Muslim-majority Nations Research Articles

Appraising the Determinants and Outcomes of Islamic Financial Literacy through the Lens of a Systematic Literature Review

This research illuminates the determinants and outcomes of Islamic financial literacy as scrutinized in prior investigations. A systematic literature review unfolded across the Scopus database from 2016 to 2023. This investigation encompasses 22 articles from the 40 scholarly works extracted from the Scopus database. The Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research emerges as the most prolific disseminator of insights into the determinants and outcomes of Islamic financial literacy, credited to its robust publication frequency throughout the year. The autonomous and reliant facets of Islamic financial literacy were predominantly studied, with emphasis not only on individual dynamics but also on business perspectives. The determinants instigating Islamic financial literacy congregate within the affective, conative, family influence, self-controlled, and demographic predictors. Conversely, the ramifications stemming from Islamic financial literacy manifest in cognitive, affective, and conative dimensions, leaving an indelible imprint on the business realm. Geographic focus reveals a concentration of prior investigation within Muslim-majority nations, predominantly Indonesia. Furthermore, the investigation discovers that past studies were mainly conducted in the context of Islamic banking. The evidence from the present study provides input to researchers in conducting further research on Islamic financial literacy.

Beyond Face Value: Harnessing the Intellect by Looking Past Appearances and Offering Students Multiple Modalities to Participate in Online Discussions

Covid 19 mandatory online teaching brought about insights and paradigm shifts experienced on a global level by educators and learners alike. One example of such a paradigm shift was explored at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco, in the English composition course. It was hypothesized that lower-level English composition freshman students may have had more cognition and confidence in whole-class discussions when offered multiple ways to participate because appearances on camera seemed to impede participation rates, performance and ideation, particularly with female students in the Muslim-majority nation. Subsequent in-class experiments examined the differences between participation rates and performances of students in whole-class discussions whilst online during Covid 19 in three response modes: audio, text and camera, and a follow-up survey collected opinions on using those modes. Findings substantiate the hypothesis that learners experience fewer inhibitions and more accurate English when responding through text compared with audio and camera, especially amongst female participants. Attitudes towards cameras also reveal inhibitions mostly stemming from concerns over appearances. Findings support Krashen’s theory on the affective filter as well as Plato’s theories on the physical senses as an impediment to the acquisition of knowledge. Specific cultural and religious beliefs, namely belief in the evil eye and guarding one’s gaze, may also have played a part in explaining students’ apprehension for using cameras. Recommendations for applications include allowing students multiple modes of participation in a blended learning approach, collecting data using automatic transcription through teleconferencing platforms such as MS Teams for language output analysis, and for educators to use this data to investigate their own implicit biases which may impede instructor performance.

What Drives Millennials' and Gen Z's Intentions to Participate in Cash Waqf Linked Sukuk? Perspectives from Islamic Altruism

Waqf, in its conceptual essence, has the potential to enhance social and economic mobility, thus alleviating poverty. Nevertheless, the effective collection of waqf faces numerous challenges, particularly in adapting to the needs of Millennials and Generation Z. The objective of this research attempt is to examine how Islamic altruism moderates the impact of crucial determinants of cash waqf linked sukuk (CWLS) on fund collection. By employing the Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) method, data were collected from 283 respondents belonging to the Indonesian millennial and Gen Z demographics via a self-structured questionnaire. The results emphasize that Islamic altruism does not play a substantial role in moderating the determinants of CWLS among the economic variables associated with Islam. Regarding domain-based economic decisions, individual contributions to CWLS are not reliably moderated by Islamic altruism. Despite adhering to the waqf principle, Islamic altruism, which entails the voluntary provision of assistance to others without personal gain, does not exert any influence on economic motivations for participating in CWLS. Furthermore, this research indicates that income level, religiosity, sharia financial literacy, and a strong inclination towards CWLS significantly influence the intention of Millennials and Generation Z to participate. Indonesia, being a Muslim-majority nation, could potentially witness significant progress in the field of financial waqf, specifically in the area of CWLS. The research's practical implications offer significant insights and direction for stakeholders, aiding in the formulation of efficacious policies and initiatives that promote CWLS fundraising among Millennials and Generation Z. This is novel research, and from the perspective of Islamic altruism theory, there has been a dearth of studies examining the critical factors that determine individual contribution in CWLS.

Digital mind and human consciousness: integration of digital technology in shaping learning experiences

Introduction. As education evolves in the digital age, integrating technology into teaching and learning has become pivotal. This digital transformation carries profound implications for youth experiences and cognition warranting extensive research. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of embedded digital technologies and online tools on learning experiences and consciousness among Kazakhstani and Turkish youth. Specifically, it sought to examine the relationship between key variables and interpret the findings through robust philosophical frameworks spanning critical theory to pragmatism. Study participants and methods. The study surveyed 90 bachelor's and master's students from reputable Kazakhstani and Turkish universities, examining the relationship between digital integration, online tools, learning experiences and human consciousness. Quantitative analysis entailed correlation and regression techniques. Robust philosophical frameworks spanning critical theory to axiology anchored the investigation. The results. Strong positive correlations emerged between all variables – learning experiences, online tools, digital integration and human consciousness (range of r = 0.660 to 0.834). This tight alignment implies technology integration fundamentally transforms education by enabling more interactive, creative and personalized learning. Likewise, extensive online tool use strongly associates with peer collaboration, global awareness and analytical thinking, suggesting enhanced cognition. However, ethical risks around misinformation and critical analysis diminishment must be addressed. Regression analysis further evidenced the significant positive impact of digitalization on consciousness (p < 0.001), underscoring its promise. Yet equitable governance is essential to ensure prudent oversight alongside optimization. Overall, given judicious and ethical implementation, embedded digital tools demonstrate immense potential to enrich diverse student experiences and minds. Conclusions. This pioneering analysis enriches philosophical understanding of how embedded digital tools are transforming youth learning and minds. The robust correlations substantiate prevailing assumptions that judicious technology integration fundamentally expands interactive, creative education opportunities aligned with students' needs and interests. The findings also reinforce sociocultural notions of peer socialization in virtual environments catalyzing enriched consciousness. However, risks around misinformation and critical analysis diminishment temper techno-utopian visions, compelling context-attuned governance frameworks. Key contributions include illuminating these complex dynamics and ethical dimensions within Muslim-majority nations. Overall, the research carries profound practical implications for pedagogical digital competence models, assessment mechanisms, and proactive policies prioritizing equitable access and ethical digital literacy. As education evolves for digital native generations, optimizing technology’s merits while mitigating its risks remains an imperative, multifaceted challenge.

Assessing the Impact of Non-Interest Banking on Financial Inclusion: A Study of Selected States in Nigeria

This paper investigated the transformative potential of non-interest banking on financial inclusion within selected Nigerian states. Non-interest banking, grounded in Islamic principles, has garnered substantial scholarly attention across Muslim-majority nations. However, its nuanced effects on financial inclusion in Nigeria necessitated comprehensive examination. This study sought to address this gap by scrutinizing the intricate dynamics and discerning whether non-interest banking engenders heightened financial inclusion and socio-economic advancement. Interrogating the linkages between accessibility of non-interest banking services, individuals' attitudes toward non-interest banking, customer satisfaction, government support, trustworthiness of non-interest banks, and their collective impact on financial inclusion constitutes the focal point of inquiry. The study adopted a quantitative research paradigm, employing purposive random sampling to solicit responses from 380 participants encompassing Nigeria's diverse geopolitical zones. A tailored questionnaire, informed by extant scholarship, was meticulously administered, with data analysis done using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) facilitated by SmartPLS v3.2.7. The findings underscored that customer satisfaction, perceived government support, and trustworthiness of non-interest banks significantly and positively influence financial inclusion. Nevertheless, the nexus between accessibility of non-interest banking services and attitudes toward non-interest banking with financial inclusion did not attain statistical significance within this model. The research attains an R2 value of 0.704 for financial inclusion, signifying an explanatory capacity of 70.4%. This research extended valuable insights for policy formulation and decision-making, by accentuating the pivotal role of customer-centric strategies, governmental endorsement, and credibility in amplifying financial inclusion through non-interest banking channels. Keywords: Non-interest banking, financial inclusion, Nigeria, Structural Equation Modeling

Does parental origin-country culture affect the gender gap in sport participation? A study of immigrant youth in Italy

ABSTRACT This research delves into the gender disparities observed in sport participation among immigrant groups, aiming to enhance our understanding of the underlying factors contributing to these gaps. Specifically, the study examines the impact of parental origin-country gender inequality and Muslim majority (‘cultural legacy’) and the adaptation to host country norms across immigrant generations (‘cultural dynamics’). Utilizing nationally representative survey data encompassing 28,000 first- and second-generation immigrant youth from 32 distinct origin groups in Italy, we uncover evidence regarding the influence of parental origin-country culture on sport participation. Notably, immigrant youth with parents hailing from more conservative countries exhibit wider gender gaps in sports involvement. Additionally, we observe heightened gender differences in sport participation among youth whose parents were born and raised in Muslim-majority nations. Furthermore, our findings underscore the presence of cultural dynamics, as second-generation immigrant boys and girls display a significantly greater likelihood of engaging in sports compared to their first-generation counterparts. Notably, girls experience the most substantial gains in sport activity across generations. The results suggest that second-generation immigrant youth, particularly those with mixed heritage, assimilate the cultural practices of their host society while diminishing the impact of the parental origin country on sport participation choices.

MUSLIM MIGRANTS IN GERMANY: A STUDY OF THILO’S SARRAZZIN’S BOOK “DEUTSCHLAND SCHAFFT SICH AB

This study explores the seventh chapter of Thilo Sarazzin’s 2010 book "Deutschland schafft sich ab," which reflects his negative stance on immigration and perceptions of immigrants' resistance to integration in Germany. The chapter titled “Zuwanderung und Integration" (Immigration and Integration) with the subtitle, "mehr erwarten, weniger anbieten" (expect more, offer less), addresses critical threats to Germany's future, such as declining birth rates and challenges with integration, especially concerning migrants from Muslim-majority nations. The book's sensitive topics triggered widespread controversy and media attention, contributing significantly to societal debates on migration and integration in Germany

Women Empowerment from Quranic perspective

Despite the teachings of Islam that advocate for women's rights and empowerment, a substantial disparity persists between the ideal principles and the actual conditions in numerous Muslim communities. Women in many Muslim-majority nations encounter diverse challenges hindering their empowerment and complete societal involvement. Key factors contributing to the predicament of women's empowerment in Islam encompass patriarchal attitudes and cultural norms that confine women's roles and opportunities, as well as limited access to education and training, restricting their active participation in economic and political spheres. Present-day concerns include workplace discrimination and bias against women, encompassing unequal pay and limited advancement opportunities. Additionally, insufficient access to healthcare, education, societal engagement, and reproductive rights adversely affect women's health and well-being. Gender-based violence and harassment, encompassing domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking, exacerbate these challenges. Legal inadequacies in protecting and enforcing women's rights regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property ownership further compound the issue. Misinterpretation and misapplication of religious teachings contribute to harmful practices such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Addressing these challenges necessitates targeted interventions and policy changes to dismantle significant barriers to women's empowerment in Muslim communities. The researcher employed an inductive approach, tracing research components from exegetical, hadith, and jurisprudential books to derive general rulings. Subsequently, an analytical method was utilized to categorize and discuss scientific material, yielding specific rulings about the subject. The research reached certain significant results, emphasizing the promotion of women's rights, equality, and comprehensive societal participation to foster just and equitable societies. A focus on women's rights to education, societal engagement, economic independence, fair treatment in marriage, and protection from violence and discrimination is crucial. Quranic teachings offer valuable guidance for Muslims to contribute to women's empowerment in their societies actively.

Mapping the field of Islamic banking and finance education: A bibliometric analysis and future research agenda

This article examined trends in Islamic education and finance publications using bibliometric analysis. The authors used co-citation and co-word analysis to examine 449 Islamic education and finance studies from Scopus database. In the co-citation analysis, 10 themes in Islamic education and finance were identified. After that, co-word analysis is used to understand and identify each research theme’s potential future research directions. The results showed that per year the average publication of articles was 2.65. There has been extensive research on this topic in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), and the most popped-up keywords are ‘education’, ‘finance education’, ‘banking education’ and very limited ‘Islamic finance education’. Further research can be developed using Islamic jurisprudence education, Islamic insurance education, Islamic capital market education, zakat education and waqf as keywords. In addition, the study offers a visualization map of theme patterns for future studies to create educational fields for Islamic banking and finance education, particularly in Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East. This research contributes as a foundation for further research in enriching and developing knowledge about Islamic education and finance, especially in majority countries.

WAQF SYSTEM DURING SOUTHEAST ASIA'S DECOLONIZATION PERIOD

The purpose of this research is to contrast the Waqf systems in Southeast Asian nations with Muslim majorities. This study employs a qualitative literature review methodology. The most frequently cited works listed in trustworthy journals indexed by scopus were used for this study. The analysis of the waqf system in this paper takes place in the years following these nations' independence from colonial rule. The Waqf legal structure and the governing bodies that oversee it are the subject of the study. We selected a number of Southeast Asian nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, as our sample of Muslim-majority nations. According to the data, the majority of waqf institutions in Southeast Asia are legitimate.

A Journey without Maps

Abstract The challenge of finding a Protestant public theology appropriate for a pluralist, newly independent, Muslim majority nation was taken up initially by a mixed group of lay and ordained theologians, among them T. B. Simatupang, a recently retired lieutenant-general, still in his late thirties. This study links Simatupang’s experience as a soldier-diplomat and strategic planner in Indonesia’s struggle for independence to the objectives and values he promoted and endeavoured to safeguard in his second career as an ecumenical strategist and mentor. Some attention is given to more recent criticism and the argument that a less confrontational Christian stance toward politically active Islam is called for in today’s era of interfaith conversations.

CPEC: Challenges, Opportunities and Socio-Economic Impact on The Muslim World

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project within China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It stands as a corridor encompassing road, railway and maritime infrastructure development, primarily aimed at fostering economic growth. This vast network extends its reach across the Asian continent, with Pakistan at its center, while also involving other Muslim-majority nations, including Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and several Central Asian States. The key promise of CPEC lies in its potential to revitalize the economies of developing countries at large and Muslim-majority nations in particular. The allure of CPEC for participating nations is evident, especially for those facing financial constraints and a dire need for infrastructure development, as it presents a lifeline for economic progress. However, beneath the surface of economic opportunity, there loom socio-economic challenges that warrant careful consideration. These challenges have the potential to impact the relationships between Muslim-majority countries and the Western world, with a specific focus on the Middle Eastern countries. It is within this complex and dynamic context that this research article seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis. The article intends to shed light on two fundamental aspects: firstly, it aims to gauge the willingness of Muslim-majority countries to become integral parts of the CPEC project, evaluating the extent to which they embrace this economic endeavor. Secondly, the research delves into China's role in the region by examining how its economic support and infrastructural development initiatives influence Muslim-majority states. This examination is critical for understanding the opportunities and challenges that the CPEC project presents to the Muslim world and its relationships with the West, especially Middle Eastern nations.

The Impact of Non-Violent Muslim Extremism: Reflections on Indonesia and Malaysia

Numerous pieces of research have addressed the issue of terrorism and radicalism in Southeast Asia, and security studies are inundated with works covering its origin, function, and impact. However, this article argues that equal attention should be given to non-violent extremism and its impact on societies at the discursive level. By examining case studies from Indonesia and Malaysia, two Muslim-majority nations, this article contends that the question is not whether non-violent extremism directly or indirectly leads to terrorism, but how it can also shape policies and regulations through lobbying, trigger mass political mobilization, and nurture intolerance and hatred towards minority groups.

Institutional Dynamics of Halal Tourism Development in Indonesia and Malaysia

In the context of Southeast Asia, Muslim-majority nations Indonesia and Malaysia had pioneered the development of halal tourism. Nevertheless, Malaysia has outperformed Indonesia in cultivating its halal tourism industry. The research sought to investigate the political economy factors contributing to this discrepancy. The research posited that the emergence of Islamic identity, the intensification of Islam’s politicization, and the varying degrees of capitalizing on Islamic values are three crucial determinants influencing the relative success of Malaysia’s halal tourism industry compared to Indonesia’s. Firstly, the perception of Islamic identity in Malaysia is less threatening compared to that in Indonesia. Secondly, the politicization of Islam is less pronounced in Malaysia than in Indonesia. To examine these assertions, the research utilized a methodological blend of primary and secondary data, incorporating interviews with policymakers and stakeholders of halal tourism in both countries. In addition to identifying the critical factors shaping the development of halal tourism, the research contributed by offering several recommendations concerning the innovative aspect of halal tourism branding. It was argued that within the growth of halal tourism in a nation, debates surrounding the emergence of Islamic identity in aspects of halal tourism can potentially obstruct the advancement of cultural tourism commodities. Consequently, the research enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between political economy factors and the evolution of halal tourism from an academic perspective.

Economics of Charity in Islam: A Critical Review

This paper aims to theoretically investigate how Islamic charity addresses the issue of inequality and economic development in Muslim-majority nations. This paper, therefore, is a critical review of the literature on the subject, using content analysis and an inductive approach to achieve the aims. The evidence suggests that charity appears to be a viable Islamic integrated funding source that could assist several Muslim-majority nations with their economic development challenges. This paper has argued that, with the growing importance of the voluntary sector, there is still much work to be done in developing economic theories of charity.

Gender Equality and Development: Indonesia in a Global Context

Gender equality in Indonesia is approximately at the level you would expect given the country’s level of development. Indonesia has more gender inequality than some neighbouring countries and less than others; and less than in the vast majority of Muslim-majority nations worldwide, regardless of income level. Women’s economic participation is, however, low relative to Indonesia’s level of development. Female labour force participation is low as many women leave the workforce when they get married and have children, particularly in the formal sector as formal sector employers do not generally offer flexible workplace conditions that would increase their ability to retain female employees. Social norms that position mothers as the main caregiver play an additional important role in women’s low economic participation. Public information campaigns that challenge people’s perceptions of gender norms are likely to be an important component of efforts to increase women’s economic participation. Greater female economic participation has payoffs in terms of increased household incomes. By contributing to household income and reducing economic stress within the household, greater female labour force participation is also likely to reduce family violence and so lead to happier home and family lives. A focus on increasing women’s economic empowerment would be farsighted as the country looks to recover from the pandemic and lay the groundwork for a dynamic future.

Wrong Question: Can Islam and Democracy Coexist?

Debates about whether Islam and democracy are compatible have been dominated by the most polarizing Orientalist and Islamist opinions. This paper discusses why the question of their compatibility is the wrong question to ask; the assertion that Islam and democracy are intrinsically oppositional prioritizes the most fundamentalist and essentialized understandings of Islam and democracy. Instead, a more appropriate discussion surrounds the conditions under which Muslim-majority nations can and do employ certain democratic practices given that neither understanding of Islam or democracy are monolithic. There are Islam(s) and democrac(ies) as there are multiple contextual practices and comprehensions of Islam and democracy.

Crime Talk and Male Criminality: Ethnographic and Historical Perspectives on Malaysia, 1978-2018

ABSTRACT In the past few decades many countries have experienced a surge in crime that is heavily gendered. Men are responsible for much of the rising tide of criminality (and for most criminal offenses prior to the recent surge). This dynamic threatens not only women and children but also societies and polities more generally. Additionally, it occasions serious doubts about state agents’ widely touted commitments to law and order and their oft-celebrated claims to prioritize the safety, flourishing, and overall well-being of law-abiding citizens. It is thus paradoxical that mainstream public debates on illegalities and delinquencies oftentimes do not substantively engage the strongly gendered nature of criminal transgression. This article explores such paradoxes by providing interdisciplinary perspectives on the Muslim-majority nation of Malaysia. It draws on nearly three years of ethnographic fieldwork and historical research, supplemented by analysis of court records, media accounts, and other sources, to argue that essentialized categories and conceptual dichotomies in the dominant public narratives on crime contribute to the relative elision of gender in discussions of criminality. The article also addresses the socio-political significance of these dynamics and some of their comparative and theoretical implications.

Thalassemia prevention: Religious and cultural barriers to premarital screening in Bangladesh.

Thalassemia prevention: Religious and cultural barriers to premarital screening in Bangladesh.

A civic bridge or a silo? Islam, religious affiliation, and civic engagement in rural Indonesia

This article tests the hypothesis that membership in faith-based civic associations leads to more secular forms of civic engagement in a Muslim-majority nation. Drawing from Social Capital Theory and using survey data from rural Indonesia, this study examines whether religion, especially Islam, works as a silo that houses most civic life or as a bridge to greater and more diversified civic engagement.The study poses two questions: Does religious affiliation increase secular volunteering and charitable giving? Anddo levels of engagement and philanthropic giving vary based on a household’s faith or the community’s religious composition?The findings imply that Islam serves as a civic bridge to more secular forms of engagement, albeit a short civic bridge. Residents of Muslim-majority communities engaged less diversely, raising concerns that Islam may operate more as a silo that fosters local network ties rather than as a bridge to more cross-cutting connections.