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Article
Publication date: 24 December 2020

Bassam Mohammad Maali, Usama Adnan Fendi and Muhannad Ahmad Atmeh

This paper aims to investigate the economic substance of Islamic banks’ transaction as perceived by the employees and regulators of banks and the effect of such substance on the…

464

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the economic substance of Islamic banks’ transaction as perceived by the employees and regulators of banks and the effect of such substance on the need for special accounting standards for Islamic banks. If there is a distinctive “Islamic economic substance”, then special accounting practices may be necessary such as the standards of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative inquiry on one of the leading Islamic banks in the Middle East was conducted to investigate the economic substance of the bank’s main two transactions; the deposit system and Murabaha financing, as perceived by informants within one of the earliest Islamic banks and its regulators.

Findings

It is found that despite the belief that the transactions under examination were different from equivalents within conventional banking, practice within the bank was not consistent with such a belief. Informants largely perceived the economic reality of the investigated transaction as being not different from conventional banks’ transactions, and this would affect the need for special accounting and regulatory frameworks.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation is confined to informants working within one Islamic bank; their views and perceptions may not coincide with those working in other Islamic banks in the world.

Practical implications

The results of this investigation provide policy implications for Islamic banks, regulators and standards setters in regard to the need for special accounting standards for Islamic banks.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first papers that uses a qualitative inquiry on the main transactions of Islamic banks and the related need for special accounting practices. The paper provides a new perspective on the debate over whether Islamic banking is genuinely innovative or is merely a replicate for conventional banking.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

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Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

Bassam Mohammad Maali, M. Kabir Hassan and Mamunur Rashid

Islamic banks (IBs) place significant importance on their religious identity, prompting the utilization of impression management (IM) strategies to emphasize such identity. This…

125

Abstract

Purpose

Islamic banks (IBs) place significant importance on their religious identity, prompting the utilization of impression management (IM) strategies to emphasize such identity. This paper aims to discuss the motivations behind using IM in the creation of religious identity by IBs, and to explore the use of religious symbols and language as a form of religious rhetoric. It is argued that to counteract the threats to their religious identity, IBs use IM techniques, predominantly through the inclusion of religious symbols and rhetoric.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical exploratory study, using content analysis, was conducted on the annual reports of the largest IBs for the year 2022. The analyses involved a total of 39 banks based on a filtered list from The Banker’s Top Islamic Financial Institutions of 2022. A manual content analysis was undertaken to extract religious symbols, images and contents.

Findings

The findings reveal the use of IM techniques that emphasize the religious identity of these banks. Notably, IBs consistently reaffirm their commitment to Sharia compliance and disclose their contributions to Zakah. In addition, the analysis reveals the incorporation of Quranic verses, religious iconographic images and other religious rhetoric statements in the annual reports of many IBs.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis concludes that the assertion by IBs that their guiding principles are rooted in Islamic values are supported by the religious terminology and imagery embedded in their annual reports. Alongside mere religious symbolism, the terms and images are integral part of the corporate identity of the Islamic that not only sends persuasive signals to stakeholders but also help build an impression on the activities of the IBs.

Originality/value

IM has been a key objective and strategy of companies. This study aimed at exploring whether and how IBs used religious symbolism as an integral part of IM and corporate identity.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

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Article
Publication date: 13 February 2017

Muhannad Ahmed Atmeh and Bassam Maali

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the techniques used by Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) to shift conventional instruments to Shariah-compliant instruments. The…

1290

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the techniques used by Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) to shift conventional instruments to Shariah-compliant instruments. The paper additionally aims to explore the effect of these techniques on financial reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study recognized two techniques used by the IFI: the combination of contracts which compartmentalizes the economic transaction into a series of linked sub-transactions, and the inclusion of donation (Tabarru) in commercial contracts. The paper also reviews the accounting treatment according to the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), and compares it to the concepts adopted by the traditional financial reporting framework concepts (especially substance over form concept).

Findings

With regard to the combination of contracts technique, the major accounting challenge is whether the substance over form concept is considered. Mixed results are found: in some products, the economic substance is presented in the financial reports, while in other cases, the legal form of the contract is reported. This ambiguity may hinder the faithful representation of financial statements. The Tabarru contract is used to justify the risk-shifting practices by Islamic banks. The accounting effects of such contracts may result in failure to recognize assets or liabilities in the financial reports, earnings management and incomplete financial information for the users of the financial reports.

Originality/value

This study is a response to the call raised by the consultative group established by the International Accounting Standards Board. It provides an additional insight into the accounting treatments for a combination of contracts and Tabarru contracts. It also contrasts the accounting treatments, as stipulated by the AAOIFI, with the conventional accounting frameworks.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

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Article
Publication date: 2 September 2024

Muhannad Ahmad Atmeh, Bassam Mohammad Maali and Usama Fendi

This paper aims to propose a model of Zakah treatment for financial instruments. The model depends on the link between the financial assets and liabilities that emerge from a…

77

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a model of Zakah treatment for financial instruments. The model depends on the link between the financial assets and liabilities that emerge from a financial instrument contract.

Design/methodology/approach

The determination of Zakah on contemporary financial instruments is controversial, with various conflicting Fatwas being presented. This paper introduces a theoretical model that integrates Fiqh rules, accounting, finance and economic principles to propose a method for calculating Zakah on financial instruments. This theoretical model can be the foundation for future empirical and statistical testing.

Findings

The proposed model advocates omitting the financial assets/liabilities when determining the Zakah base for companies, as the Zakah burden relies on the owner of the real asset. The paper elaborates on the implementation of the model on debts, investments and cash accounts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not investigate whether or not the accounting approach in dealing with financial contracts is deemed acceptable by Fiqh scholars, nor does it discuss whether or not this may affect the Zakah fatwas regarding these types of accounts.

Practical implications

The paper establishes a conceptual framework for the Zakah on financial assets. This will pave the way for future empirical research and testing to validate the framework in different contexts. In addition, if regulators adopt this model and apply it to all companies, it would promote fairness and justice at the national level.

Social implications

The proposed model advocates omitting the financial assets/liabilities when determining the Zakah base for companies, as the Zakah burden relies on the owner of the real asset. The paper elaborates on the implementation of the model on debts, investments and cash accounts.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to utilize the accounting approach in order to determine the amount of Zakah.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Bassam Mohammad Maali and Muhannad Ahmad Atmeh

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of the social welfare concepts of Takaful and Tabarru’ (donations) as tools to guarantee deposits in the Islamic banking industry…

1425

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of the social welfare concepts of Takaful and Tabarru’ (donations) as tools to guarantee deposits in the Islamic banking industry, and the effect of such practice on the concept of risk sharing in Islamic finance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study critically analyzes the Mudaraba contract used by Islamic banks to mobilize funds, the use of Profit Equalization Reserves and Investment Risk Reserves, the use of other income smoothing techniques and the insurance of Islamic banks’ by regulatory agencies in some countries based on the Takaful and Tabarru’ concepts.

Findings

This paper shows that Islamic banks are increasingly using the concepts of Takaful and Tabarru’, which are intended originally for social welfare, as tools to justify the move to more guaranteed-in-substance type of deposits, and hence, more risk shifting rather than risk sharing in the Mudaraba contract. This use, is argued, moves Islamic banking towards more market-oriented, but less Shariaa-compliant in substance.

Research limitations/implications

This papers examined the behaviour of Islamic financial institutions and Islamic scholars based on the available literature. No empirical analysis was conducted.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the ongoing debate about the substance of Islamic banking transactions and the risk shifting inherent in such transactions. Furthermore, it is the first study that examines the extent of utilizing different social welfare concepts to legalize – from Shariaa perspective – Islamic banking transactions.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

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Article
Publication date: 15 October 2010

Bassam Maali and Christopher Napier

The paper seeks to examine the cultural factors that shaped the creation of one of the earliest Islamic banks, discussing the tensions that arise between religious and economic…

2872

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the cultural factors that shaped the creation of one of the earliest Islamic banks, discussing the tensions that arise between religious and economic aims.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a case study of a historically significant institution. The information on which the paper is based was obtained through interviews with participants in the process being analysed, review of archived documents, and observation. Edgar Schein's theory of organisational culture and leadership is employed to provide theoretical structure for the analysis.

Findings

The paper shows that creating a new type of organisation – an Islamic bank – in Jordan required special legislation. A study of the development of this legislation reveals that the bank's founder needed to convince both the religious and political authorities and potential investors that the bank would comply with Shari'a principles while at the same time generating profitable business. The outcome was to validate transactions that were Shari'a‐compliant in form but similar in substance to those of conventional banks.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examined one bank, and the findings are not necessarily representative of the experience of other Islamic financial institutions.

Social implications

The research highlights the problems faced in establishing businesses that seek to follow the moral and economic teachings of Islam. The paper contributes to the ongoing debate about whether it is possible to establish genuinely Islamic businesses within a conventional economy.

Originality/value

This is the first detailed academic study of the creation of an Islamic financial institution to make use of a wide range of documentary and oral evidence, including interviews with insiders.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 13 April 2012

200

Abstract

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

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Article
Publication date: 14 September 2018

Ahmed A. Sarhan and Collins G. Ntim

This paper aims to investigate the level of compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance best practice recommendations and the firm- and country-level factors that can…

931

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the level of compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance best practice recommendations and the firm- and country-level factors that can explain discernible differences in the level of compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance best practice recommendations in a number of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the widely used content analysis technique to examine the level of compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance best practice recommendations in a sample of listed corporations in MENA countries. In addition, the authors use the ordinary least square multiple regression analysis technique to examine the firm- and country-level antecedents of the level of compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance best practice recommendations. The findings are generally robust to different types of firm- and country-level factors, alternative measures and potential endogeneity problems.

Findings

The findings of this study are two-fold. First, the level of voluntary compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance best practice recommendations among MENA listed corporations is low and differs substantially across firms. Second, the evidence suggests that firm- and country-level factors, including religiosity, national governance quality and macroeconomic factors, have a positive and significant impact on voluntary compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance best practice recommendations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine both the potential firm- and country-level factors affecting voluntary compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance best practice recommendations among MENA listed corporations from a neo-institutional theoretical perspective. The results of our study provide regulators and policymakers with the impetus to encourage greater efforts towards pursuing reforms that seek to improve national governance quality, economic environment and positive religious practices.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 33 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

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Article
Publication date: 20 September 2023

Abdelhafid Benamraoui, Tantawy Moussa and Mostafa Hussien Alsohagy

This paper aims to investigate the disparity and compliance of information disclosures in Islamic banks (IBs). Specifically, the research examines IBs’ compliance with Sharia…

435

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the disparity and compliance of information disclosures in Islamic banks (IBs). Specifically, the research examines IBs’ compliance with Sharia disclosure requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine the extent of disclosures and compliance with Islamic business principles, content analysis is applied to the annual reports of a sample of IBs from 11 countries. A comprehensive reporting framework has also been developed to assess the transparency and compliance of IBs with Islamic business principles. Institutional theory and core Islamic principles are used to inform the study and its findings.

Findings

The results reveal that IBs demonstrate limited transparency on the key Sharia compliance issues, and there is a wide variation in the level of reporting across the countries studied. Moreover, the authors find that IBs located in the single integrated regulatory framework (RF) countries disclose more information, followed by those located in dual RF countries and then those located in Islamic RF countries.

Originality/value

This study presents a unique and comprehensive framework to assess the areas of Sharia disclosure by IBs and provides a conceptual rationing for the actual level of IBs’ Sharia reporting. This study also fills a significant gap in the literature, as most studies in this field are based on a single-country study. The results are deemed of direct relevance to IBs’ managers, investors, policymakers, regulators and the wider public, particularly in the Muslim world.

Details

Accounting Research Journal, vol. 36 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1030-9616

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Article
Publication date: 16 June 2022

Maysa Ali Mohamed Abdallah and Nayera Adeldayem Eltamboly

This study aims to identify the main factors that drive the differences in the levels of forward-looking information disclosure (FLID) across four countries. This study goes…

505

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the main factors that drive the differences in the levels of forward-looking information disclosure (FLID) across four countries. This study goes beyond the firm-specific characteristics to the countries-specific factors to explain the observable differences in the level of FLID among the UK, Italian, Hong Kong and Chinese American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) firms trading in US Exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate the levels of FLID, corporate financial information environment (CFIE)-final reports structure extractor (FRSE) was conducted on the annual reports of a sample of 353 listed firm observations in 2020 across four different countries. Also, the ordinary least square regression model was used to examine the proposed relationships.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that the level of FLID is highest among the Chinese ADRs firms trading in US Exchanges and UK listed firms. Also, ownership concentration and gender diversity have a positive correlation with the level of FLID. Additionally, long-term orientation positively influences the level of FLID. Considering the moderation effect of power distance and masculinity dimensions, countries with larger power distance tend to have a lower impact of ownership concentration on the level of FLID, whereas countries with higher masculinity tend to have a lesser positive relationship between gender diversity and the level of FLID.

Originality/value

Notwithstanding, this study provides novel and persuasive evidence regarding the effects of firm- and country-specific characteristics as possible determinants of forward-looking disclosures, drawing on evidence from international companies with free floats, boards with female quotas and cultural values including masculinity and long-term orientation. This work offers unique insights from the upper echelons lens, which implies that firms need to obtain a critical mass of gender diversity to achieve a more balanced forward-looking perspective on their annual reports.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 37 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

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