Islamic Social Finance

Islamic Banking Selection Criteria: Case in Türkiye using Analytic Network Process (ANP)

Muniem Adam — 2025-05-19

The Islamic banking sector is presently a key marker of the advancement of Islamic economics in Türkiye. Among the various aspects of Islamic banking, understanding individuals' preferences and behaviors toward these institutions is of particular importance. The investigation of factors influencing bank selection has been a prominent focus for researchers in banking and marketing. However, compared to conventional banking, studies addressing this subject remain comparatively rare, especially within the context of Türkiye. This research aims to examine the preferences and behavioral criteria influencing the selection of Islamic banks among foreign students in Türkiye, utilizing the Analytical Network Process (ANP) methodology as its analytical framework. The findings indicate that the primary criteria influencing the selection of Islamic banks in Türkiye are the quality of service, advancements in technology, and religiosity factors, specifically the alignment of banking practices with Sharia principles. Consequently, it is crucial for Islamic bank marketers and stakeholders to prioritize the ongoing improvement of product and service quality to maintain competitiveness with conventional banks. The formulation and execution of robust business and marketing strategies are essential to fostering a sense of comfort and convenience for both existing and prospective customers. The results further demonstrate that Ziraat Katılım is the leading choice among Islamic banks, with Albaraka ranking second.

Determinants of Using Digital Payments in Paying Zakat, Infaq, Sadaqah (ZIS)

Laili Sapitri — 2024-12-27

Indonesia is a country with 87,02 % Muslim population. However, the realization of ZIS funds collected only reached 5.6%. Therefore, enhancing the utilization of digital payments is one of the ways BAZ and LAZ are focusing to increase ZIS fund collection. Theoretically, consumer choice theory, combined with Islamic perspective suggests that perceived income can be determinan factor people to pay ZIS digitally. Furthermore, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) also be used to determine paying ZIS digitally. The number of samples in this research was 210 which was obtained through purposive sampling using questionnaire as a tool for collecting primary data. Gathered data then analysed using SEM-PLS alogarithm. The unique result of this study shows that perceived income do not have significant effect on the use of digital payment to pay ZIS. The other variables from UTAUT show that performance expectancy and effort expectancy have a positive and significant influence on the use of digital payments in paying ZIS, while social influence and facilitating conditions do not significantly influence the use of digital payments in paying ZIS. These results suggest that BAZ of LAZ can enhance performance and effort expectancy in its payment application to be more engaged to customers, and making them continue to use digital payment to pay ZIS.

Book Review: Waqf as a Pillar of Civilization

Fathan Aulia Rahman — 2025-09-25

The book ‘Bir Medeniyetin İz Düşümü Vakıflar’ (Waqf as a Pillar of Civilization), written by a team of Turkish history and economics experts under the Directorate General of Waqf, presents a comprehensive study of the development of waqf from the pre-Islamic era to the glory of the Ottomans. This book emphasizes the spiritual and socio-political dimensions of waqf, by describing various definitions of scholars, the practice of waqf by the Prophet and his companions, and its evolution in classical Muslim, Seljuk, and Ottoman societies. The authors classify the types of waqf, present profiles of waqf donors from the elite to the general public, and provide real examples of waqf objects such as mosques, madrasas, hospitals, caravanserais, libraries, as well as cash waqf and avarız. The analysis also highlights the dual function of waqf as a means of worship and a social instrument for equitable welfare, while remaining closely linked to political interests. Written in a communicative style, with illustrations and rich references, this book offers an important foundation for readers and researchers who wish to understand the role of waqf in building Islamic civilization, particularly during the Seljuk and Ottoman eras.

Waqf and Technology on Academic Publication

Ririn Riani — 2025-01-15

This study aims to see the development of research on the topic of "Waqf and Technology" and research plans that can be carried out based on journals published on the theme. This research uses a qualitative method with a bibliometric analysis approach. The data used is secondary data with the theme "Waqf and Technology" which comes from the Dimension database with a total of 291 journal articles. Then, the data is processed and analyzed using the VosViewer application with the aim of knowing the bibliometric map of "Waqf and Technology" research development in the world. The results of the study found that there were 4 clusters with the most used words being waqf, development, institution, zakat, country, challenge, intention, and blockchain. Then, the research path topics related to Waqf and Technology are Crowdfunding Waqf, Digital Technology for Distribution of Waqf, Fintech Applications for Waqf Endowment, and Technology Adoption in Waqf Management.