State Islamic Religious Council Research Articles

WAQF LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR PRIVATE TAHFIZ SCHOOLS IN THE STATE OF PERLIS, MALAYSIA: PROCEDURES AND ADVANTAGES

Waqf is a state matter subject to state laws, given the position of the State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) as the ‘sole trustee’ of waqf properties in their respective states. In legal terms, any party that intends to apply waqf and any waqf activities established in Private Tahfiz Schools (PTS) requires the permission of the SIRC. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the legal procedures for developing PTS on waqf land in Perlis, Malaysia, including the advantages of acquiring the permission of Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs). The qualitative research methodology was applied in this research, which featured the doctrinal approach in examining state enactments, past studies, and semi-structured interviews involving several respondents who had extensive experiences with the subject under study. Subsequently, analysis was conducted on the collected data through the content analysis technique. The implications from this research offer numerous advantages for PTS in Perlis to ensure its sustainability. This study offers a clear understanding to individuals who intend to implement waqf in their PTS in Perlis, Malaysia.

DETERMINATION OF POVERTY USING MULTI-FACETED MEASURES: EVIDENCE FROM ZAKAT APPLICANTS

Background and Purpose: Poverty, despite being a multifaceted concept, is commonly measured in either absolute or relative monetary terms. However, it can also be measured subjectively, as people form perceptions on their relative income, welfare, and life satisfaction. Poverty measurement based on objective indicators such as official poverty lines is often used to orient and prioritize policy actions. However, such ‘standard’ poverty measures based on household consumption or income aggregates have several shortcomings. This objective indicator does little to inform policy makers about public preferences. The main goal of this paper is to investigate multifaceted poverty measurement by combining objective and subjective measures to provide useful insights into poverty in Malaysia. In addition, this study explored the multifaceted poverty incidence among the low-income household from the perspective of zakat applicants.
  
 Methodology: Data was collected using a survey and interviews of zakat applicants under the category of poor and needy in the State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) of Melaka, one of the states in Malaysia. Three poverty measurements, i.e., Poverty Line Income (PLI), Haddul Kifayah and Subjective Poverty Index (SPI), are utilized in this study.
 Findings: The PLI and Haddul Kifayah are categorized as objective poverty measures, while SPI is categorized as a subjective poverty measure. The different measures of poverty would produce different analytical results that, in turn, call for a different set of policy interventions.
  
 Contributions: These findings point to the needs of tailor-made strategies for the society to cope with multifaceted poverty.
  
 Keywords: Multifaceted poverty, objective poverty, subjective poverty, poverty measurement, zakat recipients.
  
 Cite as: Othman, A., Mohd Noor, A. H., Abdul Rasool, M. S., & Kasim, E. S. (2023). Determination of poverty using multi-faceted measures: Evidence from zakat applicants.  Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(TI), 62-86. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8issTIpp62-86

Human Governance Index for State Islamic Religious Councils in Malaysia

State Islamic Religious Council (SIRCs) in Malaysia were established for the social welfare under the purview of state enactments in an Islamic setting. Despite the absence of a profit motive, accountability must be upheld as it is set up to be the guardian of resources so that the trust of stakeholders could be obtained. SIRCs are expected to uphold their ethics and values in their overall operations.  However, a number of negative cases of SIRCs were reported in the local media which has tarnished the image of SIRCs. Thus governors of SIRCs should managed their human assets well. Human governance is the governors’ commitment to improve employees’ values and ethical behavior in the organization through their leadership, integrity fostered in the organization, training that the governors’ attended and internal control that has been put in place. The objective of the study is to examine whether Human Governance Index (HG INDEX) could be applied to SIRCs. HG INDEX comprise of 4 components which are (i) BOD Leadership, (ii) Level of Integrity Index, (iii) BOD Quantity of Training Index, and (iv) Quality of Internal Control System Index .  Thirteen(13), 2019 annual reports of SIRCs were used as a basis for data collection. Based on the findings, Quality of Internal control and  Level of Integrity were found to be the highest disclosed index. Overall, HG index was found to be low for SIRCs. Thus Governors of SIRCs can use the findings of the study  to increase their transparency and accountability to stakeholders by focusing on HG in order to gain the public  trust.

BEING POOR OR FEELING POOR: MULTIFACETED POVERTY AMONG LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS (B40) IN MALAYSIA

The Eleventh Malaysia Plan 2016-2020 provides a unique consideration towards further improving the individuals’ economy particularly in raising the Income Generation Potential of the B40 households while guaranteeing the capital economy keeps on thriving. Numerous initiatives have been taken to promote the economic involvement of urban families, as well as the quality of life for rural households, including income-generating activities, the development of human capital, and microenterprise assistance programs. The present study investigated the multifaceted nature of poverty by focusing on objective and subjective poverty incidence among the low-income households in the context of zakat candidates. The data were gathered from a review of zakat candidates under the categories of poor and needy in the “State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) of Melaka”, one of the states in Malaysia. The findings demonstrated that more individuals seem to feel poor than are categorized as such utilizing purely income-based actions.

Analysis of issues and solutions on the implementation of istibdal waqf property in states of Peninsular Malaysia

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the implementation of istibdal waqf property in several states of Peninsular Malaysia. To achieve this objective, this study identified the amount of waqf property ‘am (general) and waqf property khas (special) which were involved in the process of istibdal in each state, the factors that have caused the istibdal to be implemented, the rate of istibdal involved for each lot of waqf lands and the type of property replacement performed. Design/methodology/approach This study used the qualitative method, whereby the researchers had collected secondary data consisting of documents related to waqf from the State Islamic Religious Council (MAIN). The type of documents obtained were public records. The data collected were analysed using the content analysis techniques. Findings The results showed that there are several factors involved in the implementation of istibdal, namely, the acquisition of waqf land by the State Authority, applications by external parties for a particular interest and the initiatives taken by the MAIN on waqf property which is problematic and uneconomical to generate waqf fund. This study also found some Shariah and management issues, which were identified in the implementations of istibdal, whereas some cases of istibdal were only carried out on a small part of the waqf lands and there were also cases of the implementation of istibdal which have not been replaced with fixed assets as authorised by the istibdal parameter. This study suggests some improvements to the issues identified in the implementation of istibdal for waqf managers in Malaysia. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study is that it analyses only the documents that record the implementation of istibdal in the states managed by MAIN. Thus, the analysis performed was limited to the documents obtained without involving empirical data. Practical implications This study suggests some improvements to the implementation of istibdal waqf in the states studied. Therefore, these recommendations can be used by waqf property managers to improve the process of implementing waqf property istibdal so that it can be used to its maximum potential. Social implications If the recommendations in this study can be implemented, the Muslim community will benefit greatly from the waqf property because it is being developed through the method of istibdal. This impact can increase the confidence of the Muslim community towards MAIN in managing waqf property and encouraging the Muslim community to contribute to waqf property for the welfare of the ummah. Originality/value This study involved data on a larger waqf istibdal implementations that involved several states in Peninsular Malaysia, which to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the analysis involving such large research data have not been implemented before.

Analisa Literatur Mengenai Kajian Tentang Masalah Baitulmal Dalam Pengurusan Harta Pusaka Tak Alih Di Negeri Johor (Literature Analysis on The Study on Baitulmal Problems In The Management of Immovable Estates in The State of Johor)

The results of the audit assessment in 2017 found that there were problems in the management of immovable property in the State of Johor. As a result of the audit assessment, a review of the literature analysis will be conducted to see the extent of past studies that have discussed the management of immovable estates on baitulmal in the state of Johor. This article aims to examine past studies that touched on problems and solutions for the management of immovable inheritance under the Baitulmal institution of the State of Johor. The study used a qualitative method in the form of content analysis. Analysis of such content is done descriptively. The findings found that there were eleven studies on immovable property in the Johor State Islamic Religious Council. Seven studies on immovable property in the waqf section. Meanwhile, two studies on immovable property in the zakat section. As for the study of immovable property in the treasury division there was only one by Nur Diyana Md Sidek in 2010. The study identified problems such as staff shortages, problems with the community's understanding of the baitulmal's rights to the estate, land surface problems, problems with the attitude of heirs and problems in arrears of inheritance payments. The study also identified several proposed solutions that have been submitted, namely appointing new staff, intensifying information sessions, taking legal action against troubled heirs and formulating development strategically towards immovable assets under the treasury. However, this study has been needed for a comprehensive new study to identify the latest problems that occurred in the Baitulmal institutions of Johor after receiving reprimands from authorities and factors, as well as finding solutions that can be proposed to the management.

Governance Structures: Dependability And Efficiency Of The Waqf Institutional System In Malaysia

Waqf lands have the potential to bring in billions of dollars in income for Muslim communities provided that they are successfully developed and managed. In the past, there was no established legal framework for the management of waqf in Malaysia. As a result, waqf land and assets were managed in an inefficient and disorganized manner. The State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) in Malaysia oversees the waqf administration and is responsible for the legislation in Malaysia that is related to waqf. The SIRC in its role as the sole trustee is in charge of overseeing all aspects of waqf matters. It was made more difficult in Malaysia because there are 13 states and federal territories and each of them has its waqf regulation and as a result, there are different challenges. In addition, the law and enactment of waqf in each state are uniquely distinct from the legislation and enactment in the other states correspondingly. The disparities in size, the varying numbers of waqf properties, and other aspects are the core of these problems. If these Waqf properties were efficiently handled, it would be the ideal solution to the challenge of increasing the social and economic position of the Muslim community. Unfortunately, the waqf institutions in Malaysia do not seem to be capable of playing a proactive role in promoting the economic growth and overall development of Muslims in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to better understand the challenges in governance, especially in the administration, management, and development of waqf in Malaysia

Digital Platform Potential for Asnaf Zakat Entrepreneurs: A Systematic Literature Review

The implementation of the asnaf entrepreneurial transformation model through the Human Development Program is a proactive initiative of the State Islamic Religious Council (MAIN) aimed at increasing the asnaf group's potential in the entrepreneurial field. This initiative is in line with the goal of MAIN to increase the effectiveness of zakat distribution through a two-pronged strategy to ensure that every asnaf can live a prosperous life while expanding their potential to break free from the shackles of poverty. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has contributed to the rapid development of information and communication technology. The development of various online applications and social media platforms has had a positive impact on people's lives. Therefore, enterprises and entrepreneurial activities, especially the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, need to enhance their respective competitiveness by participating in digital entrepreneurship platforms. Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential of digital platforms to increase the competitiveness of asnaf zakat entrepreneurs. The study was conducted qualitatively using a descriptive approach through a systematic analysis of highlights. The main sources for this study were obtained from online databases, namely Scopus and Web of Science. The data were then analyzed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA). The results of the study suggest that digital platforms have the potential to increase the competitiveness of asnaf zakat entrepreneurs through six approaches, namely resources, personality, opportunities, networking, environment, and knowledge. Therefore, the study can serve as a guide for the State Islamic Religious Council to develop appropriate programs and approaches to improve literacy and participation of asnaf zakat entrepreneurs in the digital platform.

Towards Developing a Shariah Governance Framework for Waqf Institutions: A Case of Majlis Agama Islam Melaka

Objective - Since Islam, Waqf, known as the Islamic endowment, has played a significant role in reforming and developing the economy. Like zakat (compulsory charity) and sadaqah (optional charity), Waqf has also been considered an essential means of poverty alleviation and upliftment. In Malaysia, each state's jurisdiction, called the State Islamic Religious Council (SIRCs), supervises waqf properties' governance. However, recently, it has been reported that the SIRC responsible for managing waqf properties has been unable to manage and operate effectively. To devise a well-designed strategy that can strengthen governance within the waqf institutions. Moreover, restoring Waqf as a mechanism for socio-economic development may be necessary for waqf institutions to develop their formal governance framework. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a qualitative study of current Shariah governance practices in Waqf institutions at Majlis Agama Islam Melaka (MAIM). Methodology – The qualitative research method was used for this investigation. The interviewees are chosen using a selection process that is a hybrid of convenience sampling and purposeful sampling. Both content and descriptive analysis were utilized in analyzing the outcomes of the interviews. To obtain information on waqf governance in MAIM, an interview was conducted with various officers from the organization. A total of six experts in the field of Waqf from MAIM participated in this study and were interviewed for this research. Findings – The current practices of Shari'ah Governance in Waqf Institution in Majlis Agama Islam Melaka (MAIM) have been examined through interviews and brochures from interviewees. Several gaps were found in the organization's structure; Board of Directors, Shariah Committee, Shariah Audit, Shariah Review, and Shariah Risk Management. Based on findings extracted from the analysis, researchers provide several recommendations. Novelty – This study is unique because there was no study conducted on the current practices of Shari'ah Governance in Waqf Institution in Majlis Agama Islam Melaka (MAIM). The officers and board of directors will benefit significantly from this research in both an educational and a guiding capacity. Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Waqf; Shari'ah governance; Majlis Agama Islam Melaka; and Malaysia JEL Classification: A12; Z12; Z19; 053

Mosque based sustainable financing model for micro enterprises using cash Waqf in Selangor state of Malaysia

Micro enterprises are emerging as an important sector in the economic system of Malaysia by contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing employment opportunities to millions of workers in the country. Despite its importance in contributing towards the enhancement of the well-being of society and the continuous efforts from the government, micro-enterprises in Malaysia, are struggling with several issues. The majority of them are facing difficulties in obtaining financing for high risk. Hence, they face issues in obtaining financing from financial institutions which seek collateral and charge interest or fixed profit rate. Hence, this study proposes a mosque-based sustainable model for financing micro-enterprises using cash waqf with a significant feature of involving mosque-based administration committees (AJK) to intermediate between the Waqf Corporation of Selangor (PWS) (Waqf assets managing body of State Islamic Religious Council of Selangor (MAIS)) as Mutawalli of waqf and micro enterprises at village level. This study proposed a model for the Selangor state as the case study that may help address the financing constraints of micro-enterprises and further improve the well-being of Muslim society by better usage of cash waqf. IIUC Business Review Vol. 7-8, Dec. 2018-19 pp. 9-30

Distribution of Zakat Funds in Malaysia From The Maqasid Al-Syariah Perspective

Zakat is one of the primary economic resources for Islamic countries. Efficient and systematic management of zakat can increase the potential of zakat as an instrument for the development of Muslims. Therefore, optimum utilization of zakat funds is essential to improve every Muslim's quality and potential. In Malaysia, the administration and management of zakat are managed by the State Islamic Religious Council (IRC). IRC is responsible for determining the recipient's eligibility as well as the form of assistance appropriate to each recipient's background so that the service given can be utilized as best as possible. Zakat, as one of the sources of ummah development, should be used more practically to ensure that the maqasid behind the shari'ah of zakat is successfully realized. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the distribution of zakat funds in Malaysia according to the perspective of Maqasid Syariah. This theoretical study was carried out qualitatively through research on library data related to zakat and Maqasid al-Syariah, as well as content analysis of the website of each IRC to formulate aid and distribution of zakat funds implemented in each state. The study found that IRC has prepared various programs to improve the quality and competitiveness of asnaf, as well as fulfill Daruriyyat al-Khams, which is the preservation of religion, life, mind, property, and progeny. Therefore, every Muslim, especially the zakat payers, need to take the opportunity to be involved with IRC in ensuring that the results of the zakat fund can be optimized to develop Muslims in Malaysia.

Mitigating the Structural Governing Challenges for Waqf Land Development in Malaysia Through Special Property Development Entity (SPDE)

The progression of waqf land development in Malaysia is moderate, considering that it is not on the mainstream agenda of the country. Although waqf exists as a religious instrument, it has become an excellent support system for socio-economic development and has contributed to overall public wellness. Anyhow, the State Islamic Religious Council (SIRCs) who become the sole trustee for waqf in the respective states in Malaysia were facing some structural challenges and searching for effective solutions. With the help from literature, this paper has grouped these structural challenges into three, namely as the legislations, administrations, and obligations. Thus, has opened the opportunity for the Special Property Development Entity (SPDE) to offer some solutions to partially resolve the threats of these structural challenges towards waqf land development. The study had interviewed fourteen SIRCs to explore the challenges and solicit the suitability and acceptance of SPDE in the SIRCs. Overall, the SIRCs did not implement the SPDE except for Selangor. However, the SPDE has its potential and can solve some of the structural challenges if the SIRCs implemented this idea. This paper is using the Structure and Agency Model as the basis to understand and resolve the issues at hand.

Mengukur Keberkesanan Kelas Pendidikan Mualaf: Kemahiran Guru Dan Kesan Program Mentor Melalui Pendekatan Kaunseling Dan Motivasi

Mentoring programs have long been a concern among academics and industry as programs for professional development and excellent personal formation. The mentor is acting as chancellor, counselor, coach to every mentee. In empowering the religious education of new brothers, mentoring programmes are essential to be implemented to enable a new student to get the advice and assistance needed. The objective of this study was to measure the effectiveness of new sibling education classes through mentor-mentee programmes implemented by new brother mentors. Next study the psychosocial function of the mentor in providing chancellory support and motivation to the mentee. The study used quantitative research design and obtained data with purposeful sampling. This method of exploring factors is made through double linear regression. The data required for this study was collected from the State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Surveys are conducted with questionnaires at the class session using survey design samples. The planned questionnaire was distributed throughout the target population of 244 respondents through self-management. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through a survey instrument with a five-point Likert preferred question, with an analysis of the PLS two-step sequence. The results of the study found that teacher skills, mentor motivational approach and student satisfaction had a positive relationship and a sustainable mentoring atmosphere in the knowledge and learning of participants among the new sibling class. The study also found that the mentor’s motivational approach was a significant factor between teacher skills and student satisfaction in the classroom.

THE IMPACT OF LAW ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALISATION OF WAQF PROPERTY

Waqf has a long history of improving a country's and civilisation's economic cycles. However, there is a lack of development and commercialisation of waqf property in Malaysia, with 11,091.82 hectares of land remaining undeveloped (92.8 per cent). The law must be improved, and waqf functionaries must be empowered to develop and market waqf. Waqf was established under Muslim rule. Hence the National Land Code of 1960 (NLC) does not recognise it as a trust. As a result, when the Land Administrator registers the Waqf Land in the Title, the registration will merely include the name of the State Islamic Religious Council without endorsement as sole trustee, and the record indicating the property is a waqf property will stay with the Registrar of Waqf. Many Muslims are concerned that the State Islamic Religious Council may abuse its power or mismanage the situation due to this situation. This will impact the expansion of Islamic finance and the well-being of society. This article aims to look at how the legislation affects the development and commercialisation of waqf land. This work employs qualitative research methods. Thematic analysis will be used to analyse the data. The legal implications and challenges surrounding the development and commercialisation of waqf land in Malaysia were discovered in this study. The conclusions of this article are critical in assisting diverse stakeholders in developing and commercialising waqf land.

Stakeholders’ Involvement in Organisational Governance Structure of State Islamic Religious Council

The State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) is to advise the Sultan on all questions concerning Islam in the state. In this study, we raise three research questions – how are the works’ of (SIRC) organised? who are the people that become board member of SIRC? and does the organisational governance structure follow the best practices? Hence, the objective of this study is to examine the involvement of stakeholders in preserving their interest in SIRC. By examining the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, selected state law and selected web of SIRC, the results of this study are: first, the constitution provides the separation of power for each layer of government in relation to revenues; second, the hierarchy within SIRC has identified each job, its function and where it reports to within SIRC; and third; the sample of SIRC has adopted differently the organisational structure.

Determination of Had Kifayah zakat among pre-graduate students at University Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)

Had Kifayah refers to a minimum basic necessity rate set based on the current cost of living. The objective of this paper is to determine the current Had Kifayah for asnaf candidates focusing more on USIM Pre-Graduate students as the target group. The research method used are the qualitative and quantitative which apart from referring to existing writing and references, a survey was conducted to obtain the latest data from asnaf students through previous databases. The survey has been conducted via online instead one to one interview due to Covid-19 pandemic. Through a survey that covers aspects of student spending and income, the average of spending method has been used as per agreed with all team members to determine the Had Kifayah, in line with the method used by the state Islamic religious council as a reference. With the improvements made in the agreed calculation system, a more accurate calculation method has been developed and at the same time can help the process of proper distribution of zakat.

ROYAL WAQF IN PERAK: A LEGAL AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

This paper analyses the legal and historical development of waqf made by Sultan Idris Murshidul' adzam Shah in Perak (1849 to 1916). There are many untraceable, lost, and perished waqfs in Malaysia. However, Sultan Idris’s waqf is an exception which still exists since its establishment in 1917. As such, this research intends to explore its sustainability factors. The research methodology used is the doctrinal and non-doctrinal research methods. The doctrinal method is used to analyse the enactments, government gazettes, audit reports, journal articles, and history books. Meanwhile, the non-doctrinal legal method, namely semi-structured interview, clarifies findings and information gathered from various documents. The research is essential as there is a lack of comprehensive research done on waqf made by the Sultans or the Head of State in Malaysia. The researcher finds that  the waqf was an established under written legal instrument;  the waqf by Sultan Idris was made based on the English law of trust, but the spirit and principles of waqf to permanently benefit the beneficiaries remain intact; the appointment of the Sultan's descendants as the trustees alongside a committee proved to be crucial for the sustainability of the waqf; and there was check and balance process through legal provision. This research provides a clearer picture of waqf practice before the establishment of Perak's State Islamic Religious Council and evidenced the Sultan's contribution towards developing and protecting Islam.

Analysis of Waqf Land Property Development of Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) Based on Islamic Work Ethics (IWE)

Analysis of Waqf Land Property Development of Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) Based on Islamic Work Ethics (IWE)

A qualitative investigation into crowdfunding framework as a source of financing for waqf land development

PurposeThis paper aims to inquire about the opinions and recommendations of various experts on the crowdfunding waqf model (CWM), particularly in terms of its suitability, applicability and prospect in the market.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used primary data which are collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with several experts from various backgrounds. For examining the data, this paper has used thematic analysis.FindingsThe experts support the suitability of CWM in providing financing resource to develop waqf lands. They highlight the importance of establishing, managing and operating CWM under the aegis of the State Islamic Religious Council in Malaysia and supervising by the Wakaf, Zakat or Hajj Department (JAWHAR). They further point out that the donors or crowdfunders, interesting project, promotion and regulation are key factors that influence the sustainability of CWM.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the literature on waqf land and crowdfunding, especially from the Malaysian context. This paper validates the CWM in terms of its suitability, applicability and prospect in the market by interviewing experts from various backgrounds.

Issues and challenges in wakaf seetee aishah property development, Penang state Islamic religious council (MAINPP)

The Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) is a major leader in the development of waqf properties, especially through its inaugural product Wakaf Seetee Aisah. In managing the assets of the ummah, of course, MAINPP goes through various twists and challenges in order to implement the dreams of waqf givers and develop the socio -economy of the community. This study focuses on the issues and challenges of Seetee Aisah Wakaf Development and further suggests some improvements for the development of waqf land by MAINPP. Qualitative study using the method of interviews with parties involved in the development of endowment properties in MAINPP. The results of the study found that MAINPP faces several challenges in developing waqf properties. Therefore, to address the challenges faced, it is proposed that MAINPP improve the development mechanism for waqf properties to be in line with the vision and mission of MAINPP. Thoroughly, this study provides added value to MAINPP and the parties involved in facing the challenge of developing waqf properties in Malaysia.