Nurul Hazwani Abdul Latif, Muhammad Taher, Juliana Md Jaffri, Mohamad Shahreen Amri, Muhammad Badri Abdul Kudos, Wan Mohd Azizi Wan Sulaiman and Deny Susanti
Various studies suggest that some of natural agents create a specific action of hypocholesterolemic effect. Considering this fact, the aim of this paper is to work on describing…
Abstract
Purpose
Various studies suggest that some of natural agents create a specific action of hypocholesterolemic effect. Considering this fact, the aim of this paper is to work on describing selected natural agents that may reduce cholesterol concentrations by different mechanism of actions.
Design/methodology/approach
The advantages, phytochemical components and the mechanisms of the agents were reviewed and supported from the findings of the in vitro, double-blind and clinical studies from published journals, books and articles. The journals used in this review were published between 1987 and 2016, and are available from PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar.
Findings
Plant stanols and sterols, turmeric, fenugreek, avocado, tomato, artichoke, red yeast rice and garlic showed a positive effect in maintaining cholesterol levels by specific mechanisms or actions. These agents each had a specific action in creating a hypocholesterolemic effect either by inhibition of the enzyme significant to the synthesis process, disturbing the absorption of cholesterol, conversion of cholesterol to other related forms and through the reduction of the oxidative stress.
Research limitations/implications
However, this field still needs more studies as, currently, there is not any detailed information regarding the main active ingredients responsible for the mechanism to reduce cholesterol levels in humans.
Originality/value
This paper enlightens the authors’ understanding of some natural agents that have the potential to be used in controlling cholesterol.
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Mazni Abdullah and Noor Sharoja Sapiei
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of religiosity, gender and Islamic educational background of Muslims on zakat compliance. It also aims to identify which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of religiosity, gender and Islamic educational background of Muslims on zakat compliance. It also aims to identify which dimensions of religiosity are significantly related to zakat compliance.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to working Muslims individuals in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Analysis of the data was based on 690 usable questionnaires.
Findings
The findings show that religiosity had a significant influence on zakat compliance and three dimensions of religiosity, namely obligation, virtues and vices, and optional ritual, were significantly related to zakat compliance. Gender was also significantly related to zakat compliance, but in a negative direction, suggesting that Muslim working females are less compliant to zakat obligations compared to their male counterparts. It is found that formal Islamic educational background had no significant influence on zakat compliance.
Practical implications
Given the importance of zakat collection to the growth of the economy and society, the findings of this paper might provide some insights to Muslim-majority countries and zakat institutions which areas require more attention to encourage zakat payment among Muslims.
Originality/value
Compared to prior zakat studies, the findings of this study were derived from a larger sample size of Muslim working respondents. Furthermore, this study also identifies which dimensions of religiosity are significantly related to zakat compliance. Hence this study enriches the scarce literature on zakat and religiosity.
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Lukman Hamdani, Sunarsih Sunarsih, Rizaldi Yusfiarto, Achmad Rizal and Annes Nisrina Khoirunnisa
This study aims to elaborate on the antecedents of muzakki (zakat payers) paying zakat (Islamic philanthropy) through institutions with social media arrangements, while the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to elaborate on the antecedents of muzakki (zakat payers) paying zakat (Islamic philanthropy) through institutions with social media arrangements, while the drivers of social media engagement are used in the conceptual model with trust and intention.
Design/methodology/approach
Overall, the final sample of 230 respondents was obtained through the database of official zakat management institutions. Regarding analytical tools, this study combines the partial least square structural equation modelling and necessary condition analysis approaches to explore research findings.
Findings
The findings show that firm-generated information and trust play an important role directly and indirectly. At the same time, other constructions, such as social factors and user-based factors, provide variations in necessary conditions to increase the muzakki’s intention to channel their zakat through institutions.
Practical implications
Zakat institutions must focus on improving social media-based services by integrating important information, such as credibility and transparency, with muzakki’s preferences. Additionally, zakat information on social media must be attractively packaged and contain facilities that muzakki can use in communicating, such as; their opinions, suggestions and input. The findings, in general, underscore the attachment between muzakki and zakat institutions through social media, which can significantly impact the positive environment of zakat institutions.
Originality/value
To the author’s knowledge, this study is pioneering in conceptualizing and testing a theoretical model linking drivers of social media engagement, trust and intention to pay zakat through the institution, particularly in the levels of necessity.