Mohamed Aslam Haneef

Formation of desired values: the role of parents

This study investigates the values of teenagers and their parents, and the influence parents have on the values of their children. Values are categorized into terminal and instrumental values. Different from previous works on values, the measurement of both these values is based on al‐Ghazali’s works in line with Islamic ethics. In addition, this study also determines the “oughtness” of both categories of values. The results reveal that overall, both teenagers and parents had good instrumental and terminal values. However, there were differences in the terminal values of teenagers and parents across ethnic groups. The analysis also shows that teenagers shared similar terminal and instrumental values as their parents, implying that parents had a significant influence on the development of their children’s values. Thus parents play an important role in transmitting good values to their children in resisting negative influences.

Integration of waqf-Islamic microfinance model for poverty reduction: The case of Bangladesh

Purpose - – This paper aims to develop an integrated waqf-based Islamic microfinance (IsMF) for poverty reduction in Bangladesh. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been constrained by the high cost of funds, high interest rate charges and poor human resource quality of the recipients. Islamic MFIs have recently evolved with the hope of overcoming these financial, ethical and human capital deficiencies faced by the conventional financial institutions. Moreover, a good number of integrated models have been proposed to enhance the role played by Islamic MFIs. Most of these models, however, lack empirical justifications. Design/methodology/approach - – The research uses survey techniques. A total of 381 respondents were included in the survey. The integrated waqf-based Islamic microfinance model (IWIMM) was earlier on developed using literature and intellectual discussions. There are six constructs presenting the IWIMM, namely, waqf resources, IsMF, takaful, project financing, human resource development and poverty alleviation. In the survey instrument, 45 items represent the six constructs, but only 26 items have been retained after factor analysis. Structural equation modelling has been adopted to examine the relationship among the constructs. Findings - – The results show that there are significant relationships between IsMF and takaful, waqf resources and human resource development, takaful and human resource development, IsMF and human resource development and, waqf resources and project financing. The results also indicate that poverty alleviation is possible through the integration of these constructs. Research limitations/implications - – Though the paper has studied conventional and Islamic MFIs in Bangladesh, one of the populated Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries and also where poverty incidence is high, further studies need to be conducted in other OIC member countries to adopt the model in line with practical and regulatory environment of those countries. Similarly, the study is based on the perception of the respondents, which limits the generalization of the result. Practical implications - – The paper proposed a model that has the potential of being applied for poverty alleviation programmes in most of the OIC member states. Originality/value - – The present paper has developed an IWIMM for poverty reduction.

Theory appraisal in Islamic economic methodology: purposes and criteria

Purpose – This paper attempts to investigate the conceptual foundations of methodological inquiry in Islamic economics. The paper aims to develop criteria of acceptance and rejection of a theory and providing rationalizations and guidelines in the process of theory appraisal and evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – The literature on Islamic economics especially in the area of methodology of Islamic economics, both in English and Arabic, is reviewed critically and used in the attempt of constructing the criteria of theory appraisal in Islamic economics. Findings – The paper explicates two criteria of theory appraisal in Islamic economics, namely the internal-integrity (doctrinal integrity, logical integrity and factual integrity) and relational-unity (of doctrine and practical realities, ideals/goals and factual experiences, values and facts, normative and positive dimensions, a priori and a posteriori). Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on conceptual explorations of literature in the area of methodology of Islamic economics. This is a conceptual paper, so it did not employ any empirical analysis. Practical implications – The findings of this paper will give insights of the criteria to distinguish truth over false notions in theories, between valid theories and invalid ones as well as the acceptance or rejection of theory in Islamic economics theory appraisal. With those criteria of theory, a unified discipline of Islamic economics, which is based on doctrinal, logical on testable foundations in a real typical Muslim society can be produced. Originality/value – The paper proposes criteria and purpose of theory appraisal in Islamic economics which is lacking in the discussion of methodology of Islamic economics literature. Those criteria and purpose in theory appraisal and evaluation in a methodological unity of Islamic economics suggest a new approach in dealing with revelation, intellectual reasoning and facts observation in order to produce a coherent Islamic economic theory.

Intention to use the Islamic micro-investment model in Nigeria: empirical evidence

Microfinance was celebrated as an effective tool for poverty alleviation. However, evidence shows that it has been charging high interest rates and exploiting poor income earners. Islamic microfinance, on the other hand, appears too expensive and pursues debt-like contracts that are tantamount to riba. In the case of Nigeria, conventional microfinance has failed to serve the needs of majority poor. Developing an Islamic micro-investment model (IMIM) based on genuine partnership contracts is deemed an appropriate option to overcome the challenges of the existing microfinance institutions. This study develops and tests the Islamic micro-investment model [IMIM based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA)]. The study uses structural equation modelling to examine the applicability and acceptance of the model in Kano State, Nigeria. The result shows that the model fits the data well and that attitude is the major determinant of intention to accept the IMIM among users.