Legal and Social Frameworks for the Management of Unclaimed Property in Islamic Contexts

This paper analyses the alignment of Islamic legal and sociocultural frameworks with contemporary governance to ensure fairness, transparency, and effectiveness in the recovery of unclaimed assets in most Arab Muslim countries. Research Design, Methodology, and Approach: A qualitative study was conducted using academic literature on Islamic legal principles, case studies of unadministered property management in four predominantly Muslim countries (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and Jordan), and a comparative analysis of traditional and modern governance mechanisms across legal, socio-economic, and technological domains. Specimens and Information: Secondary data included academic literature, institutional documents (Al-Ahram, 2023; AMAF, 2024), and Islamic legal texts related to waqf, faraid, and equity law, together with comprehensive case analyses from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan. Results: The study outlined many strategies for unmanaged property management resulting from legal problems, cultural norms, and gender inequalities. Wathiqa in Saudi Arabia, WaqfChain in the UAE, community education in Jordan, and institutional improvements in Egypt will boost transparency and promote equitable distribution. This study introduces a Sharia-compliant method that integrates traditional Islamic property management concepts with technological advancements and social dynamics in the Arab context, distinguishing it from previous research. Limitations and Implications of the Research: Our reliance on secondary sources and focus on four nations may obscure substantial disparities in our global EVP assessment. Future study should leverage source data and investigate international variances more comprehensively to improve policy recommendations for the management of unclaimed property.