Nor'azzah Binti Kamri

Management of Sharia Compliant Hotel in Malaysia: The Experiences of Waqf Hotels

Sharia compliant hotels are an emerging halal sector in Malaysia. A constant increase in Muslim tourists has led to the higher demand for such hotel. As the potential grows, various interested parties have taken the opportunity to venture into the industry, including many State Religious Councils. In this aspect, the councils have used waqf asset (religious endowment asset)—wealth belong to Muslims entrusted to the councils—to build hotel premises and facilities. As the hotels are built using religious fund, the activities must also fully conform to Islamic rules. This chapter investigates the criteria of Sharia compliant hotels and the extent to which waqf hotels have complied with the rule and regulation of Sharia. Based on the research findings, which incorporate four waqf hotels in Malaysia, efforts to manage the hotels based on Sharia have been started. Although in many aspects the Sharia criteria have been satisfactorily met, there are still many rooms for further improvement.

Application of the Concept of Maslahah in Household Debt Management

Abstract Purpose – This chapter examines the application of the concept of maslahah in household debt management. Methodology/approach – A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches is employed. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Findings – Malaysian Muslims become indebted for four main purposes: buying their first car, their first home, helping family members, and financing their studies. Thus, Muslims principally borrow funds to fulfil their dharuriyyat (essentials) and hajiyyat (complementary) needs, and in some cases, they borrow for tahsiniyyat (luxury) purposes. Research limitation/implications – The respondents of this research are working Muslims in the Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Practical implication – This study helps Islamic finance institutions to develop better products to offer customers. Its results can also give a real picture about borrowing activities to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency. Originality/value – Prior studies have mainly examined household debt management. This study surveys local Muslims’ household borrowing pattern to understand the nature of personal debt management and then analyses these data against the concept of maslahah. This will enrich the currently available literature.