Engku Rabiah Adawiah Engku Ali

An Analysis on Islamic Social Finance for Protection and Preservation of Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah

Islamic social finance is akin to the conventional social finance but the former is subjected to the established principles of Sharī‘ah. In generating positive impacts to the society, the Islamic social finance and its instruments must be utilised in protecting and preserving the Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah. A critical analysis on the Islamic social finance in relation to the Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah is provided through this research. By using the doctrinal and qualitative methods, the practices of the Islamic social finance as applied in OIC member states are reviewed and provided as examples. Problems of implementation of Islamic social finance in the OIC countries are listed; while tentative solutions are suggested with a hope of triggering better solutions. At the end of discussion, a list of recommendations for future researches is proposed for considerations.

Towards an effective legal and regulatory framework for Islamic financial transactions: Major initiatives of the Central Bank of Malaysia

Purpose In propelling Malaysia to become a high value-added and high-income economy by 2020, the Central Bank of Malaysia has consistently emphasized the need for a new trajectory of transformation and growth which will leverage on a robust legal framework that for enhancing Islamic financial transactions. This paper aims to examine the latest major policy initiatives and legal reforms introduced to promote both local and cross-border transactions that seek to project Malaysia as a hub for Islamic financial transactions. Design/methodology/approach While adopting an analytical approach in analysing the relevant issues, the study relies on doctrinal legal method in highlighting major reforms introduced to enhance the legal and regulatory framework of Islamic finance. Findings The study finds that the importance of law reforms in strengthening the financial system cannot be overemphasized, particularly when it comes to the need for an end-to-end Sharīʿah compliance framework and consumer protection. Practical implications Other emerging jurisdictions aspiring to adopt Islamic finance products can learn from the Malaysia’s pioneering role in introducing an effective legal and regulatory framework. Originality/value Though there are a number of studies on Malaysia’s leading role in the law and regulation of Islamic finance, this study is one of the earliest attempts to explore the role of the Central Bank of Malaysia in enhancing the legal framework for Islamic financial transactions through the introduction of the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 and other relevant policy regulations.

Islamic Interbank Money Market: Contracts, Instruments and Their Pricing

This chapter discusses the Islamic interbank money market, its instruments and operations. The discussion demonstrates that the existence of a viable Islamic interbank money market is crucial for the successful implementation of an Islamic financial system. The chapter examines the various interbank money market instruments, their underlying Islamic contracts and their pricing mechanisms, with appropriate examples. The availability of various Islamic interbank money market instruments allows Islamic banks to cover their exposure (in case of deficit) and make placement on short-term basis (in case of surplus). Moving forward, a greater variety of instruments with fixed return mechanisms and tradability features, which at the same time invite fewer Shariah issues, must be offered in the market to ensure a more vibrant Islamic interbank money market.

The potential of innovative financial tools: Social Impact Bond (SIB) and Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) sukuk, towards the sustainable growth of the Islamic finance industry

The purpose of this paper is to explicate the congruence of innovative financial tools: Social Impact Bond (SIB) and Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) sukuk with the principles of Islamic Finance, and explore their potential contribution towards the sustainable growth of the Islamic finance and societal wellbeing. Using various literature, the paper takes a comparative approach in explaining and relating the two innovative tools with the development of Islamic finance. The paper finds that there is a growing interest in innovative tools such as SIB and SRI sukuk globally. Furthermore, these tools exemplify the spirit of risk-sharing and social responsibility which are the major essences of Islamic finance that are currently missing in practice. The paper provides a reference towards understanding the mechanism and concepts of SIB and SRI sukuk. It also provides insight to the emerging interest in these innovative tools, and assesses the current innovative efforts in the Islamic finance industry. Additionally, it highlights the potential of these tools towards the sustainable growth of the Islamic finance industry through risk-sharing and societal impact. The paper is exploratory and conceptual in nature therefore further empirical studies can be done.