan komitmen keberagamaan tidak berpengaruh secara signifikan

Takaful (Islamic insurance), being an important emerging sector in the Islamic financial industry, has exhibited remarkable growth across the globe over the last few decades. This indicates an enormous demand for takaful products, from short-term general takaful to long-term family takaful. As a result, takaful has attracted sizable attention from both Muslim and non-Muslim countries. Nevertheless, the industry continues to experience a plethora of contentious issues in its operational models. The present study explores the evolution of takaful models and their future direction.