Syed Marwan Mujahid Syed Azman, Suhaiza Ismail, Mohamed Aslam Haneef and Engku Rabiah Adawiah Engku Ali
The objectives of this paper are two-fold: first, to empirically compare and contrast the salient features of three financial instruments (FIs), namely sustainable and responsible…
Abstract
Purpose
The objectives of this paper are two-fold: first, to empirically compare and contrast the salient features of three financial instruments (FIs), namely sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) ṣukūk, social impact bonds (SIBs) and conventional bonds (CBs) and second, to examine the differences between the perceptions of the investors and the developers on the features of the three FIs.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a questionnaire survey, 251 completed and useable responses were received, representing a 42.54% response rate. In examining the differences and similarities in the characteristics of the three FIs, the inferential statistical of frequency and percentage were used. Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests were conducted to investigate the differences in the salient features of the three FIs and the differences between the investors and developers' perceptions on the salient features of SRI ṣukūk, SIBs and CBs, respectively.
Findings
The results reveal that stakeholders view SRI ṣukūk, SIBs and CBs to be statistically significantly different from each other. This shows that stakeholders do not view SRI ṣukūk as “old wine in a new Sharīʿah-compliant bottle” but instead considered different from SIBs and CBs. Furthermore, stakeholders also differentiate between SIBs and CBs.
Originality/value
The paper provides empirical evidence that Islamic finance (IF) instrument, represented by SRI ṣukūk, is viewed as different instruments to conventional tools, represented by SIBs and CBs. First, it debunks the notion that IF is viewed as similar to its conventional counterpart. Second, SIBs are seen as different from CBs, illustrating the distinct categorisation of impact investing instruments. As such, third, the development of SRI ṣukūk and SIBs can provide diversification to portfolios as it is a unique instrument in the social finance and financial market.
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Hafas Furqani and Mohamed Aslam Haneef
This paper aims to investigate the subject matter of Islamic economics that will be the object of a study as a discipline by classifying and unifying different approaches proposed…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the subject matter of Islamic economics that will be the object of a study as a discipline by classifying and unifying different approaches proposed by Islamic economists.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a conceptual paper using discursive analysis analysing the perspective and approaches proposed by Islamic economists in defining economic problems from an Islamic perspective. The perspective and approaches proposed are classified and analysed for their implications in constructing the subject matter of discipline.
Findings
Islamic economics, as a new body of knowledge, needs to clarify the economic problems that will be its subject matter. The paper brings an insight into the subject matter of Islamic economics as conceived by scholars in two approaches, namely, economic problems “as they are” and economic problems “as they should be”. The paper also proposes a unified perspective in defining the subject matter of Islamic economics for further development of the discipline.
Research limitations/implications
This paper only provides philosophical guidance for researchers in mapping the problems and the goals of the policy being studied, although it does not offer any practical use for policymaking as each policy is faced with different and specific cases. This paper may be used to assist future researchers in shaping other unexplored fields in Islamic economics as a body of knowledge.
Practical implications
Islamic economics as a discipline will be strengthened if it has a clear subject matter that will be the object of study. However, the conception of economic problems proposed by Islamic economists is based on life-reality, i.e. of what human beings face in their life (practical-type economic problems as they are) and based on life guidance from the Qur’an on how human beings should live as well as life-objectives, i.e. of what goals he should strive for (ideal-type economic problems as they ought to be) brings implication that there are differences in determining the object of study of Islamic economics.
Originality/value
This paper promotes the unification of two conceptions of economic problems proposed by scholars by defining Islamic economics as “a study of resource appropriation to realize human well-being (maslahah)”. This suggests that economic problems as manifested in life reality will be studied within the grand objective of life in Islam (maqasid al-Shariah), and economic problems as perceived in life goals will be studied in the context of life reality. Islamic economic theory will be formulated not only to solve the apparent problem of “what is” but also formulated in a way that refers to goals (ideals) of “what ought to be” that will provide solutions to current economic problems according to certain vision and to take steps to move in that visionary direction.
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Ahamed Lebbe Mohamed Aslam and Selliah Sivarajasingham
The objective of this study is to examine the inter-temporal relationship between workers' remittances and consumption expenditure in Sri Lanka over the period of 1975–2017 using…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study is to examine the inter-temporal relationship between workers' remittances and consumption expenditure in Sri Lanka over the period of 1975–2017 using the annual time series data.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the order of integration of the variables used in this study, the augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) and Phillips and Perron (PP) unit root tests were employed. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds cointegration technique was used to examine the long-run relationship between the variables. The Granger causality test was used to examine the causal relationship between the variables.
Findings
The unit root tests confirm that the variables are stationary at 1st difference I(1). Meanwhile, the ARDL test results show that workers' remittances have a positive long-run relationship with consumption expenditure in Sri Lanka. The coefficient of the error correction term indicates that 9.3% of disequilibrium error is adjusted each year and the response variable of the consumption expenditure moves towards the long-run equilibrium path. Further, the results of the Granger causality test indicate that workers' remittances Granger cause consumption expenditure in the short-run.
Practical implications
The findings have some important policy implications for the design of efficient policy related to workers' remittances and consumption expenditure pattern, the knowledge of which will help promote the macroeconomic stability and welfare of people in Sri Lanka.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature by using newly developed ARDL bounds cointegration techniques to investigate the inter-temporal relationship between workers' remittances and consumption expenditure in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, to our knowledge, this study is the first research in examining the inter-temporal relationship between workers' remittances and consumption expenditure in Sri Lanka.
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Aroua Robbana, Mohamed Aslam Akbar and Mohamed Asmy Bin Mohd
This study aims to explore the perception of Algerian Zakat payers regarding the adoption of technology within the Algerian Zakat Fund.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the perception of Algerian Zakat payers regarding the adoption of technology within the Algerian Zakat Fund.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was administered to a convenience sample of 460 Algerian Zakat payers. The survey was designed by combining the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM 2) and Theory of Reasoned Actions (TRA) frameworks to provide an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence the model acceptance among the Algerian Zakat payers. The findings were subsequently analyzed to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity as well as composite reliability. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the causal relationship among all proposed constructs.
Findings
The data reveal that all the hypotheses from the TAM 2 and TRA theories were supported, demonstrating the model’s significant acceptance among Algerian Zakat payers.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in its unique combination of both the TRA and the Extended TAM 2 within the context of Zakat. It examines the integration of the aforementioned theories to assess the acceptance of Algerian Zakat payers to the suggested Zakat Fintech-based model. This model is specifically tailored to address the challenges encountered by the Algerian Zakat Fund, offering innovative solutions to enhance management and governance mechanisms while aligning with Islamic financial principles.
Mohamed Aslam Akbar, Mohamed Asmy Mohd Thas Thaker, Mustafa Omar Mohammed, Nik Hziman Nik Mat and Hassanuddeen Abd.Aziz
The purpose of this study is to address the lack of a proper database or finding system for scholars of Islamic economics (IE), as well as the dearth of literature on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to address the lack of a proper database or finding system for scholars of Islamic economics (IE), as well as the dearth of literature on bibliographic search and trend analyses of scholars in this field. This study aims to adopt a bibliometric review of the bibliography of experts in IE and scholars in disciplines allied to IE.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a bibliometric review of the bibliography of experts in IE and scholars in disciplines allied to IE. The researchers collected data on scholars’ profiles and scholarly works and analyzed them to identify trends and patterns.
Findings
This study presents two main themes: the profiles of the scholars in IE and allied disciplines, and their scholarly works. The findings on the scholars’ profiles reveal that most scholars are contemporaries born between the 1940s and 1990s, concentrated in Malaysia and affiliated with the International Islamic University Malaysia. Regarding their scholarly works, the majority of their efforts resulted in 11,736 materials in the form of books, articles and conference papers spread across 13 sub-areas in IE.
Originality/value
This study fills the gap in literature by providing a database and finding system for scholars in IE and conducting a bibliographic search and trend analysis of scholars in this field. The findings shed light on the profiles of scholars and their scholarly works, which can guide future research in this area.
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Mohamed Asmy Bin Mohd Thas Thaker, Mohamed Aslam Akbar and Riasat Amin Amin Imon
This paper aims to explore the role and relationship of ethics and morals in technology, specifically examining how Islam, as a religion that emphasizes spirituality and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the role and relationship of ethics and morals in technology, specifically examining how Islam, as a religion that emphasizes spirituality and sacredness, can uniquely influence the concept of robot rights.
Design/methodology/approach
The existing literature on robot rights and Islamic perspectives has been critically reviewed to address the study’s objectives.
Findings
In Islam, robots are viewed similarly to property ownership, where the owner holds responsibilities rather than absolute control. Islamic ownership rights are distinct compared to conventional ownership models. In Islam, private ownership is limited, as God is considered the ultimate owner of all assets. Assets, including robots, must be managed according to Islamic values and ethics. Unlike conventional ownership, where the owner can dispose of their property without justification, Islamic principles grant more rights to assets (including robots). This difference arises from the sacred origins of economic resources in Islam, which extends to the treatment of assets as inputs in an economy. Therefore, spirituality, as defined in Islam, uniquely influences the rights of robots.
Originality/value
As robotics becomes an increasingly significant part of our lives, religion plays a growing role in shaping the ethical and moral framework within which robots operate. This study is among the first to present an integrative framework and evaluate robot rights from an Islamic economics perspective.
Syed Marwan, Suhaiza Ismail, Engku Rabiah Adawiah Engku Ali and Mohamed Aslam Mohamed Haneef
The purpose of the paper is twofold. Firstly, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing stakeholders’ intention to invest in Shariah-compliant social impact bonds (SC…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is twofold. Firstly, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing stakeholders’ intention to invest in Shariah-compliant social impact bonds (SC SIBs) in Malaysia. Secondly, this study compares the differences in the perception of different stakeholders on the importance of the factors.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the extended theory of planned behaviour, the study undertakes a questionnaire survey on licensed capital market investors and individuals involved in the development of the financial market (developers). A total of 260 complete and valid responses were obtained from the survey. Multiple regression and Mann–Whitney tests were carried out to achieve the two objectives, respectively.
Findings
The results reveal that attitude (β = 0.447, p < 0.01), subjective norm (SN) (β = 0.255, p < 0.01) and moral norm (MN) (β = 0.163, p < 0.01) are significantly positive predictors of intention to invest in SC SIBs. In terms of the differences in the perceptions of the two parties, the results show that the factors have more effect towards developers than investors.
Originality/value
The empirical evidence from this study on the factors that influence stakeholders’ participation in SC SIBs is useful to the policymakers and interested parties in taking the next steps to develop, implement and promote SC SIBs to stakeholders in Malaysia. Fund managers can use the study’s insights to promote positive attitudes, SNs and MNs towards SC SIBs, especially targeting developers who are more influenced by these factors. More importantly, the results indicate a need for different strategies to influence the stakeholder investment behaviour of SC SIB in Malaysia to ensure that it is sustainable and viable in the long run.
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Syed Marwan, Suhaiza Ismail, Mohamed Aslam Mohamed Haneef and Engku Rabiah Adawiah Engku Ali
There are three objectives of this paper. First, the study investigates the critical success factors critical success factors (CSFs) of implementing sustainable and responsible…
Abstract
Purpose
There are three objectives of this paper. First, the study investigates the critical success factors critical success factors (CSFs) of implementing sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) Sukuk in Malaysia as perceived by stakeholders. Second, the study examines the differences between the developers and the investors in relation to the importance of the CSFs. Third, the study attempts to categorise the CSFs.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a questionnaire survey, 260 completed and useable responses were received representing a 42.54% response rate. In examining the importance of CSFs, the descriptive statistical tests of mean, standard deviation and mean score ranking were used. Independent t-tests were conducted to investigate the differences in the perceptions of the importance of CSFs between the developer and the investor groups. In categorising the CSFs, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken.
Findings
Overall, the top five most important CSFs as perceived by respondents are as follows: (1) good governance framework, (2) fulfil ethical standards, (3) transparent procurement process, (4) well-defined scope and (5) viable feasibility study. On the other hand, the five factors that are ranked last are as follows: (1) defined stakeholder roles, (2) stable macro-economic conditions, (3) existing social programmes, (4) guarantor and (5) political will. The study also found that there is a significant statistical difference in how the developers and investors scored the CSFs. Moreover, there are three main categories of the CSFs that are effective feasibility study, financial and technical considerations and political willingness and agreeability.
Originality/value
The findings highlight the critical factors to consider when implementing SRI Sukuk. This can also serve as a reference and guideline for countries considering SRI Sukuk issuances for economic recovery stimulus post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Azniza Hartini Azrai Azaimi Ambrose, Mohamed Aslam Gulam Hassan and Hanira Hanafi
The purpose of this paper is to formulate a model for waqf financing of public goods and mixed public goods in Malaysia which constitute the country’s federal government…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to formulate a model for waqf financing of public goods and mixed public goods in Malaysia which constitute the country’s federal government expenditures. The model is built on the basis of understanding the concept of waqf, learning from waqf institutions of the past and present and addressing specific Malaysian waqf issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses both primary and secondary data. The primary data originate from semi-structured interviews of waqf academicians from the Islamic economics and Islamic finance fields, waqf government officials and private sector institutions that are involved in waqf management. The secondary data come from the Malaysian Federal Constitution, law enactments, books, e-books, bulletins, journals, conference proceedings, government reports and websites.
Findings
By synthesizing the data, it is found that return from cash waqf investment in unit trust can be used to finance 11 items of federal government expenditures. The overall process can be managed by Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia through a collaboration with an Islamic unit trust firm.
Practical implications
This research shows how waqf can practically assist the Malaysian federal government in financing public goods and mixed public goods. It indirectly shows an alternative source of financing for these goods. Other economies can also learn and adapt from the model developed in this paper.
Originality/value
This paper attempts to revive the function of waqf as a provider of public goods and mixed public goods from Islamic history. Inadvertently, this paper also introduces waqf as a possible fiscal tool.
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Syed Marwan and Mohamed Aslam Haneef
The purpose of this paper is to examine the world’s first social impact bond (SIB) and the lessons that can be learned for the Islamic finance industry to fulfil its true…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the world’s first social impact bond (SIB) and the lessons that can be learned for the Islamic finance industry to fulfil its true objectives.
Design/methodology/approach
The Peterborough SIB was recently announced to be successful in achieving its targeted social and investment outcomes, reducing recidivism by 9 per cent and paying back investors a 3 per cent pa return. The paper compares Peterborough SIB with socially responsible investment (SRI) sukuk in terms of form and substance, and finds that there are various lessons from the Peterborough SIB that can be useful for future development of Islamic financial products.
Findings
Innovative social financial tools such as SIB exemplify the true spirit of risk sharing and social responsibility, which is arguably missing in current practices of the Islamic finance industry. With the growing interest towards SRI strategies and increase in socially motivated investors, such financial tools may not only help the sustainable growth of the Islamic finance industry, but also fill in the gap between its theory and practice.
Practical implications
As such, the paper also proposes a social impact sukuk model which integrates the key aspects learned from Peterborough SIB. This includes prioritising social impact, measurable success indicators, data and management systems, flexible contracts, third sector integration, risk sharing and fostering the culture of innovation.
Originality/value
The findings can offer some practical insights in dealing with the issue of Islamic finance practice being overly concerned with its formal adherence with Islamic legal rules whilst neglecting its true fundamental values.