Sharīʿah issues on taʿwidh in Malaysia

Author(s):  
Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat Ishak

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the current mechanism of taʿwidh (compensation) from the perspective of Shariīʿah, which is used by Islamic banking in Malaysia to deal with the issue of late payment. Design/methodology/approach This study is qualitative in nature, using semi-structured interviews carried out with two types of informant – members of the National Sharīʿah Advisory Council (SAC) and the Internal Sharīʿah committee (SC) – with regard to practicing taʿwidh. Findings The findings reveal taʿwidh is an alternative to the interest-based late payment penalty, which is prohibited in Islam. While taʿwidh finds justification in the hadith and maʿlaʿah, in respect of sustaining the competitiveness of the Islamic banking operation, its practice is still debatable because it is determined by a special rate instead of the actual loss. This paper addresses this issue by suggesting that even though the central bank has allowed Islamic banks to regard 1 per cent as their income, they should review that amount, and claim only the actual loss. The remaining money could be used for charitable purposes, which can be conducted by Islamic banks themselves. Research limitations/implications This study is limited because it focusses on the extent to which the current practice of taʿwidh in Malaysia has complied with Shariīʿah principles. It does not focus on gharamah (penalty), which is considered to be the second late payment penalty mechanism. Moreover, data are collected from nine interviewees from SAC and SC from different Islamic banks. Thus, the results cannot be generalised to other countries. Originality/value This paper highlights Shariīʿah concerns regarding the current application of taʿwidh. Moreover, as it uses primary data, it provides a fresh discussion of taʿwidh, from both the perspective of regulators in Malaysia and the experience of practitioners, particularly in terms of Shariīʿah compliance.

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat Ishak

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the current regulation of ibrā’ (rebate) set by the Central Bank for the Islamic banks in Malaysia and how far its original concept has been compromised to make it adaptable to the modern financial system. Design/methodology/approach This study, with regard to practising ibrā’ in Islamic banking in Malaysia, is qualitative in nature, using semi-structured interviews carried out with two types of informant: members of either the National Sharīʿah Advisory Council (NSAC) or the Internal Sharīʿah Committee (SC). All data are analysed based on the content analysis method. Findings The findings reveal that while stipulating an ibrā’ clause makes practising ibrā’ stray from its original concept, it has successfully tackled the current problem. However, the long-term consequences should be a concern, particularly Islamic banking products, which have been significantly influenced by the conventional system, including interest rates and the debt structure, neither of which should be identified with Islamic banking. Research limitations/implications This study is limited because it focusses on the practice of ibrā’ in Malaysian Islamic banking. Moreover, data are collected from nine interviewees from NSAC and SC from different Islamic banks. Thus, the results cannot be generalised to other countries. Originality/value This paper provides a fresh discussion of ibrā’ from the perspective of regulators and the experience of practitioners in Malaysia, particularly in respect of aspects of Sharīʿah and current actual practice.


Author(s):  
Aimatul Yumna

Purpose This study aims at product development in Syariah banking, using the theory of Pyramid of Maslahah. Product development are important aspects of Islamic banking to realize Maqasid Al Shariah and to better serve the real economy. Design/methodology/approach To understand the needs of the customers, this study uses qualitative approaches and collects primary data from semi-structured interviews of 25 banking customers in Indonesia. Findings The study found that the group of respondents who have similar characteristics in age, marital status and number of kids tend to have similar financial needs. Some of the needs that have not been fulfilled by Sharia banking are the needs for investment in banking products, the needs for pension plan products and the needs for travelling-related financial products. Practical implications This study proposed that Islamic banking should provide financial products that cater to three needs of the society, including the needs for necessities/essentials (daruriyat), the needs of complementary requirements (hajiyyat) and the needs for beautifications or embellishments (tahsiniyat), to be able to better serve the real economy. Originality/value Financial needs and the life cycle approach can be used for product development in banking industry. However, this approach has not been widely used for consideration in the development of Sharia banking products in Indonesia. This study provides some novelty in Islamic banking customer behavior, especially in understanding financial needs based on the theory of Pyramid of Maslahah.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-289
Author(s):  
Muhammad Tariq Majeed ◽  
Abida Zainab

PurposeIslamic banks provide an alternative financial system based on Sharia’h (Islamic law). However, critics argue that operation at Islamic banks is violating Sharia’h particularly in terms of provision of interest free services, risk sharing and legal contract. The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate the Sharia’h practice at Islamic banks in Pakistan by considering some basic principles of Sharia’h. Design/methodology/approachPrimary data are collected from 63 branches of Islamic banks in Pakistan. Questionnaire is used as an instrument. The study uses structural equation modeling that includes confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis. Data are codified and analyzed using SPSS and Amos. FindingsThis study finds that Islamic banks are providing interest free services, ensuring that transactions and contracts offered by Islamic banks are legal and offering conflict-free environment to customers. In contrast, estimated results expose that Islamic banks are not sharing risk and Sharia’h supervisory board is not performing its role perfectly. Similarly, it is found that organization and distribution of zakat and qard-ul-hassan are weak at Islamic banks. Research limitations/implicationsData are collected from Islamabad federal capital of Pakistan that hold just 5 per cent share of Islamic banking industry. This small share may not provide true picture of Islamic banking sector. Practical implicationsTo ensure risk sharing, Islamic banking industry must consider the development of new modes of financing and innovation of more products based on Sharia’h. State Bank of Pakistan should ensure separate regulatory framework that enable Islamic banks to provide qard-ul-hassan, organize and allocate zakat. Originality/valueThis paper discusses the perception of bankers, who are actually the executors, about Shariah’s practices at Islamic banks in Pakistan. There are not many discussions on this topic that could be found, and hence this could be considered as a significant contribution by this paper to the existing literature of Islamic finance.


Author(s):  
Md. Faruk Abdullah ◽  
Asmak Ab Rahman

Purpose – The study aims to consider wa’dan-based products in Islamic banks in Malaysia and discuss the validity of wa’dan in those products from the perspective of Shari’ah. Design/methodology/approach – Case studies were conducted of three Islamic banks in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with bankers as well as Shari’ah scholars. The document analysis method was adopted to strengthen the findings. Findings – The study shows that three Islamic banking products: Musyarakah Mutanaqisah (MM) home and property financing; Al-Ijarah Thumma Al-Bai’ (AITAB) vehicle financing; and Ijarah rental swap (IRS) use wa’dan in their product structures. After discussing the different views of the scholars, the study concludes that wa’dan should be allowed in the above-mentioned products because it is different from muwa’adah. In wa’dan, every single wa’d is separate from each other, as every one of them is related to different types of events. With regard to the issue of Shari’ah in MM home and property financing, it was concluded that wa’d from the customer to purchase the bank’s share is not a capital guarantee. Moreover, IRS is not a form of gambling but is in line with Maqasid al-Shari’ah. Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to three Islamic banks in Malaysia that focus on retail and commercial banking products. Therefore, the study excludes application of wa’dan in sukuk and some other Islamic derivatives that are not the practice of these three banks. Originality/value – This empirical study adds new knowledge by developing the concept and practice of wa’dan. Wa’dan as an innovative tool for product development to overcome Shari’ah issues in conventional banking may be of interest to practitioners all around the world.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Luthfi Hamidi ◽  
Andrew C. Worthington

PurposeThe study aims to extend the conventional triple bottom line (TBL) framework (prosperity, people and planet) to the quadruple bottom line (QBL) by newly adding a “prophet” dimension for Islamic banks seeking compliance with Islamic law in their pursuit of sustainability.Design/methodology/approachEmploy Chapra's corollaries of maqasid al-shari'ah (the goals of Islamic law) to develop constructs for a survey of 504 Islamic bank stakeholders from five Indonesian provinces to gather primary data to quantitatively verify the dimensions and items in the proposed QBL framework. Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) then identifies the sustainability of ten Islamic banks from ten countries as a trial application of the resulting QBL index.FindingsUsing the dimensions and items identified using CATPCA, the authors develop a QBL index to assess the sustainability of the ten Islamic banks. The findings suggest that half of the banks are sufficiently sustainable, with three being proactive (doing more than is required) and two being accommodative (doing all that is required). The remaining five banks are unsustainable, with two banks being defensive (doing the least that is required) and three being reactive (doing less than is required). Most of the banks perform relatively poorly according to the “planet” (38%) and “people” (41%) dimensions and perform better on the “prosperity” (53%) and “prophet” (63%) dimensions. Nonetheless, there is ample room for improvement across all dimensions of sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the findings is limited by the small-scale single-country survey used in the CATPCA part of the analysis. Only ten Islamic banks were included in the QBL scoring and ranking exercisesPractical implicationsIslamic banks can improve their sustainability by increasing green financing and reaching out to rural areas and disadvantaged populations. In countries with Islamic banking systems, regulators can support this through training, guidance and incentives.Originality/valuePioneering exploration of TBL from maqasid al-shari'ah perspective. First, we develop a QBL index to assess the sustainability of Islamic banks in line with actual stakeholder expectations.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umair Riaz ◽  
Musafar Khan ◽  
Naimat Khan

Purpose The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of consumers on Islamic banking and finance in Pakistan. Islamic finance is an emerging phenomenon, and its survival depends on the availability, affordability and awareness. This paper attempts to fill the gap in the literature by exploring the perceptions of consumers and bankers in an attempt to gain insights so that the availability of products and awareness can be increased. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a regression model by using perception as a dependent variable and awareness, knowledge and religious motivation as independent variables. Primary data is collected using 150 questionnaires distributed amongst finance students in several universities and employees of Islamic banks in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province of Pakistan. Findings The findings reveal that overall consumers’ perception is positive about Islamic banking and finance in Pakistan. Statistical analysis shows that awareness, knowledge and religiosity level have a positive influence on the perception of consumers about Islamic financing products and services in Pakistan. To improve the awareness and understanding, Islamic banks could make better marketing strategies and could increase their presence by mosque visits and conferences. Cooperation between the industry and scholars could help in providing more innovative products to the consumers. Research limitations/implications There has been a limited amount of work carried out on the perceptions of consumers about Islamic banking in Pakistan. The present study represents the start of a larger context for examining Islamic banking practices in Pakistan. The findings of the study can be used as a reference in future research projects in the areas of perceptions and awareness. Originality/value Little research has been conducted to study this problem from the perspectives of consumers and Islamic banking employees. Most of the research associated with Islamic banks fails to pay attention to these stakeholder groups in one study.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Majed Alharthi ◽  
Imran Hanif ◽  
Hafeez Ur Rehman ◽  
Hawazen Alamoudi

Purpose This study aims to explore the potential determinants of customers’ satisfaction with the Islamic banking system and highlights the fact that both internal and external factors play key roles in customer satisfaction (CS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Primary data from six Islamic banks (Al Baraka Bank Ltd, BankIslami Pakistan Ltd, Burj Bank Ltd, Dubai Islamic Bank Ltd, Meezan Bank Ltd and MCB-Islamic Bank Ltd) were analysed using a binary logit method. Findings The results showed that internal factors such as hand sanitisation facilities, strict compliance with wearing a mask before entering the bank, the distance between customers and dealing officers, an organised network of branches (in terms of health safety protocols), the behaviour of dealing officers and extended banking hours contributed significantly to enhancing the satisfaction of Islamic banking customers during the pandemic in Pakistan. The results showed that high service charges on loans have a significant adverse impact on CS. Concerning external factors, the results showed that mass media platforms that can update customers about new services and customer transactions’ processing timing, the number of operational branches in the pandemic period, available parking space in front of a bank and recommendations from family and friends to open an account with a particular bank increase CS levels. Practical implications The study’s results will be helpful for the policymakers and practitioners to design such policies that can promote the Islamic banking system in developing countries such as Pakistan. Originality/value Under the pandemic situation, the present study highlights the internal and external determinants of Islamic banking customers’ satisfaction in Pakistan. The study provides a foundation for Islamic Banks to revise their policy frameworks and marketing strategies to attract customer interest and improve their satisfaction levels.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahadi Ahmad ◽  
Riaz Ansary

Purpose Islamic banks are obliged to carry out transactions that only comply with Islamic commercial laws. Malaysia has been championing the Sharīʿah-based banking system, and so, continuous improvement on the compliance level of the institutions offering Islamic financial services is key to its global recognition in this industry. One of the issues that can affect deposit products is existence of a sale contract and loan facility in one transaction. Famous prophetic tradition prohibits this. Hence, this paper aims to examine the linkage between bayʿwa salaf (combination between a sale contract and loan in one transaction) and deposits accounts in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The subject matter of this paper is one that is researchable within library-based research. It is on this premise the research used the non-empirical qualitative research methodology. It used inductive method of analysis of both Islamic and policy documents on Islamic banking in Malaysia. Literature from Islamic jurisprudence, websites of some of the Islamic banks in Malaysia and relevant resolutions from the Shariah Advisory Council of Central Bank of Malaysia were consulted. Findings Based on the methodology mentioned above, the researchers arrived at the following findings: that, although there is no juristic disagreement about the prohibition of bayʿwa salaf, disagreement, however, occurs in results of some contracts. The most notable area of agreement on the existence of bayʿwa salaf is when there is express stipulation of sale or rendering of service and express or implied stipulation of loan alongside of the sale or service rendering. In an organized reversed tawarruq, the use of these deposits by the banks is regarded as loan from the depositors to the banks, who will soon put the money into sale that will generate profit to be divided between the banks and their depositors. However, this study finds that this is not bayʿwa salaf prohibited by the prophetic tradition. Originality/value The originality of this topic is proven by the new banking regulation regime of Malaysia, which compels Islamic banks to guarantee all deposits under them. As Islamic banks carry out their banking activities through trading, there is need to conduct a research such as this. This is to examine whether Islamic banks’ unilateral use of depositors’ funds in non-investment accounts which is translated, constructively, as loan from the depositors to Islamic banks amounts to bayʿwa salaf before the future tawarruq. Here there is loan and sale, which is the tawarruq. Hence, the need to do this research.


Author(s):  
Hafij Ullah

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Shari’ah compliance status of the Islamic banks in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach – The research was based on both primary and secondary materials. The primary data were gathered through sample questionnaire survey and personal interviews by the researcher; the secondary data were obtained from Qur’an, Hadiths, different circulars/letters, manuals, research books and journals, annual reports, Web sites of the sample banks. Statistical tools and techniques like weighted average, percentage, SD, variance and correlation between Shari’ah violation score and bank-specific attributes were used applying statistical software Statistical Package for Social Science (version 17.0). Findings – Shari’ah compliance status of the Islamic banks in Bangladesh is in a vulnerable condition, Shari’ah compliance status highly varies among the Islamic banks, and Shari’ah violation is high in investing activities because of lack of knowledge, lack of sincerity in complying Shari’ah, poor attention in Shari’ah audit and Shari’ah research and lack of strong Shari’ah supervisory board comprising full-time skillful members. Practical implications – Among others, the major policy implications of this study are as follows: regulatory bodies and Shari’ah board members are expected to have guidelines from this study to find their limitations and to determine their future responsibilities; executives and Employees are expected to get the idea of present state of Shari’ah compliance and to identify their weaknesses in this regard; clients and other stakeholders are expected to have guidelines to choose the better Islamic banks to perform banking transactions; and the researchers in Islamic banking may usefully use the issues raised in this article for more comprehensive studies in Islamic banking and Shari’ah compliance. Originality/value – The paper opens a new avenue in justifying the status of Shari’ah compliance with a new dataset and correlating Shari’ah violation score with bank-specific attributes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dwi Suhartanto ◽  
Christopher Gan ◽  
Ira Siti Sarah ◽  
Setiawan Setiawan

Purpose This paper aims to integrate and examine three loyalty routes (i.e. service quality, emotional attachment and religiosity) in developing customer loyalty towards Islamic banking. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 412 Islamic bank customers from Indonesia. Variance-based structural equation modelling was applied to evaluate the association between service quality, emotional attachment, religiosity and customer loyalty. Findings This study reveals that customer loyalty is more driven by emotional attachment and religiosity rather than by perceived service quality. Although not directly affecting customer loyalty, service quality strengthens customer satisfaction towards Islamic banks. Practical implications This study provides an opportunity for Islamic bank managers to increase their customer loyalty through the development of emotional attachment and religiosity. To improve customer loyalty, this study suggests that Islamic banks have to provide prompt, accurate and non-personal service. It is also important for Islamic bank managers to keep the bank operation compliant with the Sharia law. Originality/value This study is the first attempt to assess the three loyalty routes simultaneously in influencing customer loyalty.


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