IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bcp/journl/v9y2025issue-9p4937-4950.html

Enhancing Waqf Governance and Management: Aligning Sharīʿah Principles with Public Sector Governance for Enduring Societal Well-Being

Author

Listed:
  • Marziana Binti Abd. Malib

    (Department of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Melaka, 78000 Melaka, Malaysia)

  • Ida Rahayu Binti Mahat

    (Department of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Melaka, 78000 Melaka, Malaysia)

  • Ruzian Binti Markom

    (Department of Law, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia)

  • Mimi Sofiah Binti Ahmad Mustafa

    (Department of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Melaka, 78000 Melaka, Malaysia)

  • Yuhanza Binti Othman

    (Department of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Melaka, 78000 Melaka, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Abdul Malek bin Md Shah

    (Department of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Melaka, 78000 Melaka, Malaysia)

Abstract

Waqf is often viewed in Muslim countries, including Malaysia, as a beneficent tool for promoting socioeconomic well-being and reducing inequality. However, its performance is heavily reliant on effective and transparent governance. Waqf governance in Malaysia continues to face persistent challenges such as suboptimal asset management, lack of efficiency, and limited accountability. Inconsistent, incomplete, and unclear legal provisions, as well as state-specific governance processes, all have a role. The State Islamic Religious Councils (MAIN) are designated as the exclusive trustees of waqf. However, variations in standards and methods have resulted in discrepancies and ambiguities in governance implementation. This study addresses governance standards, procedures, and accountability practices in relation to two major frameworks. Public Sector Governance (PSG) principles and Shariah governance (SG) principles. It employs a qualitative methodology, relying on content analysis of policy papers and semi-structured interviews with experts from selected MAINs. Findings indicate that while waqf governance in Malaysia aligns with PSG principles such as accountability, transparency, and efficiency, implementation is inconsistent and frequently lacks systematic monitoring, risk management, and preventive mechanisms. The study proposes a Waqf Governance Framework that integrates PSG and SG, with emphasis on dual accountability—to Allah (SWT) and to stakeholders—underpinned by principles of integrity, ethical leadership, and the Maqasid al-Shariah. The suggested framework provides MAIN with practical, organized, and operational direction to improve governance effectiveness, enhance trust, and assure the sustainability of waqf assets. This study advances policy and practice by demonstrating how governance integration can protect waqf, provide long-term benefits, and encourage socioeconomic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Marziana Binti Abd. Malib & Ida Rahayu Binti Mahat & Ruzian Binti Markom & Mimi Sofiah Binti Ahmad Mustafa & Yuhanza Binti Othman & Mohd Abdul Malek bin Md Shah, 2025. "Enhancing Waqf Governance and Management: Aligning SharÄ«Ê¿ah Principles with Public Sector Governance for Enduring Societal Well-Being," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 4937-4950, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:4937-4950
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-9-issue-9/4937-4950.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/enhancing-waqf-governance-and-management-aligning-shari%ca%bfah-principles-with-public-sector-governance-for-enduring-societal-well-being/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Muhammad Iqmal Hisham Kamaruddin & Mustafa Mohd Hanefah, 2021. "An empirical investigation onwaqfgovernance practices inwaqfinstitutions in Malaysia," Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 19(3), pages 455-473, May.
    2. repec:eme:hppsss:v:27:y:2011:i:4:p:252-269 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Borrás, Susana & Haakonsson, Stine & Taudal Poulsen, René & Pallesen, Trine & Hendriksen, Christian & Somavilla, Lucas & Kugelberg, Susanna & Larsen, Henrik & Gerli, Francesco, 2023. "The Transformative Capacity of Public Sector Organizations in Sustainability Transitions: A Conceptualization," Papers in Innovation Studies 2023/2, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    4. Azat M. Akhunov, 2015. "Issue of Waqf in the Context of Establishment of Muslim Institutions in the Post-Soviet Tatarstan," Journal of Sustainable Development, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(5), pages 157-157, June.
    5. Abu-Tapanjeh, Abdussalam Mahmoud, 2009. "Corporate governance from the Islamic perspective: A comparative analysis with OECD principles," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 20(5), pages 556-567.
    6. Muhammad Ayub & Khurram Khan & Mansoor Khan & Muhammad Ismail, 2024. "Waqf for accelerating socioeconomic development: a proposed model with focus on Pakistan," Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 16(5), pages 937-961, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Uddin, Md Akther, 2015. "Governance from Islamic economic perspective: A Shari’ah governance framework," MPRA Paper 67695, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 17 Oct 2015.
    2. repec:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:10:p:1348-1357 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Hufnagl, Miriam, 2025. "Unboxing innovation policy strategies: An empirical exploration on objectives, coordination, and capacity," Discussion Papers "Innovation Systems and Policy Analysis" 91, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI).
    4. Muhammad Yar Khan & Anam Javeed & Ly Kim Cuong & Ha Pham, 2020. "Corporate Governance and Cost of Capital: Evidence from Emerging Market," Risks, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-29, October.
    5. S. B. Adam* & A. M. H. Al-Aidaros & S. B. Ishak, 2018. "The Moderating Effect of Islamic Work Ethics on the Relationship Between Corporate Governance and Performance of Islamic Financial Institutions in Nigeria: A Proposed Framework," The Journal of Social Sciences Research, Academic Research Publishing Group, pages 1041-1048:6.
    6. Chaudhry Ghafran & Sofia Yasmin, 2020. "Ethical Governance: Insight from the Islamic Perspective and an Empirical Enquiry," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(3), pages 513-533, December.
    7. Naiwei Chen & Min-Teh Yu, 2023. "Sharia compliance, national governance, and value of cash in Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    8. Kamarudeen Babatunde Bello & Ahmad Jusoh & Khalil Md Nor, 2016. "Perspectives On Consumers’ Response To Corporate Social Responsibility," JOURNAL STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS BABES-BOLYAI NEGOTIA, Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Business.
    9. GholamReza Karami & Tahere Karimiyan & Mohammad Sadegh Ghaznavi, 2016. "Board Size, Non-Executive Board Members and Financial Performance in Non-Usury Banks in Iran," International Journal of Business and Social Research, MIR Center for Socio-Economic Research, vol. 6(6), pages 49-58, June.
    10. repec:mth:ifb888:v:3:y:2016:i:2:p:162-176 is not listed on IDEAS
    11. Fatin Fadhilah Hasib, 2017. "Islamic Model of Corporate Governance at The Islamic Boarding School," GATR Journals jber127, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.
    12. Al Mannai, Muna & Ahmed, Habib, 2019. "Exploring the workings of Shari’ah supervisory board in Islamic finance: A perspective of Shari’ah scholars from GCC," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 97-108.
    13. Farouk Djermani & Arfan Shahzad & Adnan Ahmed Sheikh & Jamal Mohammed Esmail Alekam, 2016. "Factors Influencing The Intention To Use E-Government Services In Algeria: An Empirical Study," JOURNAL STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS BABES-BOLYAI NEGOTIA, Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Business.
    14. Trèves, Viviane & Hannachi, Mourad & Meynard, Jean-Marc, 2025. "Enhancing capacities for sustainability transition policy design: Lessons from French pesticide reduction plans," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    15. Abdulrahman F. Alshehri, 2025. "Corporate governance and financial performance of Islamic banks: new international evidence," Journal of Banking Regulation, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 26(3), pages 305-319, September.
    16. repec:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:11:p:3373-3394 is not listed on IDEAS
    17. Samy Nathan Garas & Chris Pierce, 2010. "Shari'asupervision of Islamic financial institutions," Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 18(4), pages 386-407, November.
    18. Md. Kausar Alam & Suhaimi Ab Rahman & Hasri Mustafa & Sabarina Mohammed Shah & Md. Shamim Hossain, 2019. "Shariah Governance Framework of Islamic Banks in Bangladesh: Practices, Problems and Recommendations," Asian Economic and Financial Review, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 9(1), pages 118-132, January.
    19. Ghlamallah, Ezzedine & Alexakis, Christos & Dowling, Michael & Piepenbrink, Anke, 2021. "The topics of Islamic economics and finance research," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 145-160.
    20. Ismail Bin Lebai Othman & Sulaman Hafeez Siddiqui & Her Taufik, 2016. "Resistance Factors To Community Participation In Sustainable Tourism Development In Northern Sumatra Indonesia," JOURNAL STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS BABES-BOLYAI NEGOTIA, Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Business.
    21. Ahmed, Abrar & Siddiqui, Danish Ahmed, 2026. "Moderating Role of Shariah Committee Quality in the Effect of Board of Directors Effectiveness on Performance of Takaful Companies in Pakistan," EconStor Preprints 341015, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    22. Mihret, Dessalegn Getie & Alshareef, Mohammed Naif & Bazhair, Ayman, 2017. "Accounting professionalization and the state: The case of Saudi Arabia," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 29-47.
    23. GholamReza Karami & Tahere Karimiyan & Mohammad Sadegh Ghaznavi, 2016. "Board Size, Non-Executive Board Members and Financial Performance in Non-Usury Banks in Iran," International Journal of Business and Social Research, LAR Center Press, vol. 6(6), pages 49-58, June.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:4937-4950. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Dr. Pawan Verma (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.