Search results

This paper aims to view the tradition of the Prophet in zakat payment, especially the attributed measurements, and adapt these measures to current zakat measurement practices.

This study is designed with an exploratory sequential mixed method where qualitative data were collected from historical archives and also from the measurement of available ṣāʿ صاع and mud_ مد. These standard measures were collected from Malaysia and other Muslim countries and calibrated at the National Measurement Standards Laboratory (currently carried out by the National Metrology Institute of Malaysia). The volume of the ṣāʿ were tabulated, charted, analyzed and determined.

Prophet Muḥammad ordered for zakat al-fiṭr زكاة الفطر to measure the crops using ṣāʿ (gallon: volume measure), not raṭl رطل (pound: standard weight). This paper recommends a reference volume for the ṣāʿ, and from this value, the volume for the smaller measure mud and much larger measure wasq وسق were calculated. The agricultural niṣāb (5 wasq) is one of the key parameters in ṣāʿ volume analysis.

This study covers standard measures acquired from Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom (traceable to India). Several empirical data are attained from previous studies from Saudi Arabia and North Africa. Also, some theoretical data are obtained from kitab tafsir, hadith and kitab turath (books and records written by early scholars). A concern in this study is the ratio of de-husked grains currently approximated at half of un-hulled grains. This might not necessarily be accurate and may differ by different types of grains.

After the introduction of the modern measurement system known as the International System of Units (SI) in 1971, ṣāʿ became obsolete, leaving each state in Malaysia to define and convert ṣāʿ to SI units variously. This paper contributes to standardizing the conversion to one value with an appropriate SI unit, that has traceability to the Prophet’s ṣāʿ. This national reference standard ṣāʿ is essential for zakat al-fiṭr measurement, important for zakat centers and impacting every Muslim in Malaysia. Often overlooked, ṣāʿ is more crucial as a basis in determining and standardizing the seasonal crops niṣāb, unfolding the reasons why the poor are paying the paddy zakat in Malaysia.

The Prophet’s tradition for ablution is to use water not more than one mud, this is aligned with the 12th Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations which promoted the responsible consumption of water. Considering half (adults) of the 1.9 billion Muslims in the world, multiplied by 5 times of prayer, the Muslims will at least use 4.75 billion muds of water for ablution alone in 1 day. This is approximately 3.5 billion liters of water daily, and if they limit their water usage to 1 mud for each ablution, they collectively will save at least four times more water (about 14 billion liters) daily than performing ablution from a running tap. Though for ablution, accuracy is not an issue, the mud impact on all Muslims is vital on a daily basis, literally by volume.

Ṣāʿ is essential in measuring food for the annually obligated zakat al-fiṭr and more crucial as a basis in determining the seasonal crops niṣāb. This paper contributes to the development of a national reference standard ṣāʿ for Malaysia that has traceability to the Prophet’s ṣāʿ.

The primary objective of this research is to introduce a pioneering takaful model that provides both provision and protection to the aging population by combining the concept of cash waqf with takaful. This model is designed to align with Shariah principles, ensuring sustainability and enduring impact.

This research adopts a qualitative methodology, where a focus group discussion was conducted with six stakeholders. The participants consisted of takaful operators, legal experts and other industry players. The participants were presented with the proposed cash waqf takaful model and their feedback was recorded. Legal issues related to linking waqf with takaful were also identified and discussed.

The study highlights the need for innovative financial solutions to support Malaysia's aging population. It proposes a cash waqf takaful model, leveraging crowd funding for sustainability. Legal hurdles and recommendations for overcoming them are discussed, along with suggestions for future research on quantitative validation and regulatory frameworks. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the holistic approach of the proposed model in addressing the well-being of Malaysia's senior citizens.

The proposed takaful model presents opportunities for takaful operators to integrate Islamic social finance into their operations, enabling easier access to takaful for the elderly community. By eliminating financial barriers, it can transform the takaful landscape, ensuring inclusivity and financial security for aging populations. Moreover, policymakers see it as a blueprint for sustainable financial solutions and social welfare enhancement globally.

The study introduces a novel cash waqf takaful model to support Malaysia's aging population, leveraging crowdfunding for sustainability. It addresses legal challenges unique to Malaysia and proposes collaboration with State Islamic Religious Authorities. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for further research to validate the model's effectiveness and explores its potential global policy implications.