Organization For Islamic Financial Institutions Research Articles

The Needs and Readiness of the Islamic Banks to Adopt the Comprehensive Islamic Accounting Standards: The Malaysian Experience

The Islamic finance sector in Malaysia has seen substantial growth over the past few decades, becoming one of the leading markets for Islamic financial products and services. This growth has brought about significant challenges in financial reporting, primarily due to the limitations of conventional International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in addressing the unique characteristics of Islamic financial transactions. The shari’ah transactions are governed by Shariah principles, which prohibit interest (riba) and emphasize on risk-sharing, ethical investments, and social justice. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current issues and debates surrounding the need for comprehensive Islamic accounting standards in Malaysia. It will review recent literature, regulatory developments, and the experiences of practitioners in the particular field. Furthermore, the report seeks to highlight the readiness of Bank Negara Malaysia and all Islamic Banks to adopt Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institution (AAOIFI) standards and explore the feasibility of integrating these standards within the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) framework. Additionally, this report aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on Islamic accounting by offering critical insights and recommendations for policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions. The ultimate goal is to enhance the transparency, comparability, and reliability of financial reporting in the Islamic finance sector, thereby promoting its sustainable growth and integration into the global financial system.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON AAOIFI FAS 1 AND IAS 1 AND EXPLORING THE COMPLIANCE OF AAOIFI FAS 1 FOR ISLAMIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (IFIS) IN BRUNEI AND UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

This paper has two main objectives. First, it aims to compare the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Financial Accounting Standard 1 (FAS 1) with International Accounting Standard 1 (IAS 1). Second, it seeks to assess the level of compliance of Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Brunei with the AAOIFI standard on General Presentation and Disclosures (FAS 1). To achieve these goals, the author conducted a content assessment of annual reports from selected financial institutions, using checklists designed for the AAOIFI standard on General Presentation and Disclosures. The study found that UAE IFIs displayed greater compliance with AAOIFI FAS 1 compared to their counterparts in Brunei. In 2021, Emirates National Bank of Dubai (Emirates NBD) achieved a compliance rate of 74.3%, while BIBD recorded a lower compliance rate of 70.8%. In summary, this paper sheds light on the differences between AAOIFI FAS 1 and IAS 1, offering valuable insights into compliance levels among IFIs in the UAE and Brunei. However, it acknowledges certain limitations, such as limited generalizability, reliance on secondary data, subjective content analysis, absence of primary research, evolving regulatory frameworks, and resource constraints. Overall, this research contributes to the field of Islamic accounting by employing content analysis techniques to compare AAOIFI FAS 1 and IAS 1 and assess compliance in IFIs in Brunei and the UAE. It aligns with previous studies on International Financial Reporting Standards for IFIs and aims to advance the understanding of Islamic accounting and financial reporting practices.

Islamic financial accounting standards in Pakistan: a comparison with AAOIFI

Purpose This paper aims to compare the Islamic financial accounting standards (IFAS) prevailing in Pakistan declared by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) with accounting standards of Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Design/methodology/approach Both standards related to Islamic financial accounting have been thoroughly reviewed, compared and discussed to find out the differences and similarities, along with the depth needed to meet the needs of Islamic finance. Findings AAOIFI accounting standards provide a comprehensive view of complex transactions, whereas SECP standards have limitations. The proposed recommendations aim to bridge the gap by conducting periodic reviews and revisions of IFAS prevailing in Pakistan to keep up with the dynamic nature of the Islamic finance industry. Practical implications The regulators should establish institutional arrangements for adapting AAOIFI accounting standards, enabling efficient and effective upgrading of existing accounting standards for Islamic financial institutions and alignment with international best practices. Originality/value There is a dearth of studies related to Islamic financial accounting in the context of Pakistan; this is one that contributes to this area.

Insights into financial reporting practices in the metaverse: evidence from Islamic financial institutions in Bahrain

Purpose This study aims to assess how prepared and flexible accounting professionals are to produce financial accounts that adhere to Shariah regulations in the metaverse. The study also highlights the potential positive and negative effects of metaverse utilization on the financial reporting quality of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs). Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 102 accounting professionals employed in IFIs in Bahrain. Findings The capacity to provide real-time reporting within the metaverse would enhance the quality and reliability of Islamic financial reporting. Furthermore, the fluctuating values of digital assets in the metaverse pose a significant challenge to ensuring accurate financial reporting. IFIs fail to create an environment suitable for transitioning to the metaverse. Moreover, the participants expressed concerns about how the rapid expansion of the metaverse may challenge the adherence to Shariah governance principles in virtual financial transactions. They further recommended that the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) establish explicit directives on Shariah governance in the metaverse. Practical implications Various IFIs’ stakeholders, including practitioners, shareholders and employees interested in adopting the metaverse technology, can benefit from the findings of the studies. In addition, the study could help Islamic banks in Bahrain better grasp the readiness and adaptability of accounting professionals. This understanding would aid in establishing robust financial reporting standards that align with Shariah principles in the metaverse. Originality/value This research examines the metaverse through the lens of Islamic financial reporting, offering recent evidence on technological developments and financial reporting practices within an Islamic context. The research findings would contribute to advancing the knowledge among academics, professionals and all interested parties concerning the effects of metaverse implementation on Shariah governance principles and the quality of financial reporting. The study findings would offer policymakers and regulators in the Islamic finance sector essential insights.

Analytical Study of the Implementation of AAOIFI’s Ethical Standards in the Algerian Islamic Banking System: Assessment and Recommendations

Purpose ‒ The application of ethical requirements is a key way for all stakeholders in the Islamic financial industry to build trust and promote integrity. This study aims to assess the extent to which the Algerian banking system has adopted the ethical standards for Islamic financial transactions issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Design/Methodology/Approach ‒ This study conducted an analytical reading. It utilised the descriptive approach to present the study's variables and employed the analytical approach to discuss the various concepts and legal regulations that govern the banking sector and to provide recommendations that would help to build a solid foundation for the banking system. Findings ‒ The findings revealed that the Algerian monetary authority is committed to gradually promoting Islamic banking regulations in a thoughtful manner. However, the study also found that there is a lack of clarity regarding the adoption of regulatory laws in Algeria for the ethical standards issued by AAOIFI, even within the 2023 Monetary and Banking Act. Originality/Value ‒ To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first study to assess the extent to which the Algerian banking system has adopted the ethical standards for Islamic financial transactions issued by AAOIFI. Research Limitations/Implications ‒ The primary limitation of this research is its exclusive focus on the Algerian banking system and its reliance on secondary data. Practical Implications ‒ This research offers valuable insights for those in decision-making roles. It recommends the establishment of a committee of experts to develop standards tailored to the Algerian Islamic banking environment. The committee should be financially independent and under the supervision of the monetary authority. Additionally, the study suggests the issuance of a code of ethics to govern the professional conduct of Islamic banks (IBs) and Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in accordance with Sharīʿah.

Jurisprudential Conditioning of the Takaful Insurance Contract: A Case Study of Islamic Insurance in Jordan

This study aims to elucidate the reality of Takaful insurance, its juristic adaptation, and the impact of this adaptation on Islamic legal rulings. It also seeks to assess the extent of compatibility of the practical applications of Takaful insurance carried out by the Jordan Islamic Insurance Company with the decisions of the Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Sharia standards set by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). To this end, the research begins by presenting the reality of Takaful insurance, highlighting its differences from commercial insurance, and discussing its major juristic adaptations. The study also examines the juristic opinions regarding the Sharia rulings on the applications of Takaful insurance. Since the Sharia rulings on Takaful insurance are based on its juristic adaptation and its application in Islamic insurance companies, the research attempts to uncover the mechanisms for implementing this contract in the Jordan Islamic Insurance Company. This is done through a specific questionnaire developed based on AAOIFI standards and the decisions of the Islamic Fiqh Academy, distributed to managers and employees of the Islamic insurance company, as well as experts, academics, and clients of the Islamic insurance company with extensive experience in this field. The research concludes, after juristic discussions, that the best juristic adaptation for the Takaful insurance contract is mutual consideration with minimal permissible excess, and that there is no difference between Islamic insurance contracts and commercial insurance if both are applied in an Islamic company.

The Implementation of Islamic Accounting Standards and Its Impact on the Performance of Qatar Islamic Banks: A Case Study of Qatar Islamic Bank

This research paper aims to assess the impact of applying Islamic accounting standards on the performance of Islamic banks. Several of these standards have been identified, and various indicators have been used to measure the performance of Qatar Islamic Bank as a case study. The importance of the research paper lies in guiding the financial and regulatory policies of Islamic banks towards the significance of adhering to the application of Islamic accounting standards and making sustainable managerial decisions to enhance the performance of these banks , The study's findings, analyzing the performance of Qatar Islamic Bank and identifying discrepancies in the application of standards by understanding their effects, serve as recommendations and a practical guide for other Islamic banks. This aids in recognizing the consequences of implementing these standards and addressing potential irregularities ,The study found that Qatar Islamic Bank relies on Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), modified by the Qatar Central Bank, in preparing its financial and accounting reports. Results indicated the bank's adherence to the standards of Mudarabah, Murabaha, and Ijarah ending with ownership. Analysis of financial statements showed a strong performance by the bank, accompanied by an increase in profitability. The study recommends diversification in other forms of Islamic financing, particularly in Mudarabah and Partnership.

The Role of Accounting And Auditing Organization For Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) in Sharia Statement Of Fiancial Accounting Standards (PSAK)

This research is intended to provide an understanding of Islamic financial accounting standards. In carrying out its sharia principles, sharia banks must also uphold the values of justice, trust, partnership, transparency and mutual benefit for both the bank and for customers which are the pillars in carrying out muamalah activities . With the rapid growth rate of Islamic Financial Institutions in the world, an appropriate standard is needed in presenting financial reports to overcome differences in the preparation of each country. The role of AAOIFI in this regard has greatly contributed in terms of the formulation of standards, although in practice there are many obstacles to its application, moreover the standard that is widely used by countries is IFRS and it is not easy for countries to adopt AAOIFI standards in a short time . Most of the standards used by Islamic banking follow the AAOIFI standards adopted in the Sharia PSAK but in relation to IFRS standards are also applied as long as they do not conflict with sharia principles and values.

Comparative analysis of accounting standards in the Islamic banking industry: a focus on financial leasing

Purpose This study aims to evaluate Islamic bank compliance with the accounting and auditing organisation for Islamic financial institutions (AAOIFI), assess the impact of multiple accounting standards in Islamic banking, examine the need for private accounting standards and assess international financial reporting standards (IFRS) compatibility with Islamic banking and analyse financial leasing accounting in Islamic banking compared to IFRS 16. Design/methodology/approach A combination of comparative theoretical analysis, physical examination, and semi-structured interviews has been used as a research methodology. These methods are interconnected and complement each other to provide a comprehensive approach to address the research questions. Findings Islamic banks in various countries show varying compliance with AAOIFI accounting standards. Some fully comply, while others adopt a hybrid approach combining AAOIFI and IFRS. Differences in accounting treatments can result in conflicts, asset inflation and financial statement discrepancies. Challenges and criticisms faced by AAOIFI standards include violating the matching principle and lacking faithful representation. Collaboration among academics, standards-setting bodies and organisers is crucial for guiding the reporting of Islamic financial statements. Practical implications The research identifies gaps in implementing Islamic accounting standards and proposes strategies to enhance compliance, improve performance and increase transparency in Islamic financial institutions. It highlights the importance of a harmonised and universally accepted accounting framework for Islamic banking, considering the compatibility between IFRS and Islamic principles. Social implications Social implications have arisen regarding the global acceptance of Islamic finance, which leads to an increase in socially Islamic finance exchange. Originality/value This research examines the consequences of using multiple accounting standards in the Islamic banking industry and discusses the need for private accounting standards and compatibility with IFRS.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Based on Islamic Social Reporting in an Effort to Increase Company Value: a Literature Review

This research aims to investigate the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) based on Islamic social reporting and its impact on increasing company value. This research is a type of qualitative descriptive research using the literature study method, with the aim of knowing the results of implementing ISR-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to increase company value. The research results show that the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is based on Islamic Social Reporting in an effort to increase company value by referring to several core topics discussed in (1) Finance and Investment; (2) Products and services; (3) Employees; (4) Community Involvement; (5) Environment; (6) Corporate Governance, this sixth subject is issued by the Accounting and Audit Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

An Exploratory Study of Manfaʿah (Usufruct) in Ijārah Accounting from the Sharīʿah Perspective

Purpose — The recording and reporting of usufruct in ijārah (lease) financing is a major issue in both conventional and Islamic accounting standards. The International Accounting Standard (IAS-17) was revised and replaced by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS-16) to address this issue. In response, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) revised and issued a new ijārah Financial Accounting Standards (FAS-32). Considering this ongoing issue, the aim of this study is to explore māl (asset) and milkīyah (ownership) as the two significant Sharīʿah dimensions of manfaʿah (usufruct) in ijārah accounting. Design/Methodology/Approach — This study adopts the qualitative research methodology and uses the content analysis technique whereby secondary data was collected from the related books of Islamic fiqh (jurisprudence) as well as from the accounting and Sharīʿah standards of ijārah. Findings — The study found that manfaʿah is a māl and as per the milkīyah structure, the lessee can represent legal ownership of the leased assets under his possession, and accordingly, manfaʿah could be registered in the lessee’s name. Originality/Value — To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this study constitutes the first of its kind in the existing literature that focuses specifically on the Sharīʿah perspective of usufruct in ijārah accounting. Practical Implications — The findings of this study contribute to help financial and Sharīʿah experts and Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in their understanding of manfaʿah and the adoption and implementation of the new ijārah accounting standard. This study will also help researchers in their future research.

Shariah governance framework for Islamic banking in Pakistan: a critical review and comparison with AAOIFI

Purpose The study aims to critically review the Shariah governance framework for Islamic banking prevailing in Pakistan and provide a comparison with Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Design/methodology/approach It analyzes 16 circulars issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) since 2002, including three Shariah governance frameworks in 2014, 2015 and 2018. Additionally, the study compares the SBP and AAOIFI Shariah governance standards to evaluate the soundness of the SBP framework against international benchmarks. Findings Pakistan’s Shariah governance model is centralized, with the SBP’s Shariah board having ultimate authority. The SBP has provided a comprehensive Shariah framework, which includes among others, the criteria for the qualifications and conflict of interests of Shariah members. Both AAOIFI and SBP Shariah governance frameworks have similarities and differences in terms of the tenure of Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) members, reporting line of SSB, number of SSB meetings, minimum experience of SSB members, primary duties of Shariah board, code of ethics and conduct for SSB and management and requirement of publication of SSB report in the annual report of Islamic banks. The frameworks differ in terms of the delegation of SSB powers, assessment and appraisal of SSB effectiveness and outsourcing of Shariah Compliance Department and Internal Shariah Audit Unit. Practical implications The study recommends expanding the qualification criteria for Shariah advisors to include additional degrees and qualifications, upholding stringent criteria for conflict of interests and promoting stakeholder consultation through exposure drafts. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first of its kind which critically review and compare the Shariah governance framework prevailing in Pakistan.

An analysis of zakat disclosure in Islamic banks

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the zakat disclosure of Islamic banks at the global level. It is important for depositors and shareholders of Islamic banks to know whether the bank is paying zakat on their behalf or not. Additionally, disclosing the calculation method used is also necessary to eliminate uncertainties resulting from ambiguous reporting that can mislead the stakeholders. This issue becomes more obvious when considering that depositors and shareholders may have different accounts with different Islamic banks, which makes it quite confusing to have multiple ways of zakat calculation or different approaches on who is the party that pays it. This study analyzes the current practices across 13 countries and recommends best practices. Design/methodology/approach The objective of the paper objective is achieved through analyzing the annual reports of 34 Islamic banks in 13 countries for the years 2014 and 2019. It further quantifies the zakat disclosure by constructing a zakat disclosure index. This index considers the disclosure of four major constituents covering the amount and the responsibility for payment, the calculation method, the involvement of the Shariah board and the zakat duty on investment account holders. For further robustness, this study is further supported by content analysis measures using the zakat word count in annual reports. Findings The results indicate a major issue in zakat disclosure. The overall average of disclosure index is low. Most of the banks disclose limited information about zakat, such as the amount and the responsibility for payment, in their annual reports. Less than 40% of the examined banks disclose information about the role of the Shariah board in zakat calculation, and a very limited number of banks (9%) are found to disclose enough details about the zakat calculation method. Furthermore, none of the examined banks mentions the zakat due for the investment accounts. Overall, zakat disclosure of most of the banks, whether following Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions or otherwise, are found to be not up to the expected best practices. Research limitations/implications Among the limitations of this study is the sole dependence on annual reports of Islamic banks without considering other means that banks might be using to communicate zakat-related matters to stakeholders. Examples of such means include a website, social media and other direct or indirect marketing materials. Additionally, the results of this study shall not be overgeneralized regarding differences between countries because the sample does not include all Islamic banks in the selected country. Future research may use the proposed zakat disclosure index on a country-specific data sample. Practical implications The findings have significant implications as they raise a serious concern regarding the sufficiency of the Islamic banks’ disclosure about a core area of their responsibility, that is, the zakat. The index developed can be a tentative measure of zakat disclosure transparency pending further review. The result further suggests looking at the composition of members of Shariah boards to include at least one member with a sound accounting background. Zakat is a religious duty; therefore, a perceived lack of transparency on the amount, method of calculation and how the zakat is paid may affect the future injection of capital into Islamic banks. Originality/value An important contribution of this paper lies in the fact that the collected data is not provided in any available database. Rather, it is manually captured from the individual annual reports of reviewed Islamic banks. Further, this paper proposes an index to measure the zakat disclosure at bank and country levels.

How to improve the financial performance of Islamic banks in the MENA region? A Shariah governance perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Shariah Advisory Board (SAB), Audit committee (AC) and board of directors (BD) characteristics on the performance of Islamic banks (IBs) in the MENA region.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a quantitative approach, utilizing both ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and panel data analysis (random effects models) to examine the relationship between corporate governance variables and the performance of IBs. The sample consists of 50 IBs from 10 countries, spanning a seven-year period (2010–2016), with the exclusion of the Covid-19 pandemic period. To ensure the robustness of the results, various sensitivity tests were conducted, including pooled regression OLS and subsample analysis based on adhering to the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) standards.FindingsThe study's findings suggest that the size of the SAB and the membership of at least one member of the SAB on the AAOIFI have a notable adverse effect on the performance of IBs. On the other hand, the AC independence has a positive influence on bank performance. However, there was no significant impact observed for AC size, meeting frequency and BD characteristics on bank performance. The research also revealed nuanced relationships between governance variables and bank performance when analyzing the sample based on AAOIFI adoption. Among banks not adhering to AAOIFI standards, SAB size and CEO duality negatively affected return on assets, while AC independence positively impacted it. For AAOIFI-compliant banks, AC independence significantly improved bank performance, whereas AC meetings exhibited a negative effect. Furthermore, there were no significant relationships observed for return on equity among banks not adhering to AAOIFI standards, whereas AAOIFI-compliant banks experienced positive impacts from AC independence. These results offer valuable insights into the intricate connection between governance attributes and bank performance, particularly in the context of AAOIFI standards adoption.Practical implicationsThe study's findings have important practical implications for various stakeholders in the Islamic banking industry. For bank practitioners and management, the study highlights the significance of enhancing the independence of AC to improve decision-making and risk management, leading to better bank performance. Moreover, careful selection of SAB members can mitigate potential negative effects on performance. Policymakers may consider promoting AAOIFI standards to shape the relationship between governance and bank performance. Investors can use the insights to make informed decisions, and banks with stronger governance may attract more investments.Originality/valueThrough quantitative analysis and AAOIFI-based sample division, this study adds to the growing literature on corporate governance and the performance of IBs by examining the impact of multiple corporate governance variables on the performance of IBs in the MENA region. To provide a theoretical basis for this relationship, three theories, namely agency, stewardship and stakeholder theories, are employed and discussed.

Intellectual capital disclosures (ICD) of Islamic banks under IFRS versus AAOIFI regimes: an international evidence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine and compare the trend of intellectual capital disclosures (ICD) of Islamic banks under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) regimes over a seven-year period (2012–2018).Design/methodology/approachA self-developed checklist was developed to measure the extent of ICD practices of Islamic banks in both regimes.FindingsThe results revealed a moderate increase in ICD practices over the period of the study. However, there is no significant difference in ICD between the two financial reporting regimes i.e. IFRS and AAOIFI-based banks. In fact, most of the IFRS-based banks have better ICD than AAOIFI-based banks throughout the analysis period. This study contributed to the ICD literature by introducing Shariah capital as a new category of information to disclose besides the common disclosure on human capital, relational and structural related information by the Islamic banks.Practical implicationsIt is important for Islamic banks to distinguish themselves from conventional banks and ICD can be a conduit to show their uniqueness. The introduction of Shariah capital in this study reflects the main objective of Islamic bank’s existence, and it should become an important element in ICD. In fact, some form of guidelines or policy by regulating agencies could facilitate the ICD by Islamic banks and reflect the truth about their ability to capitalize on Intellectual capital and disclose about these practices to their stakeholders.Originality/valueThe introduction of Shariah capital as a new component to the existing components (i.e. human capital, structural capital and relational capital) of intellectual capital brings a new perspective to the research on ICD of Islamic banks. This paper further contributes to the scarce evidence of ICD of Islamic banks globally.

Islamic Economic and Banking : A Scientrometric Analysis of Publications During 1989-July 2023

This Scientometric analysis examines the current status of broad research papers on Islamic Economic and Banking, as published in the Scopus database. The analysis primarily centers on providing descriptions pertaining to the characteristics and trends observed within keywords, authors, and journals. A total of 48 research studies were analyzed in this study. The search utilized to ascertain the research dataset was last updated in July 2023. Descriptive statistical methods were employed, and bibliometric analysis was conducted using the R Biblioshiny tool to ascertain the bibliometric map. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the quantity of scholarly articles addressing the topic of Islamic Economic and Banking. Several academic journals publish research on this theme, with Humanomics being one of the most prominent. Demiralp S. is widely regarded as an exceptionally productive writer with local impact by H index. The prevalent keywords observed over the timeframe including 2020 to July 2023 are Communism, Christianity, Capitalism, AAOIFI (The Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions), Moral Economics, and Islamic socialism. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of prevailing patterns in subject matter, keywords, scholarly publications, and authors within the realm of Islamic Economic and Banking. Consequently, it furnishes valuable insights for researchers specializing in this area of study. This particular theme shows potential for further development.

Reconstructing lease-to-own contracts: A contemporary approach to Islamic banking standards

The Palestinian Monetary Authority issued decision No. 15 of 2019 demanding Islamic banks to act according to Islamic standards set by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Among the essential financial services, Islamic banks offer Ijārah Muntahiyah bi-t-tamlīk contracts (lease-to-own), which share a similar purpose with financial leasing contracts. This decision places Islamic banks in a challenging predicament, caught between the modern doctrinal orientations of AAOIFI standards and the traditional orientations provided in Al-Majjahllah Code. The formation of Ijārah Muntahiyah bi-t-tamlīk contracts relies on a promise of sale issued by the bank to the tenant, contingent on the complete payment of agreed-upon installments. The first challenge arises because the general rules do not recognize the unilateral promise as a source of legal obligations, thus rendering it without legal value. The second issue stems from several contract clauses that contravene AAOIFI standards by burdening the tenant with most of the bank's obligations. Despite the importance of resolving these contradictions, no comprehensive review has been undertaken to date. This research introduces specific recommendations to ensure the consistency of these transactions with Islamic standards and relevant legislative provisions as provided in national law. By bridging this gap, the study seeks to enhance the effectiveness and compliance of lease-to-own contracts in Palestinian Islamic banks, fostering a more robust and Sharia-compliant financial system.

VIABILITY OF EXTERNAL SHARIAH AUDIT PRACTICE:

The current trend in Shariah governance and assurance has now gone beyond internal Shariah audit to external Shariah audit (ESA). At the international level, the move towards enhancing Shariah governance in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) were made by mandating ESA function by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) in its auditing standards in year 2019. Then, in year 2023 Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) jointly collaborate with AAOIFI on issuing an exposure draft on Shariah governance framework which suggested as best practice for ESA to be conducted not just for IFIs but also for Islamic capital market. As there is increasing number of institutions offering Shariah compliant products and services, there is also the need for ESA to provide assurance in sectors beyond IFIs. Besides big audit firms, the supply of ESA can be offered by small and medium audit practitioners (SMPs) as well. A focus group discussion was held to study this issue with 17 SMPs on the viability to venture into the Shariah audit industry. The findings indicate challenges to SMPs as there is no regulatory requirement for the conduct of ESA in Malaysia; there is debate on the audit scope and a need for human capital development to develop required skillset for external Shariah auditors that includes knowledge in Shariah principles, Shariah compliant contracts, Shariah risk management and Islamic capital market related products and services.

Islamic corporate governance quality and value relevance of accounting information in Islamic banks

Purpose The study aims to investigate the Shari’ah governance quality effectiveness, at the bank and national levels, on the value relevance of Islamic banks’ (IBs’) earning per share and book value per share. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative analyses are conducted using a panel of 40 listed IBs from 12 countries during 2012–2019. Data were retrieved from the Refinitiv Eikon database and banks’ annual reports. Findings The findings suggest that Shari’ah supervisory boards’ attributes negatively influence the value relevance of accounting information while the internal procedures positively impact it. The results also provide evidence of a complementary effect between Shari’ah governance mechanisms at the bank and national levels on the value relevance of accounting information. Practical implications IBs’ boards and managers need to be more aware of the role of Shari’ah governance and its impact on value relevance. The observed complementarity between Shari’ah governance systems at the bank and national levels may incite regulators to include comprehensive Shari’ah governance regulations in their best practices. Strengthening collaboration between regulators and the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) is also required to create an enabling environment for investors to rely on the AAOIFI accounting standards in their investment decision-making process. Originality/value Existing studies tend to ignore the effectiveness of Shari’ah governance quality at the bank level on value relevance. There is a similar lack of empirical research on the effectiveness of the centralized Shari’ah governance scheme on accounting issues.

Ensuring The Compliance of Islamic Finance Applications with Shariah Principles in Ethiopia: The Way Forward

The notion behind Islamic finance is providing alternative Shariah-compliant financial services and products for those who do not willing to access conventional finance as it contravenes Shariah principles. Currently, Islamic finance is expanding throughout Muslim and non-Muslim countries. One of the most critical challenges of the Islamic financial sector is the extent of the compliance of Islamic finance practices with Shariah principles. Therefore, there should be a control mechanism for ensuring the compliance of the products and services provided by Islamic financial institutions with Shariah principles. Scholars argue that a Shariah governance framework should be applied by institutions engaged in Islamic finance in countries where Islamic finance is being practiced. Shariah governance framework is mainly categorized into two approaches centralized and decentralized Shariah governance framework. The availability of a centralized Shariah governance framework is essential in ensuring the application of Islamic finance in accordance with Shariah principles. Ethiopia is one of the countries that accommodated the application of Islamic finance through exclusively interest-free banking windows by conventional banks in 2011 and fully-fledged interest-free banks in late 2019. However, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) did not specify any Shariah governance framework in any of its legislations. The unavailability of an established Shariah governance framework may expose the sector to Shariah non-compliance risk. This study investigates how to ensure Ethiopia's Islamic finance applications' compliance with the Shariah principles. Semi-structured interviews and document studies were conducted with 15 respondents, including experts in Islamic finance, Shariah scholars, and Islamic finance practitioners, to collect the needed data for this endeavor. The findings indicate that interest-free banks, especially interest-free banking windows, do not give the necessary attention to the issue of the Shariah governance framework. The presumed manifestations of Shariah compliance in Ethiopia are having Shariah advisory committee, using Arabic words and names for their products and services, declaring they are following the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) standards, and participating in corporate social activities. However, these claims are insufficient to argue that their products and services are Shariah-compliant, as long as an external authorized body should oversight and control their application. In addition, the results indicate that adapting the AAOIFI standards to the extent of industry development is recommended to ensure Shariah compliance in Ethiopia. Besides, considering responsible stakeholders in ensuring Shariah compliance, government/NBE and financial institutions engaged in Islamic finance are identified as primary stakeholders. On the other hand, the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC), religious scholars and institutional Shariah advisors, interest-free professional associations, academicians in Islamic economics and finance, and educational institutions are considered secondary stakeholders. In addition, the findings also indicate that the policymakers' approaches of Türkiye, Malaysia, Kenya, and South Africa to the Islamic finance industry could be the best model for policymakers in Ethiopia. Establishing a centralized Shariah advisory committee under the NBE is recommended to ensure the compliance of interest-free finance applications with Shariah principles in Ethiopia. To this endeavor, all stakeholders such as government/NBE, financial institutions engaged in the Islamic finance industry, EIASC, religious scholars and institutional Shariah advisors, interest-free professional associations, academicians in Islamic economics and finance, and educational institutions should play a significant role by fulfilling their respective responsibilities.