This research is a critical analysis of the practice of certain Islamic banks (IBs) and institutions offering Shari`ah-complaint financial services (ISFS). Under the guise of Islam, these IBs and ISFS in fact are the profit maximising business ventures. Their business practices are not in compliance with relevant rules and practices of Shari`ah. Nevertheless, due to absence of a strong yet dedicated regulatory body, no challenge can be mounted against them. The customer base of these IBs and ISFS is only on a note of well wish and good faith. But in absence of a watch dog, the good-will turns out to be a tool to betraying public trust. One the other hand, it makes mockery with the entire IF industry. Most of these )Bs and )SFS today grant their Shari`ah Advisory Committeesǯ ȋSACsȌ advisory role making their findings voluntary and optional. There may be a true compliance for correcting any breaches found by these bodies, but yet, legality works in a particular way. In absence of an executive power being granted to these bodies as which is also ingrained in the constitution, a bank or institution will fail the legal definition of it being Shari`ah-compliant. Compliance with the Sahri`ah in transactions is either obligatory or optional! There is no second way! At the end, the issue boils down to that of conscience and compliance where one is made victim for lack of it on the part of regulatory establishment. Whereas on the part of the subjected businesses, they are no more than mere ventures that are bent on making profit by any means using appealing slogans! Given the current practice of IBs and ISFS, the study suggests that their SACs must function independently and beyond the control of banks' own executive apparatus. The setting of these SACs and the executive power thereof must be ingrained within the constitution or basic rules. Among others, their power must include disciplinary measures being granted to these SACs by which they may disciple any failing managers or officials for noncompliance. Most of such IBs and ISFS seem to fail on this crucial provision. Therefore, the study finds that such IBs and ISFS are not legally Islamic.

Zakat korporasi merupakan salah satu kewajiban yang harus ditunaikan oleh perusahaan seperti yang telah disebutkan dalam fatwa Majelis Ulama Indonesia ke 3 tahun 2009, dan juga telah disebutkan dalam Undang-Undang zakat No. 23 Tahun 2011 Bab 1 Pasal 4 ayat (2) bagian c dan ayat (3), banyak perusahaan berlabel syariah yang tersebar diseluruh Indonesia dan terhimpun dalam Daftar Efek Syariah, banyaknya perusahaan tersebut tidak berbanding lurus dengan realisasi zakat perusahaan yang diterima oleh lembaga penghimpun zakat seperti BAZNAS. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan wawancara mendalam sebagai alat penggali informasi, data diolah dan divalidasi dengan metode triangulasi sebagai alat untuk validasi hasil temuan dari hasil wawancara. Penelitian memiliki 3 tujuan, pertama, menganalisis pengaruh fatwa terhadap zakat korporasi, kedua menganalisis peran pemerintah dalam mendorong zakat korporasi, ketiga menganalisis permasalahan yang terjadi dalam zakat korporasi di Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menujukkan bahwa fatwa MUI sifatnya tidak mengikat, sehingga fatwa sangat mudah disepelekan, Pemerintah lebih berpihak pada pajak dan CSR, sehingga mempengaruhi penerapan Fatwa dan UU zakat korporasi, ketika perusahaan-perusahaan di hadapkan dengan regulasi pajak dan CSR yang begitu ketat, maka hal itu menjadikan zakat korporasi ini dipandang sebelah mata, begitupula dengan perumusan Undang-Undang Zakat ini yang tidak memiliki regulasi untuk mewajibkan muzakki dalam menunaikan kewajibannya untuk membayar zakat korporasi.

The study aimed to uncover the determinants of Islamic financial exclusion in Indonesia by gathering responses from financially-excluded respondents. A total of 110 respondents were surveyed, representing five provinces: West Java, South Sulawesi, Aceh, East Kalimantan, and North Maluku. The criteria of the selected participants included those who were financially-excluded, those who did not own any Islamic financial products, those without savings or financing, and those with no capital market products. The study employs Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to identify indicators explaining Islamic financial exclusion determinants in Indonesia. The paper found that location is the key barrier to obtaining financing from and being able to build savings in Islamic banks/Islamic microfinance, while a lack of financial knowledge is identified as the critical barrier when dealing with Islamic capital market products. Overall, most respondents perceived human capital and products and services to be the two most significant determinants of Islamic financial exclusion in Indonesia, followed by infrastructure, policies and regulation, financial literacy, social influence, and religious commitment. The originality of the paper lies in its detailed insight into the perception of being financially excluded on factors leading to Islamic financial exclusion

Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles are emerging as attractive alternatives to chemical pesticides due to the ease of their synthesis, safety and antimicrobial activities in lower possible concentrations. In the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of the medicinal plant Euphorbia wallichii and tested them against the plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis, the causative agent of citrus canker, via an in vitro experiment. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the plant species were investigated for phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant potential of the extract was determined against a DPPH radical. The extract was also evaluated for phenolic compounds using the HPLC technique. The results confirmed the synthesis of centered cubic, spherical-shaped and crystalline nanoparticles by employing standard characterization techniques. A qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolics (41.52 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (14.2 mg QE/g) and other metabolites of medicinal importance. Different concentrations (1000 µg/mL to 15.62 µg/mL—2 fold dilutions) of AgNPs and plant extract (PE) alone, and both in combination (AgNPs-PE), exhibited a differential inhibition of X. axanopodis in a high throughput antibacterial assay. Overall, AgNPs-PE was superior in terms of displaying significant antibacterial activity, followed by AgNPs alone. An appreciable antioxidant potential was recorded as well. The observed antibacterial and antioxidant potential may be attributed to eight phenolic compounds identified in the extract. The Euphorbia wallichii leaf-extract-induced synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against X. axanopodis, which could be exploited as effective alternative preparations against citrus canker in planta in a controlled environment. In addition, as a good source of phenolic compounds, the plant could be further exploited for potent antioxidants.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present a framework regarding the use of Sharīʿah non-compliant assets as rahn (pledge) and to provide the Sharīʿah analysis on the application of numerous collateral instruments, including financial assets such as shares, unit trusts, current accounts and investment accounts which are Sharīʿah non-compliant. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a library-based approach to examine the concept and requirements of rahn, deliberate the classification of Sharīʿah non-compliant assets and delineate the Sharīʿah views on the use of Sharīʿah non-compliant assets as pledges. It also examines the various forms of pledge available and offered in the market using document analysis as well as through discussion with industry practitioners. Findings – In general, the study concludes that Sharīʿah non-compliant assets, either due to their essence or due to the means of acquisition where there is no ownership from Sharīʿah perspective, cannot be used as rahn. This study also provides the Sharīʿah analysis on the use of modern instruments such as shares, unit trusts, current accounts, investment accounts and insurance policy as pledges. Originality/value – The paper provides a reference source for regulators in formulating an appropriate policy and framework on Sharīʿah-compliant collateral; Sharīʿah committees of Islamic financial institutions in arriving at Sharīʿah decisions on collateral; and industry practitioners in establishing internal policies and procedures on collateral.

Fast food refers the food that sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients and served to the customer in a packaged form for take-out/take-away. India's growing middle class and their changing food habits offer unprecedented growth opportunities to the quick-service restaurant industry. To reap the benefits of Indian market many global brands have entered the market. In a competitive marketplace, customer satisfaction is seen as a key differentiator and important marketing objectives to be achieved. Customer satisfaction is the customers’ evaluation of goods or services in terms of whether that goods or services have met his needs and expectations. Numerous studies show the positive and significant relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Besides, there are studies indicating customer satisfaction is only one antecedent of customer loyalty. The present study explores components of customer satisfaction through using exploratory factor analysis at Rolls Mania a fast food service restaurant at Kolhapur City. The empirical evidence of 154 customers reveals that dining experience; accessibility, convenience & affordability and product test are the important components of customer satisfaction. The regression analysis result reveals significant relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

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.

Islam is the perfect religious concept, all of life’s activities are measured in the purpose of sharia enforcement. Maqashid sharia is a benchmark in determining activity in the determination, whether it is by these objectives or not. Credit card is a form of facility created to facilitate consumers in making transactions. This product is multiplying and changing the paradigm of consumers in making transactions in the digital era. Credit card has many benefits and functions, one of its functions is substituted for cash. Method of this study using literacy, data collection and collection of objects. The finding is that the contemporary scholars agree that in practice sharia credit cards are permissible as long as there are no aspects of gharar, usury, but also contain the maslahah of the users. DSN MUI responded favourably to the credit card with the issuance of the fatwa DSN No. 54/DSN/- MUI/X/2006 concerning KKS (Sharia Credit Card).

Data analysis in research of the study becomes urgent; it is the key for a successful research. Using wrong of data analysis will result on the error conclusion. Therefore, choosing the right analysis to examine a problem in research is an important thing to be considered. Maqashid Shari’ah is the purpose and objective of Shari’ah that was initiated by the earlier Muslim scholars that put fondation of maqashid al-khamsah which is formulated in the protection of; religion, soul, mind, heredity and property. How to make maqashid Shari’ah as a tool in analyzing Islamic economic research especially sharia economic law? The method used in this research is grounded theory which the study of maqashid Shari’ah developed into an analysis in qualitative research. The data used are thoughts sourced from experts who discuss about this theme. It is further developed into a measuring tool in the analysis of the study. The result of data in this research is that maqashid Shari’ah is very suitable to be the analysis tool in sharia economic law research. It can be formulated in its general nature that is maqashid Shari’ah taken generally from some maqashid experts. And also turn out a single thought about maqashid Shari’ah used as an analysis tool.

Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) found that the poor and low income people were reluctant to join as insurance participants. OJK has conducted many socialization activities about microinsurance for low-income people which aimed to increase their literacy of insurance. SMES (Sederhana – Mudah – Ekonomis – Segera) services aim to increase insurance inclusion. The study aims to propose a model of value-based service on microtakaful. The service refers to SMES (Sederhana – Mudah – Ekonomis – Segera) and Maslahah Performa value. SMES value to explain the value expected by takaful participants. Maslahah performa to explain the fulfillment of needs to sharia demands by takaful operator. The SMES variable is developed into various sub variables according to SEOJK. Maslahah performa is elaborated to get worship orientation variables and internal process orientation which then be developed into various sub variables. The subvariable weight is determined according to the importance level of each sub variable. The research finds that a value-based microtakaful service model can be derived from the SMES approach and maslahah performa. There is a linkage between the value-based microtakaful service according to participant expectation and spirituality and sustainability. The reasearch will contribute to increase literacy of microinsurance.

This research generally describes the application of performance measurement in Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT) based on orientation to benefit all stakeholders (stakeholders & shareholders), but studies that specifically measure aspects of the methodology for implementing performance measurement are still limited. Therefore, Maslahah Performa is used as an instrument in the application of performance measurement in BMT Umat Mandiri. The study aims to determine the implementation of performance measurement Maslahah Performa issues on BMT Umat Mandiri. Knowing the results of the analysis of the application of process performance measurement and benefit-based performance results in BMT Umat Mandiri. The methodology used in this study is qualitative and quantitative research methods with case study design. The research findings indicate that six benefit orientations exist in BMT Umat Mandiri. These orientations include worship, internal processes, talents, learning, customers, and property. The six orientations found in this research have a foundation of benefit in realizing strategic objectives for the achievement of benefit. BMT Umat Mandiri has a process performance of 0,400 and performance results of 0,656 which means that BMT Umat Mandiri provides less benefit to stakeholders.

Purpose – The study aims to determine the role of trust, image and customer satisfaction in improving customer loyalty to Islamic banks. Research examined new indicators related Islamic banks to conventional banks. Study also analyzed differences in the loyalty of two groups of observation, deposan and financing, loyal customer and dual customer. Design/methodology/ approach – The study consisted of 3 stages: in-depth study of literature, interview and survey. The unit of analysis is seven major Indonesin Islamic Banks: Bank Muamalat, Bank Syariah Mandiri, BNI Syariah, etc. The analysis methods used in testing the hypothesis is Structural Equation Modeling by using Partial Least Square. Findings – Customer trust has positive and significant impact to develope customer loyalty. Both Image and customer satisfaction significantly influence on building customer trust. Image also has a significant effect on increasing customer satisfaction. The new indicator for image, improvement and innovation as well as strategic and sustainability proved to be valid and reliable in measuring the image of Islamic banks. The new indicator for trust, legal compliance proven valid and reliable in measuring customer trust dimension. Research also shows differences loyalty between groups of depositor customer and financing customer.

This study aims to analyze the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation to competitive advantage and company’s performance, especially to small and medium manufacturing company. Using Partial Least Square (PLS) tested the hypothesis of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). There is significant influence between TQM implementation to competitive advantage. Likewise with a competitive advantage to the company’s performance there is significant influence. But there is no significant influence directly between TQM to the company’s performance. The study discusses about the implementation of TQM in small and medium manufacturing companies. In the practice, implementation of TQM in small and medium manufacturing companies are not as smooth as the large manufacturing company

The Muslim population of Indonesia in 2010 reached 207 million, while the number of poor people reached 27,76 million. On the other hand, Indonesia is prone to natural disaster. By 2015 there are 16,830 villages hit by floods, 3,827 villages experiencing earthquakes, and 7,861 villages experiencing landslides. It is important for Indonesian people to pool fundraising to help each other (ta'awun). One of the schemes is through the microtakaful program. The next issue is the inability of the poor Indonesian to pay a pooling fund. The research is conducted with the aim to analyze the appropriate model of microtakaful in Indonesia using infaq/sadaqah and zakah fund as an alternative payment of subsidy of microtakaful contribution. The research is conducted with several methods, namely the study of indepth literature on the utilization of infaq/sadaqah and zakah fund. The proposed models of utilization of infaq/sadaqah and zakah fund to subsidy ta’awun fund, validate the model through interviews to experts, practitioners and fund managers, process the data through Analytic Network Process (ANP), and determine the best model in utilizing infaq/sadaqah and zakah fund to subsidy ta’awun fund. Fund management model to become the object of research are microtakaful model and subsidy fund from the government model. The study shows that: Firstly, Ta'awun's fundraising in Indonesia is in line with the shariah objectives of protecting the soul, protecting religion, protecting intellect, protecting wealth, and protecting progeny. Secondly, the microtakaful model implemented in Indonesia is a microtakaful model by institution independently, a microtakaful model with a subsidy from infaq/sadaqahfund, a microtakaful model with a subsidy from zakah funds, ta’awun fund management model with a subsidy from the government and microtakaful model with a subsidy from other institution. Third, an important component in microtakaful is aqad, participant, underwriting process, investment, donor party and facility needs. The proper aqad in ta’awunfundraising is mudharabahmusytarakah.The simple Underwriting process is required. Parties that act as donors are zakah institution and government. Participants as beneficiaries of the contribution are poor and needy.

Purpose – The purpose of the study is twofold: first, it is to develop each aspect of ma
sla
hah
darūriyah (essential needs), i.e. dīn (faith/religion), nafs (soul), ʿaql (intellect), na
sl (descendants) and mal (wealth), into various aspects of organisational essential needs; second, it is to formulate ma
sla
hah-based performance measurement. Design/methodology/approach – The research is an exploratory study that uses a two-stage design: defining the research question and developing the research design. The research question is how each element of ma
sla
hah
darūriyah can become an element of organisational essential needs. The research design developed is to formulate ma
sla
hah-based performance measurement. Findings – The study concludes that ma
sla
hah
darūriyah could be developed as a basis for identifying organisational essential needs. The five elements of ma
sla
hah
darūriyah are developed into the following organisational essential needs: worship orientation, internal process orientation, talent orientation, learning orientation, customer orientation and wealth orientation. Ma
sla
hah-based performance measurement uses five variables: strategic objective, measure, formula, target and strategic initiatives and applies the modified plan – do – check – action cycle: performance planning, performance implementation, performance evaluation and performance action. Practical implications – Organisational essential needs can be developed by Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) into performance measurement. IFIs have six essential needs that can be developed into performance variables. Key performance indicators that can be developed for each need are worship orientation (social responsibility, regulatory compliance and Sharīʿah compliance); internal process orientation (innovation process, digital adaptation and employee satisfaction); talent orientation (career development, talent pool, compensation and benefits); learning orientation (training programme, training evaluation and return on training investment); customer orientation (customer engagement, customer satisfaction, customer survey and promotion programme); wealth orientation (profitability, cost-cutting, share prices, dividends, cost efficiency and financial sustainability). Originality/value – This paper contributes to new knowledge. The study attempts to discuss the organisational essential needs based on the ma
sla
hah
darūriyah concept, while previous studies discussed organisational needs based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. In developing performance measurement, organisational performance is measured in a balanced manner. According to the concept of ma
sla
hah, not only financial factors but also worship, internal processes, talents, learning and customers define © Achmad Firdaus. Published in ISRA International Journal of Islamic Finance

This study aims to analyze the criteria for investing in Hajj funds and alternative investments that provide benefits to Muslims so that they have an impact on economic growth. By using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) approach, alternative investments offered are Infrastructure, Property, Financial Sector, and Real Sector. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of pairwise comparisons between groups and their assessment indicators. A total of 7 (seven) expert speakers (experts) who became respondents successfully collected and processed using the ANP method. The results showed that investment in infrastructure and the real sector provides benefits to Muslims economically, so as to improve the welfare of Muslims which in turn can encourage economic growth.

Kinerja bisnis berbasis syariah yang diukur dengan sistem pengukuran kinerja konvensional cenderung memperoleh hasil bias. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengukur kinerja bisnis berbasis syariah dengan menggunakan sistem pengukuran kinerja berbasis maqasid al-shariah yaitu maslahah scorecard (MaSC). Pengukuran diterapkan melalui dua kegiatan: pengukuran kinerja proses, yaitu dengan membandingkan kinerja bisnis terhadap standar MaSC, dan pengukuran kinerja hasil, yaitu dengan membandingkan pencapaian target setiap orientasi kemaslahatan terhadap target kemaslahatan yang ditetapkan. Rentang kinerja hasil MaSC adalah dari 0,000 (bisnis tidak memberikan kemaslahatan) sampai 1,000 (bisnis memberikan kemaslahatan). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kinerja hasil PT Asuransi Takaful Keluarga (ATK) adalah sebesar 0,691 yang berarti PT ATK cukup memberikan kemaslahatan. Nilai didapat dari orientasi ibadah 0,110, orientasi proses internal 0,166, orientasi tenaga kerja 0,083, orientasi pembelajaran 0,166, orientasi pelanggan 0,083, dan orientasi kekayaan 0,083. Rentang kinerja proses MaSC adalah dari 0,000 (bisnis tidak menerapkan MaSC) sampai 1,000 (bisnis menerapkan MaSC secara penuh). Kinerja proses PT. ATK adalah sebesar 0,666 yang berarti PT ATK telah menerapkan MaSC tetapi belum penuh. Nilai didapat dari proses mengidentifikasi fondasi kemaslahatan 0,111, mendapatkan perilaku kemaslahatan 0,111, menentukan sasaran strategis 0,111, menentukan ukuran maslahah 0,111, menetapkan target 0,000, menentukan inisiatif strategis 0,111, melakukan pengukuran kinerja 0,111, melakukan evaluasi hasil 0,00, dan melakukan perbaikan dan peningkatan 0,000.