The earlier scholars provided application of Islamic juristic principles to derive and apply the Islamic teachings related to commerce, entrepreneurship and consumption. Muslim scholarship initially focused on public finance and its administration to deal with the practical problems of the newly formed state which expanded rapidly and required sound legal and administrative framework to legislate economic activities centred around agriculture and trade.
Lack of awareness about Zakat rules is also an important barrier. A great majority of people are not aware of treatment of real estate, financial assets, receivables and debts. It is important to raise awareness and urgency about Zakat. It is a religious obligation and its effective mobilization and disbursement can improve social welfare of masses. Hence, it is critical to raise awareness using public broadcast media, awareness seminars, mosque sermons and other ways of engagement. A hotline and availability of scholar at district office can help the community in Zakat assessment as well.
In Harrod (1939)-Domer (1946) and Solow’s Growth model, the emphasis is on increasing savings and investments and that is supposed to lead to increased productivity corresponding to lower Incremental capital output (ICOR) ratio in Harrod (1939)-Domer (1946) model and hence higher rate of growth and to higher steady state level of output in Solow’s Growth model. Savings that result in investments contribute to growth. Essentially, what leads to growth is investment. Savings are only the source of investment funds.
The paper also cites several studies which discuss the social failure of Islamic banks. The results suggest that while Islamic banks may need to still improve their social performance, strong Shari‘ah governance only compliments that objective rather than appearing as a hurdle or substitute.
Authors argue that some nations are wealthier and more prosperous than others because of their political and economic institutions (e.g. government, market system). Good (inclusive) institutions enable investment and a sense of security in the government and the economic system and so nations prosper, but bad (extractive) institutions do not. Virtuous circles of innovation, expansion and peace are formed from inclusive institutions which form a cycle of increasing prosperity. Prof. Acemoglu and Prof. Robinson argue that exclusionary policies designed to enrich the elites and exploit the poor majority have prevented technological innovation, as the existing elites fought tooth and nail against anything that might endanger their privileges.
The forum emphasized on integrating Zakat and Waqf in a way that transforms lives and strengthens communities. There is need for collective vision encompassing the individual, the family, and the wider social order, fostering a comprehensive approach to socioeconomic development.
This study provides insights to the stakeholders of a Cash Waqf infrastructure to continue strengthening their role by understanding the embedded physical and spiritual values and benefits of their acts. It is pertinent for regulators to further encourage VBI among Islamic financial institutions, towards attaining the pure philosophical foundations of Islamic banking and finance; i.e., the principles of socio-economic justice and brotherhood.
Authors think that internet crowdfunding is positioned to assume a pivotal role in fundraising efforts catering to a diverse range of emerging Waqf needs, both domestically and internationally. Consequently, there is a pressing demand for an enhanced level of professionalism in Waqf fundraising, particularly when it pertains to the establishment of the financial mechanisms required for such endeavours.
Experts urge adopting Islamic Economics to meet Sustainable Development Goals at Ist Islamic Economics and Development Conference at Quaid e Azam University Islamabad on December 7, 2023.
The aim of Islamic social finance is to support socio-economic empowerment, progress, and the development of society. Pooling resources from social finance instruments, like Zakat (alms giving), Waqf (endowments), Qardh al-hasan (interest free benevolent lending), Takaful, and Sadaqah (charity), can establish and lead to growth of lower-income micro-enterprises in the country.
Islamic Economics Project 